Tides Canada Recognized as Leader in Transparency and Good Governance

VANCOUVER and TORONTO, May 8, 2012 /CNW/ - Tides Canada is honoured to be selected by Imagine Canada as one the leading charitable organizations in the country demonstrating best practices in key areas of governance and management.

Imagine Canada's new Standards Program designated Tides Canada, a national environmental and social justice charity, as one of seventeen respected charities and nonprofits, including the Sick Kids Foundation, World Vision, and Food Banks Canada, in earning the accreditation.

"Tides Canada is proud to be a part of this impressive list of Canadian charities and non-profits that embody excellence in administration, transparency, and governance," said Jodi White, Board Chair.

Designed to strengthen public confidence in the charitable and nonprofit sector by recognizing and promoting best practices, the Standards Program offers a stamp of approval for organizations that demonstrate excellence in five key areas:

• Board governance;
• Financial accountability and transparency;
• Ethical fundraising;
• Staff management; and
• Volunteer involvement

"Good governance and accountability are vital priorities for Tides Canada as we strive to increase our effectiveness and impact. This recognition is a significant endorsement of our approach and our work to support hundreds of initiatives each year across the country - from neighbourhood-scale social programs to national conservation collaborations" said Ross McMillan, President and CEO.

"Now, more than ever before, it is important for charities and nonprofits to keep the hard-earned confidence and trust of the public," said Marcel Lauzière, President and CEO of Imagine Canada. "An organization that has been accredited through this program has demonstrated that it has put in place the policies, procedures and practices to make it a truly effective organization."

Tides Canada is also developing new platforms for sharing information on its activities with the public, going above and beyond what is required or commonly practiced in the sector. As part of its commitment to transparency, the organization will soon release with its annual report in-depth information on its grants, project activities, and revenues.

Imagine Canada's mission is to support and strengthen the country's charities and nonprofits so they can, in turn, support the Canadians and communities they serve. For more information, visit: http://www.imaginecanada.ca/standards

About Tides Canada
Tides Canada provides uncommon solutions for the common good by leading and supporting actions that foster a healthy environment and just society. www.tidescanada.org

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