Testimonials

Canadian Coalition for Good Governance
CMA Canada
FEI Canada
Harvard Business School
ICSA
OMERS
Richard Ivey School of Business

Participant and Graduate Testimonials

John Manley, C.Dir
François Tisi, C.Dir.
Douglas J. Enns FCA, C.Dir.
Richard J McIntosh, C.Dir.
Paul Rexe, M.A., C.Dir.
John Coburn, C.Dir.
Janet Holder, C.Dir.
Lloyd Symington, C.Dir.
John Cameron, LLB, CGA, C.Dir.

"Our strategy is to raise the horizons and potential of directors by deepening and enriching their knowledge and application of advanced skills. Increasing the effectiveness of existing directors and broadening the pool of potential directors will contribute to the professionalism of boards across Canada."

David Beatty, Managing Director of the Canadian Coalition for Good Governance

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"The changes that impact corporate governance are establishing a pattern of increased accountability for the delivery of long-term value to customers, shareholders, employees and society. Proper corporate governance is now being defined to include knowledge of critical elements such as risk management and the measurement of strategic performance. At the end of the day, each board will be judged on its ability to effectively deliver value, rather than on its structure. The Directors College innovative program fills a unique and important gap in providing knowledge and insight as to how this expectation can be met. CMA Canada is pleased to be a sponsor of this timely initiative."

Steve Vieweg, President and CEO, CMA Canada

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"Financial Executives International Canada is committed to excellence in corporate governance and we are proud that many Canadian companies are known as the best governed in the world. The education program offered by The Directors College will help ensure that we continue to be leaders in corporate governance. We stand firmly behind their curriculum and strongly recommend the program to all those interested in acquiring the skills necessary to be a director in Canada today."

Isabel Meharry, President & CEO, FEI Canada

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"Where once directors could be called mere ornaments, today they need to take their responsibilities very seriously. Director education, therefore, has become more important than ever. The Chartered Director program offered by The Directors College is a great example of the kind of director training that should be offered around the world. I strongly encourage those interested in becoming truly professional' directors to sign-up for this unique and engaging initiative. In my view, it offers the training tools and skills needed to be the kind of 21st century director that every country needs."

- Jay Lorsch, the Louis E. Kirstein professor of human relations at Harvard Business School. Authour of Back to the Drawing Board and Pawns or Potentates

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"As an organization focused on educating corporate secretaries, the ICSA believes in furthering the potential of board members to better contribute to building effective governance structures. Given the key role of directors and corporate secretaries in applying proper boardroom practices, corporations need to ensure that these individuals meet a professional standard. The Directors College curriculum covers all the formal regulatory issues for directors and also addresses the informal skills of building effective and appropriate relationships with senior management. We see significant benefits to this program and ICSA is pleased to endorse it."

Lynn Beauregard, Executive Director, Chartered Secretaries Canada

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"The Directors College should contribute significantly to the reinforcement of the educational background of board members, something we strongly support at OMERS. The program is well thought out, the content is comprehensive - both board members and corporations will benefit from The Directors College."

Dale Richmond, Former President and CEO of OMERS.

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"This is a first rate program that is led by a diverse and experienced faculty. It should set the standard for director training in Canada."

Dr. David S. R. Leighton, Professional Director, Professor Emeritus, Richard Ivey School of Business, Author, "Making Boards Work: What Directors Must Do To Make Canadian Boards More Effective," Chair, Board of Trustees, National Arts Centre

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Participant and Graduate Testimonials

"I found the Directors College to be an excellent survey of the important matters of which a director must be aware in today's corporate environment. The quality of the presentation and materials was first-rate and the perspectives gained were invaluable. I would highly recommend the Directors College."

The Honourable John Manley, C.Dir., Senior Counsel, McCarthy Tétrault

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“The eclectic faculty of The Directors College is very powerful. I like the concept that participants are exposed not only to seasoned directors, but also to highly experienced executives, outstanding governance scholars and other top-flight professionals. This mix provides a well-rounded curriculum and opens the way for stimulating, innovative and provocative thinking. We will definitely encourage all of our investee companies to enroll their directors in The Directors College program.”

François Tisi, C.Dir., President & CEO, Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan

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"The Chartered Directors program defines itself by focusing on real world issues. Having access to some of Canada's finest directors, all of whom have led organizations through challenging times provides a perspective that can't be obtained anywhere else."

Douglas J. Enns FCA, C.Dir., President, Douglas J. Enns & Associates Ltd.

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"An informative, thought provoking, challenging, demanding course which stresses the need for excellence in all aspects of directorship. It covers all the right questions which directors should be asking management and why. A pinnacle experience."

Richard J McIntosh, C.Dir. Former Board Member, Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System

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"An enthusiastic faculty, an accomplished roster of visiting directors and executives, combined with committed, experienced and knowledgeable participants, leads to a comprehensive understanding of what directors need to know and do in the current business climate. That, combined with a comprehensive examination, results in the most professional post-graduate experience one could ever expect."

Paul Rexe, M.A., C.Dir., Director, Peterborough Utilities

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"I have found the course to be extremely useful and informative. Over the course of studying for the exam, I have assembled many pages of issues, ideas, and actions for my investee companies."

John Coburn, C.Dir., President & CEO, Phase IV Investments

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"An excellent program for anyone who is a member of a Board as well as an excellent program for further development of executives. All topics were well presented - presenters were excellent! The knowledge I gained will be beneficial in my decision making and how I view my responsibilities and that of the Company's."

Janet Holder, C.Dir., Vice President, Market Services, Enbridge Gas Services Inc

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" The Directors College provides a comprehensive treatment of Corporate Governance as it should be practiced in this country and elsewhere. The materials provided are well prepared and the instructors are first class. The lead instructors are enthusiastic about the subject and in improving corporate governance. This is money well spent, an investment in the future."

Lloyd Symington, C.Dir., Corporate Controller, BASF Canada Inc.

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"Market regulators have set the bar high for corporate governance. The Directors College is the only effective way a corporate director can gain the knowledge and the skills so necessary for effectiveness in the board room. The designation Chartered Director must be earned. I recommend The Directors College without reservation."

John Cameron, LLB, CGA, C.Dir., Certified Investment Manager

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