Corporate governance
Strong oversight to help secure a stronger postal service
The Board of Directors (the Board) provides oversight and guidance on behalf of the Government of Canada, which is Canada Post’s shareholder, on the strategies and related affairs of Canada Post.
The Board holds management accountable for its business performance and strategic objectives, with a particular focus on the Corporation’s future viability and financial self-sustainability. As of March 27, 2025, the Board has 10 members, including the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), all of whom are appointed by the Governor in Council. The Board or its committees met 23 times in 2024.
The Board exercises due diligence over:
- Strategic initiatives and corporate plan;
- Service and operational performance;
- Internal controls and financial reporting;
- Major contracts, investments, acquisitions and divestitures;
- Recruitment of senior officers;
- Health and safety, labour and compensation management;
- Environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy and priorities; and
- Effective reporting to the shareholder.
Providing strategic guidance on Canada Post’s priorities
In 2024, the Board provided oversight and direction on key initiatives that included:
- Approving the next five-year corporate plan, as is required of Crown corporations;
- Approving the first annual report on Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains; and
- Reviewing and providing feedback on the Corporation’s ESG and net-zero strategies.
As we develop plans in consultation with our shareholder, we continue to focus on:
- Providing a service all Canadians can count on – including better serving Canada’s growing need for parcel delivery;
- Fulfilling our commitment to social and environmental leadership; and
- Doing right by our people – which includes our responsibilities for health and safety, building alignment with our bargaining agents, and ensuring our workforce reflects Canada and the priorities of Canadians.
Board composition and renewal
2024 saw two major changes for the Board of Directors:
- André Hudon was appointed the new Chair of the Board following Suromitra Sanatani’s departure; and
- Melissa Sonberg was appointed as the Board’s new Vice-Chair and also Chair of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee.
Diversity continues to be a key consideration in the Board renewal process. The Board is near gender parity and includes Indigenous representation among the current slate of directors.
Independence of the Board
The Corporation has a Statement of Board Values and Board Charter, a document outlining standards of conduct for directors, and a bylaw that requires directors to be independent of management.
The Board holds its regular meetings with the President and CEO as a member and with the President and CEO’s direct reports as invitees. The Board holds in-camera sessions with the President and CEO and with outside directors only. The Audit Committee meets in camera with external and internal auditors. The Board engages independent counsel and advisers as it deems necessary.
Committees of the Board
Additional oversight is accomplished by the Audit Committee, the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Committee, the Human Resources and Compensation Committee, and the Pension Committee.
Board effectiveness
The Board and management regularly assess the Board’s effectiveness through an annual evaluation survey. It has set criteria for desired skills and attributes used to identify potential gaps in succession. Board remuneration complies with guidelines issued by the Privy Council Office.
Subsidiaries
In 2024, Canada Post divested two of its subsidiaries – Innovapost Inc. and SCI Group Inc. – in separate transactions. The divestitures allow Canada Post to focus on its core mandate of providing a modern postal service.
The Board continues to exercise oversight over Canada Post’s remaining subsidiary, Purolator Holdings Ltd., ensuring consistency in governance practices and alignment to ESG principles.
Governance in principle
Canada Post holds the view that effective organizations require governance practices that are comprehensive but dynamic. Good governance is an essential component in ensuring that the Corporation continues to serve Canadians in an effective and sustainable manner.
More information can be found under Corporate governance at canadapost.ca.