The Institute of Corporate Directors names recipients of the 2011 ICD
Fellowship Awards

Four Canadian directors recognized for outstanding performance in the boardroom

TORONTO, Dec. 14 /CNW/ - The Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) is pleased to announce the following four Canadian business leaders as recipients of the 2011 ICD Fellowship Awards: Mr. Ian A. Bourne, ICD.D, Chairman, Ballard Power Systems (Calgary, AB); Mrs. Maureen Kempston Darkes, O.C., O.Ont., D.Comm., LL.D., Director, Canadian National Railway (Toronto, ON); Mr. J. Spencer Lanthier, C.M., FCA, Chairman, EllisDon Inc. (Toronto, ON); and Mr. John A. MacNaughton, C.M., ICD.D, Chairman, Business Development Bank of Canada (Toronto, ON).

The ICD confers the F.ICD designation annually to a prominent group of directors who exemplify the distinct qualities of good governance in boardrooms across the country.

"The selection committee received a record number of nominations for this year's awards. Such a response from the business community reflects the importance of effective governance, the desire to strengthen it, and the collective appreciation to those who strive for greater accountability and oversight in the boardroom," said ICD Fellowship Nomination Committee Chair Mr. Bill Dimma, C.M., O.Ont., LL.D, ICD.D, F.ICD (1999).

The 2011 Fellows were nominated by their peers and chosen by members of the independent Nomination Committee including: Sir Graham Day, F.ICD, Mr. Robert Després, O.C., G.O.Q., F.ICD, Ms. Mary Mogford, F.ICD, Mr. Brian MacNeill, F.ICD and Ms. Elizabeth Watson, LL.B, ICD.D. The committee considered a number of attributes such as leadership, accountability to stakeholders, contributions to governance, management relations, enhancing the effectiveness of the board and collegiality. Contributions outside of the boardroom such as published material, speaking engagements, and community involvement were also considered.

The Fellows will be inaugurated at the 14th annual ICD Fellowship Awards Gala on June 9, 2011 in Toronto. This year's gala will be held in conjunction with the inaugural ICD National Conference. Tickets for the conference and awards gala can be purchased by calling the ICD at 1-877-593-7741 or emailing [email protected].

Previous ICD Fellowship inductees include: Ms. Donna Soble Kaufman, B.C.L., LL.M., F.ICD, Director, BCE (2001); Mr. Purdy Crawford, C.C., Q.C., ICD.D, F.ICD, Corporate Director (1999); and Mr. Paul M. Tellier, C.C., P.C., Q.C., F.ICD (2003).

About the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD)
The Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) is a not-for-profit, member-based association representing Canadian directors and boards across the for-profit, not-for-profit, and government sectors. With more than 4,500 members and a network of nine chapters, the ICD promotes the effectiveness of directors by providing quality director education and professional certification; opportunities for continuous learning and networking through local chapter events; a board matching and referral service; and access to timely information on current and emerging governance issues and best practices.

2011 ICD Fellowship Awards Sponsors
Inaugural Partner - Chartered Accountants of Canada (CICA)
National Media Sponsor - The Globe and Mail
Patron Fellowship Awards Gala Sponsor - KPMG

For further information:

Carolyn Thrasher, Institute of Corporate Directors, [phone], ext. 229, [email protected]