In this update:
- Call for nominations for CanAgPlus Board of Directors
- 2026 CanAgPlus AGM announcement
- Minutes available from 2025 CanAgPlus AGM
- Call for nominations for 2026 CanadaGAP Auditor Recognition Award
- Call for Nominations for the CanAgPlus Board of Directors – Deadline August 31, 2026
CanadaGAP® is now accepting nominations for candidates to serve on the Board of Directors for CanAgPlus, the not-for-profit corporation that owns and operates the CanadaGAP Program.
CanAgPlus relies on volunteer leaders to guide decision making and oversee management of CanadaGAP. Participation on the Board of Directors affords volunteer leaders the opportunity for personal growth and satisfaction in moving the program forward and improving food safety in the fresh produce industry.
CanAgPlus directors will be elected by members (i.e., those who are enrolled in the CanadaGAP Program) at the 2026 Annual General Meeting. See www.canadagap.ca/events/annual-general-meeting/ for further information.
Composition of the Board of Directors
CanAgPlus is currently seeking nominations for four (4) directors to the Board. The Board is comprised of 8 directors in total, serving two-year rotating terms to ensure some continuity in membership.
Nominations
A recommended slate of nominees will be prepared in advance of the AGM for circulation to members and presented for vote at the AGM. In accordance with provisions in the corporate by-law, and subject to applicable rules of order during meetings of members, nominations may also be made by ordinary resolution at the AGM.
Criteria for Directors
Candidates are expected to have a strong interest in supporting CanAgPlus in meeting its objectives to maintain the integrity of the CanadaGAP food safety standard and deliver a robust certification program for the fresh fruit and vegetable industry. Criteria for service on the Board of Directors include:
- Exhibit ability to communicate interpersonally, provide facilitative leadership, and enforce group discipline on board processes.
- Strong understanding and experience with the appropriate roles, group processes and corporate bylaws and policies that form systems of corporate governance.
- Demonstrated judgment and integrity in an oversight role.
Consideration will be given to volunteers with experience serving on a not-for-profit Board or governance committee or senior level experience working with other Boards. Experience and skills in the following areas will be considered assets:
- Good working knowledge of CanadaGAP – functioning, goals, evolution, etc.
- Familiarity with administrative and management processes, rather than technical knowledge
- Personnel management experience
- Financial management experience
- Knowledge of international food safety context
Directors need NOT be CanadaGAP program participants.
Term of Office
Directors will serve a two-year term. The Board typically meets in person once annually and holds virtual meetings throughout the year as needed.
How to Apply
Those interested in serving on the Board of Directors must complete and submit the application form below by August 31, 2026. Self-nominations are acceptable.
General Operating By-law No. 4
Applicants should review CanAgPlus General Operating By-law No. 4, available for download at: www.canadagap.ca/history/members-only/
If you are not a member of CanAgPlus, but interested in serving on the Board, please email info@canadagap.ca or call 613-829-4711 to obtain a copy of the by-law.
Visit www.canadagap.ca for further information about CanadaGAP and its governance.
- 2026 Annual General Meeting of CanAgPlus – join us!
The 2026 Annual General Meeting for CanAgPlus, the not-for-profit corporation that owns and operates the CanadaGAP Program, will be held virtually on Thursday, December 3.
Participation will be available by Zoom, including a phone-in option for those with limited Internet access.
More information on the 2026 AGM will be communicated in the coming months, and general information on the AGM is always available on the website here: www.canadagap.ca/events/annual-general-meeting/
- Draft Minutes Available from 2025 CanAgPlus AGM
The draft minutes from the 2025 CanAgPlus AGM are now available in the ‘Members Only’ section of the CanadaGAP website at www.canadagap.ca. A hard copy can be obtained upon request from the CanadaGAP office. Members are requested to report any errors or omissions to the meeting secretary.
- Sheri Nielson Auditor Recognition Award
CanadaGAP is pleased to call for nominations for the Sheri Nielson Auditor Recognition Award. This recognition is awarded annually by CanAgPlus to a deserving CanadaGAP auditor who has shown extraordinary heart, dedication and commitment to their role.
The award will be presented during a special ceremony prior to the 2026 AGM.
For more information about the Auditor Recognition Award, visit the dedicated page on the CanadaGAP website at: www.canadagap.ca/events/auditor-award/. The webpage contains information on the decision to honour Sheri Nielson’s legacy, the award ceremony, past winners, and a link to submit a nomination. We encourage anyone who has had a great experience with a CanadaGAP auditor to share their story.
Potential recipients may not self-nominate; nominations must come from another individual or organization, whether that be the certification body, another auditor or colleague, a program participant, a growers’ association, or another member of the industry or the food safety community.
Please direct any questions to the CanadaGAP office at info@canadagap.ca or 613-829-4711.