National Governance Professionals Day - The Governance Professionals of Canada (G.P.C.) presents National Governance Professionals Day to promote the recognition and success of governance professionals.

National Governance Professionals Day 2025 – March 26, 2025

National Governance Professionals Day, which is to be held on the last Wednesday in March, is an initiative created by Governance Professionals of Canada (GPC) to promote the recognition and success of governance professionals across Canada. The inaugural National Governance Professionals Day will take place on March 29, 2023. Governance professionals play a vital and essential role in the success of businesses and organizations through the enforcement of sound approaches and quality standards in governance. Governance professionals are highlighted for their key contribution toward building and sustaining stakeholder value through good governance in Canada.

History of National Governance Professionals Day

Governance Professionals of Canada (GPC), formerly known as the Canadian Society of Corporate Secretaries (C.S.C.S.), was created in 1994, shortly after the Dey Report that was published by the Toronto Stock Exchange (T.S.X.), titled “Where Are the Directors?”Rebranded in 2016 to become more inclusive of the many professionals within the governance function, GPC has become the leading community for governance professionals in Canada.As a member-centric organization, GPC aspires to influence and promote leading governance practices, be a catalyst for establishing the highest standards in corporate governance in Canada, and promote the recognition and success of Canadian governance professionals.With a growing community of over 4,000 like-minded professionals and a membership of around 700, GPC’s focus is on those whose duties are normally associated with corporate governance in Canada, such as corporate secretaries, assistant secretaries, governance professionals, corporate counsel, heads of compliance, risk, legal, and other governance-related functions. Its members deal with all matters affecting corporate governance, from board and committee processes, management and structure, disclosure, stakeholder engagement, and legal and corporate compliance, to issues crucial to boards, and their accountability and oversight.GPC is committed to developing and supporting Canadian governance professionals through quality and timely professional development education, valuable industry resources, engaging networking opportunities, and a one-of-a-kind designation program, the GPC.D. GPC is celebrating the first-ever National Governance Professionals Day to honor and recognize the efforts of all governance professionals in Canada.

National Governance Professionals Day timeline

1994
Governance Professionals of Canada

The Canadian Society of Corporate Secretaries (CSCS) is created, following the published Dey Report by the TSX: “Where Are the Directors?”

2003
A New Law

Canada passes Bill-198 to strengthen corporate governance and create confidence in the Canadian market.

2013
Recognizing Excellence

The first GPC Excellence in Governance Awards (EGAs) are handed out at GPC’s annual conference, which aimed to recognize the important contribution that organizations, their boards, and governance professionals make in terms of best practices, that build and sustain stakeholder value in Canada.

2016
New Beginnings

The CSCS is rebranded as Governance Professionals of Canada (GPC) following membership and industry consultations to become more inclusive of the many professionals within the governance function.

2017
The First of its Kind

GPC certification program is launched (GPC.D) to provide governance professionals with a one-of-a-kind formalized educational program.

2023
An Inaugural Observance

Governance Professionals of Canada celebrate the inaugural National Governance Professionals Day.

National Governance Professionals Day FAQs

What do governance professionals do?

Governance professionals act as liaisons between the board and management to ensure the organization operates ethically, responsibly, and sustainably through good governance.

How do I become a member of GPC?

To become a member or learn how GPC can elevate your career as a governance professional, visit www.gpcanada.org.

What is the GPC.D designation?

The GPC.D is a recognized Canadian designation attained by completing the Governance in Practice program. The program was created to help strengthen the skills of those who practice governance, and to assist their boards and organizations in enhancing their overall governance processes.

How to Observe National Governance Professionals Day

  1. Show your appreciation

    Let your governance professional know you appreciate the work they do. Share a kind word with them, or treat them to flowers, coffee, or lunch.

  2. Expand your knowledge of corporate governance

    Learn more about corporate governance, its importance, and the critical role that governance professionals play. You can learn more at www.gpcanada.org.

  3. Share on social media

    Celebrate governance professionals and share the holiday with your peers on social media. Use the hashtag #GovernanceProfessionalsDay to promote further awareness, and share why this day might be of importance to you, a peer, colleague, or family member.

  4. Become or refer a GPC member

    GPC’s membership offers many exclusive benefits, information, and resources for those involved in corporate governance. Sign up to become a member or refer a peer to GPC. With GPC’s Membership Referral Program, you can both save and unlock unparalleled benefits you won’t find elsewhere. Learn more about membership at www.gpcanada.org.

  5. Advance your governance career

    Further your career as a governance professional with quality education, such as the GPC.D certification program. The GPC.D is Canada’s only designation program created for governance professionals. It’s an opportunity for them to strengthen their professional skills to effectively and efficiently assist their boards and organizations in enhancing their overall governance processes.

5 Reasons To Join GPC

  1. Enhance your career with quality professional education

    Grow and develop your career with formal education, professional development sessions, webinars, on-demand learning, and events designed to keep you on top and ahead of the leading issues and trends in governance.

  2. Create powerful connections with like-minded peers

    Join an engaged and empowered community through networking functions, including regional chapters, an online community, and highly regarded knowledge opportunities — the GPC community provides guidance, insight, fellowship, and support for all like-minded professionals.

  3. Unlock exclusive access to valuable industry resources

    Obtain access to curated, relevant, and reliable information, tools and resources, including a glossary, links to regulatory resources, requests for assistance forums, job postings, a monthly e-newsletter, supplier directory, and access to relevant professional publications.

  4. Gain professional recognition and success through advocacy

    Receive advancement, recognition, and success within the organization and community as a result of GPC’s advocacy.

  5. Create dynamic alliances

    Aligned with other like-minded national and international bodies through partnerships, GPC is positioned to offer a comprehensive perspective on corporate governance.

Why National Governance Professionals Day Is Important

  1. It’s a day to recognize governance professionals

    Governance professionals oversee all aspects of governance compliance and effectiveness. They take responsibility for ensuring that the organization in question adheres to good corporate governance practices and meets all regulatory requirements. It’s a tough job, and we are grateful for their commitment and dedication.

  2. The importance of GPC is highlighted

    GPC has been the voice of governance professionals in Canada since 1994. A prestigious advocate for all matters related to corporate governance and acting in the best interests of their members, we recognize their contributions to good governance across Canada.

  3. Progressing development of corporate governance

    National Governance Professionals Day is an opportunity for boards of directors, management, professionals, stakeholders, and individuals to explore ways to improve governance and progress the development of sound practices to align the interests of everyone involved with the corporation’s purpose. To learn more, visit www.gpcanada.org

National Governance Professionals Day dates

Year Date Day
2023 March 29 Wednesday
2024 March 27 Wednesday
2025 March 26 Wednesday
2026 March 25 Wednesday
2027 March 31 Wednesday