ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. -- To strengthen the voice of the internal audit profession in Canada, The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) has established a Canadian Council, a group of 18 IIA members from throughout Canada to address issues specific to Canadian internal auditors. The new council will serve as the national voice of the profession and will advocate best practices. Additionally, The IIA will be establishing a Canadian office with an executive director.

With global headquarters in the United States, The IIA offers guidance, training opportunities, and advocacy on behalf of more than 124,000 members worldwide and in 165 countries. With 11 chapters and more than 5,000 members in Canada, the new Council and office will focus on issues unique to Canadian internal auditors.

Priorities that will be addressed by the Canadian Council include proactively enhancing Canadian advocacy initiatives with groups impacting the internal audit profession in Canada such as the federal and provincial governments, corporate directors, and the securities commissions; and ensuring standards and other professional guidance are developed to address the needs of the Canadian internal audit profession such as materials and training on internal auditors' role in compliance with Canadian Securities Administrators MI 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in Annual Filings.

In a control and risk-focused business environment, the internal audit profession continues to gain momentum and credibility, evidenced through The IIA's 64 percent increase in worldwide membership over the last five years. Canada is no exception as their chapters have experienced a 22 percent increase in members since 2004.