In a milestone moment for its members, board, and for Canada’s broader seed system, the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association (CSGA) has been awarded the 2025 Organizational Governance Award by the Governance Professionals of Canada (GPC). It’s a national honour that recognizes organizations leading the way in governance excellence — those demonstrating exceptional leadership, innovation, and integrity across industries and sectors.
For CSGA, the accolade is more than a recognition of good governance — it’s a validation of an ambitious, multi-year transformation that reshaped the organization from the inside out.
A Two-Year Reinvention Rooted in Transparency, Accountability
Over the past two years, CSGA embarked on what began as a modernization effort but evolved into a comprehensive governance renewal. The work centred on enhancing transparency, strengthening accountability, and ensuring inclusivity across every layer of the organization — all with the goal of better serving Canada’s seed certification system.
According to the GPC Judges’ Report, the depth and impact of CSGA’s work set it apart. The judges commended several standout achievements:
- Modernization of governance tools, policies, and board resources
- Clearer roles and strengthened accountability at every level
- A successful national consultation and by-law amendment that broadened membership to the full seed certification community
- A collaborative process that engaged members, branches, and stakeholders throughout
These changes not only strengthened the organization’s internal framework but aligned it more closely with the evolving needs of one of Canada’s most foundational agricultural sectors.
Leadership That Shaped the Renewal
Behind the scenes, CSGA’s governance committee played a crucial role in shaping and guiding the transformation. Members Glenn Logan (Chair), Andrew Ayre, Carl Bolton, and Roy Klym steered the initiative with what the organization describes as “vision, diligence, and deep commitment,” according to a CSGA news release. Working closely with the board, staff, and external advisors, the committee ensured the renewal process stayed principled, inclusive, and aligned with CSGA’s long-term strategic direction.
Operational leadership proved equally pivotal, according to CSGA. Chief Operating Officer Caroline Lafontaine led the hands-on modernization work and accepted the award on CSGA’s behalf. She oversaw the review, redesign, and implementation of updated governance policies and procedures — work that continues to shape how CSGA governs today.
Stay tuned for an interview with Lafontaine.
