We were pleased to be in Toronto last week for Canada’s Democracy Summit DemocracyXChange, joining a diverse community of leaders and practitioners committed to strengthening democracy in Canada.

Strong boards are built on clarity, alignment, and a shared commitment to good governance. We were pleased to support The Ottawa Mission through a board governance orientation designed to strengthen board effectiveness and support new member onboarding.

Taking the next step into executive leadership requires more than experience, it requires preparation, reflection, and the right support.

This is a time of significant change in the public sector, and we’re here to support you. Our two newest courses are designed to help you navigate change from both a personal and leadership perspective, with practical tools, real-world insights, and a focus on people.

Effective governance is strengthened when boards have the space to reflect, learn, and align on their roles and responsibilities. We were pleased to support CPHR Canada through an in-person governance learning session for its Board of Directors in Toronto.

Debates over return-to-office policies are increasingly shaping not just workplace practices, but broader political and economic conversations in Canada’s capital.

Approaching retirement? Preparing well means more than checking the financial boxes. Gain the practical insights and tools you need to navigate the retirement transition with confidence and purpose.

Strong governance frameworks help public-purpose organizations balance commercial objectives with public accountability.

Meet Karen Ellis, a new Associate with the Institute on Governance.

Effective governance begins with strong board practices, clear frameworks, and informed decision making. We’re proud to support the Canadian Finance & Leasing Association (CFLA | ACFL) through a governance review of its Board of Directors.

Our immersive IOG Bootcamps are designed for public servants and public purpose professionals ready to accelerate their impact. These in-person, intensive two-day programs fast-track your learning and provide real-world insights from experienced leaders.

Meet Mairead Lavery, a new Associate with the Institute on Governance.

The Institute on Governance was pleased to welcome the public service community to our Ottawa office for Leading Through Change: Lessons from the First Female Clerk of the Privy Council with Jocelyne Bourgon.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly shaping how governments work. The Institute on Governance offers practical courses designed to help public sector professionals understand AI, navigate its implications, and apply it responsibly in their work.

Ten years after its launch, the Phoenix pay system continues to inform discussions about public sector reform and government operations.

Effective governance starts with a clear understanding of roles, responsibilities, and accountability at the board table. We’re proud to support the Royal Military Colleges of Canada Alumni Association Inc. (RMCAA) through targeted governance training for its Board of Directors.

As the fiscal year wraps up, now is the time to make every dollar of your learning budget count.

Meet Joanne John, a new Associate with the Institute on Governance and a facilitator in our To Be or Not to Be an Executive course.

Last week, Cohort 25 of our Stepping Into the Executive Cadre program travelled to Toronto for an engaging and thought-provoking Study Tour.

Our immersive IOG Bootcamps are designed for public servants and public purpose professionals ready to accelerate their impact. These in-person, intensive two-day programs fast-track your learning, sharpen practical skills, and provide real-world insights from experienced leaders.

Strong local governance matters, especially as municipalities face growing complexity and public expectations.

Leading at the intersection of science, innovation, and public policy takes more than technical expertise—it takes judgment, influence, and strategic leadership.

As Parliament resumes this week, attention is shifting from agenda-setting to delivery. In this opinion piece, Allen Sutherland, President and CEO of the Institute on Governance, outlines seven key developments to watch as the government moves from plans to implementation.

Approaching retirement? Preparing well means more than checking the financial boxes. Gain the practical insights and tools you need to navigate the retirement transition with confidence and purpose.

Machinery black box revealed. 🔗https://policyoptions.irpp.org/2026/01/machinery-funnction-public-service/ For organizations looking beyond DIY solutions, the IOG offers advisory services in machinery of government. Learn more at iog.ca #PublicService #InstituteOnGovernance #PublicAdministration

Build the skills to use AI responsibly, apply professional judgment, and produce real work you can stand behind. Explore our AI course series and gain confidence using AI at work.

Shape the future of your career in 2026 by investing in learning that makes an impact. Our 2026 lineup of courses, bootcamps, and programs is designed for public sector professionals ready to grow, lead, and adapt in a changing governance landscape at every stage of their career.

Many federal departments and agencies are preparing for workforce adjustments as early as January.

Meet Julie Leese, the newest facilitator in IOG's Digital Executive Leadership Program (DELP). Julie brings over 35 years of senior leadership experience in the federal public service, most recently serving as Chief Digital Officer and ADM of Transformation at Transport Canada.

Public servants could be required to return to the office full time as early as 2027.

Meet Neil Bouwer, the newest member of IOG’s leadership training faculty and an instructor in our Executive Leadership Program (ELP).

🎓Congratulations to Cohort 21! The Institute on Governance celebrates the newest graduates of the Digital Executive Leadership Program! Your commitment to deepening digital fluency and strengthening leadership in a time of rapid transformation is truly inspiring.

At a moment when public institutions are being asked to do more with far less, Allen Sutherland reflects on the pressures facing Canada’s public service.

New this month, the IOG will feature under-reported success stories of government improvement and excellence. Have a story to share? Write to us at [email protected]. 📩 Haven’t Subscribed to our Newsletter yet? Sign up to our mailing list: iog.us8.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...

Congratulations to cohort #11 of the IOG's Leadership Development Program in Science and Innovation. This cohort, known as the Barley Bubble, completed their course work on Tuesday 18 November.

The latest edition of This Month in Good Governance is out now! Explore timely insights, analysis, and updates from the IOG team on the evolving landscape of public governance in Canada.

Welcome to the IOG’s preliminary reactions to the 2025 Federal Budget.

Cutting jobs is one thing. Doing it with compassion, fairness, and purpose — that’s the real test.

The happiest public servants aren’t escaping work — they’re escaping red tape.

Congratulations to Cohort 24!🎓 The Institute on Governance proudly celebrates the achievements of the latest graduates of the Stepping Into the Executive Cadre Leadership Program. Your dedication to developing strong, values-driven leadership in public service is truly commendable.

Leaders face evolving governance challenges. The IOG offers tailored guidance to help teams manage complex mandates and transitions. 📩 Contact us at [email protected] or visit 🔗 iog.ca for more information.

Ready to deepen your understanding of public policy and governance? IOG’s new Policy & Governance webinar series explores how Canada’s public service works today — from navigating change and ethics to understanding Parliament’s role in shaping policy.

The CRA’s call centre crisis isn’t just about long waits — it’s about trust.

Part 1 of our nation building series is here!

IOG’s approach to strategic planning combines evidence-based tools with collaborative facilitation to help organizations set direction, manage risk, and translate big ideas into actionable plans. 📩 Contact us at [email protected] or visit 🔗 iog.ca for more information.

Whether you’re a policymaker, public servant, or simply passionate about good governance, the IOG Hub is your place to learn, reflect, and stay informed.

As trust in institutions falters, PM Mark Carney’s defence of the UN strikes a distinctly Canadian chord. In his latest President’s Corner, Allen Sutherland reflects on Carney’s call for pragmatism, hope — and a little Leonard Cohen — to restore faith in global governance.

The U.S. shutdown may grab headlines, but it’s no model for reform. In his latest column, Allen Sutherland shows how Canada’s steadier, principled governance offers a smarter path to fiscal responsibility—one that builds institutions, not tears them down.

The latest edition of This Month in Good Governance is out now! Explore timely insights, analysis, and updates from the IOG team on the evolving landscape of public governance in Canada.

Good governance starts with clarity. At the IOG, our advisory services help public-purpose organizations achieve mission success.