Corporate governance
Strong oversight to secure a stronger future
The Board of Directors (the Board) provides oversight and guidance on behalf of the Government of Canada, which is Canada Post’s shareholder, on the strategies and related affairs of Canada Post.
The Board holds management accountable for its business performance and strategic objectives. As of March 21, 2024, the Board has 11 members, including the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), all of whom are appointed by the Governor in Council. The Board or its committees met 25 times in 2023.
The Board exercises due diligence over:
- strategic initiatives and corporate plans;
- service and operational performance;
- internal controls and financial reporting;
- major contracts and investments;
- recruitment of senior officers;
- health and safety, labour and compensation management;
- environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy and priorities; and
- effective reporting to the shareholder.
Supporting Canada Post’s strategic transformation plan
In 2023, the Board’s directors continued to play a key role in overseeing the strategic imperatives tied to Canada Post’s purpose and transformation plan: A Stronger Canada – Delivered. Key milestones included:
- approving the next five-year corporate plan, as is required of Crown corporations;
- approving new corporate policy statements related to sustainability and accessibility; and
- approving the first annual Accessibility Plan Progress Report.
As we develop plans in consultation with our shareholder, we continue to focus on:
- providing a service all Canadians can count on;
- fulfilling our commitment to social and environmental leadership; and
- doing right by our people – which includes our responsibilities for health and safety, alignment with our bargaining agents, and ensuring our workforce reflects Canada and the priorities of Canadians.
Board composition and renewal
2023 was a year of change for the Board of Directors:
- three new directors – Ricky Fontaine, Tom Ruth and Melissa Sonberg – were appointed; and
- the terms of long-standing members Lloyd Bryant and Jim Sinclair came to an end.
The Board’s members reflect Canada’s diversity, with representation from three of Canada’s four employment equity groups – women, visible minorities, and Indigenous Peoples. Diversity will continue to be a key consideration in the Board renewal process.
Independence of the Board
The Corporation has a Statement of Board Values and Board Charter, a document outlining standards of conduct for directors, and a bylaw that requires directors to be independent of management.
The Board holds its regular meetings with the President and CEO as a member and with the President and CEO’s direct reports as invitees. The Board holds in-camera sessions with the President and CEO and with outside directors only. The Audit Committee meets in camera with external and internal auditors. The Board engages independent counsel and advisers as it deems necessary.
Committees of the Board
Additional oversight is accomplished by the Audit Committee, the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Committee, the Human Resources and Compensation Committee, and the Pension Committee.
Board effectiveness
The Board and management regularly assess the Board’s effectiveness through an annual evaluation survey. It has set criteria for desired skills and attributes used to identify potential gaps in succession. Board remuneration complies with guidelines issued by the Privy Council Office.
Subsidiaries
As part of its transformation plan, Canada Post divested two of its subsidiaries – Innovapost Inc. and SCI Group Inc. – in separate transactions, with both transactions set to close in 2024.
The Board continues to exercise oversight over Canada Post’s remaining subsidiary, Purolator Holdings Ltd., ensuring consistency in governance practices and alignment to ESG principles.
Governance in principle
Canada Post holds the view that effective organizations require governance practices that are comprehensive but dynamic. Good governance is an essential component in ensuring that the Corporation continues to serve Canadians in an effective and sustainable manner.
More information can be found under Corporate governance at canadapost.ca.