Institute on Governance
For 35 years, helping governments, nonprofits, and public boards make better decisions, strengthen accountability, and prepare their teams for the future.
Leadership programs and over 40 practical courses.
Tailored advice for governments, public sector organizations and non-profit corporations.
What’s New with the IOG
Upcoming Courses
Storytelling for Public Servants: Full Day Workshop
Thu 9:00 AM - Thu 4:00 PM,
22 Oct 26, One Full Day In-Person
22 Oct 26, One Full Day In-Person
Unlock the secret to briefings that senior leaders instantly understand and act on! This immersive workshop reveals how storytelling converts complex information into compelling narratives that drive action. Discover why even the busiest decision-makers instantly grasp and remember well-structured stories—and how to weave them into your briefings.
Upcoming Courses
Executive Leadership Program
Mon 8:30 AM - Tue 4:30 PM,
26 Oct 26, 7 months, 3 sessions/month
26 Oct 26, 7 months, 3 sessions/month
The Executive Leadership Program (ELP) equips Directors and Senior Directors in Canada’s federal public service to navigate the demands of
modern, complex governance. Through a mix of expert led discussions, peer dialogue, and reflective learning, participants explore six core themes of: Resilience, Vision and Strategy, Ambiguity, Collaboration,
Complexity, and Innovation and Change.
Upcoming Courses
What you need to know about HR in the Public Sector
Mon 1:00 PM EDT - Mon 4:00 PM EDT,
26 Oct 26, 3 Hours Online
26 Oct 26, 3 Hours Online
This targeted course is specifically designed for federal public servants in Canada to enhance their proficiency in human resources management within the public sector framework.
Upcoming Courses
Frontline Leadership Bootcamp
Tue 9:00 AM - Wed 4:00 PM,
27 Oct 26, 2 full days
27 Oct 26, 2 full days
The Frontline Leadership Bootcamp is tailored for supervisors and managers in the public service who are focused on developing leadership skills and learning concrete tools for effective performance.
Upcoming Courses
Mastering Strategic Communication Bootcamp
Mon 9:00 AM - Tue 4:00 PM,
02 Nov 26, 2 full-days In-Person
02 Nov 26, 2 full-days In-Person
Over two days, learn how to tell stories that resonate and deliver briefs that drive decisions.
News
Public servants shouldn’t hunker down and wait to outlast Carney
By Allen Sutherland, Published September 25, 2026
The machinery of government secretariat in the Privy Council Office is a key but virtually unknown component of the federal public service.
News
The mysterious “machinery function” of the public service
By Allen Sutherland, Published January 19, 2026
The machinery of government secretariat in the Privy Council Office is a key but virtually unknown component of the federal public service.