The Canadian Society of Corporate Secretaries announces its judging panel for the inaugural Excellence in Governance Awards (EGs).

TORONTO, Jan. 24, 2013 /CNW/ - The Canadian Society of Corporate Secretaries ("CSCS") announces an esteemed judging panel for the Excellence in Governance Awards/Prix d'excellence en gouvernance (EGs). The highly respected jury will select the winners for the awards which will be announced and celebrated on August 18, 2013 in Halifax, Nova Scotia at the opening dinner of the CSCS' 15^th Annual Conference.

The Excellence in Governance Awards jury panel is composed of seasoned and well-respected governance thought leaders from across Canada. CSCS has carefully selected the judges to ensure representation from all aspects of the governance community including shareholder representatives, regulatory experts, leading academics and practitioners.

Gigi Dawe, Risk Oversight and Governance, and National Practice Area Leader, Governance, Strategy and Risk, CICA
Stephen Griggs, Director and past Executive Director of CCGG
Sylvia Groves, President and Creative Director, Governance Studio
Carol Hansel, Senior Partner, Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP
Richard Leblanc, Associate Professor, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, York University
Carol McNamara, Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Secretary, Royal Bank of Canada
Paul Schneider, Manager, Corporate Governance, Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan (OTPP)
Elizabeth Watson, Q.C, President of Watson Inc.

These eight experts will be joined by Honorary Judge Peter Dey, Chairman, Paradigm Capital and judging facilitator Brendan Sheehan, Founder and President, The Illawong Group.

CSCS announces judging panel

The CSCS EG Awards recognize the important contribution governance professionals make to the best practices that build shareholder and stakeholder value. The awards underscore the critical role that good governance plays in sustaining the value of Canada's public and private companies, crown corporations, government agencies, and not-for-profit organizations, and in contributing to Canada's economy, its services, and its capital markets.

Candidates eligible for nomination include individuals and/or teams of individuals who play a role in the governance of their organizations. The call for nominations will open on February 15, 2013, the deadline for nominations is April 15, 2013, and the shortlist of finalists for the awards will be announced in early June, 2013.

CSCS will seek nominations in the following award categories:

• Best sustainability, ethics and environmental governance programs
  
  
• Best use of technology in governance, risk and compliance
  
  
• Best approach to board and committee support
  
  
• Best shareholder or stakeholder engagement by a governance team
  
  
• Best overall corporate governance
  
  
• Best approach to board diversity
  
  
• Joyce Borden-Reed CSCS distinguished contribution award
  
  
• Peter Dey Lifetime achievement award

CSCS expects that the recognition winners and nominees alike will gain from these awards will raise awareness for the key role played by governance professionals, further the reputation of their organizations, and inspire others to follow their example.

About the Canadian Society of Corporate Secretaries (CSCS)
The Canadian Society of Corporate Secretaries is recognized as the most important organization for corporate governance professionals in Canada.

As the principal advocate for those who work in corporate governance, CSCS strives to enhance the public's awareness of the importance of good governance. CSCS is the voice of corporate governance professionals in Canada and participates with other stakeholders, including capital markets participants, government bodies and regulators, in fostering a governance environment that sets Canada apart in the world. CSCS supports its membership with continuing education and networking opportunities that are second to none.

SOURCE: Canadian Society of Corporate Secretaries