On Tuesday April 27th the Canadian Council received approval from the North American Board to proceed with the Canadian Institute Proposal timeline.  What this means is that the Canadian Council can seek approval of the Canadian chapters and membership.  Subject to favourable chapter and membership votes, IIA Canada can then begin a two year period as an Interim Institute – operating as a separate entity under IIA North America. 

The immediate next step is to obtain approval from the Global Board which will be sought at their next meeting on June 10th 2010 in Atlanta.  Although a major milestone, it should be made clear, that this is not the final approval for a Canadian Institute.  Following Global Board approval, formal resolutions will be sought from Chapter Boards recommending membership approval.

The Canadian Institute Proposal document is being translated and both French and English versions will be published soon so that all IIA chapter leaders and members in Canada have an opportunity to read and understand the proposal. 

Integral to a successful membership vote is an extensive communication and education program for the general membership and chapters. There will be multiple opportunities for you to attend education sessions, submit your questions and comments, and obtain a thorough understanding of the process prior to voting in September 2010.  In an attempt to ensure the membership vote knowledgeably, the Canadian Council through its Canadian Institute Team will endeavour to utilize many avenues of communication (directly and in conjunction with Chapter boards) including face-to-face meetings, webcasts, IIA and local newsletters, emails and inserts in your Internal Auditor magazine.

Stay tuned!