Clarica Life Insurance Canada was named the overall winner of The Conference Board of Canada/Spencer Stuart Canada 2002 National Awards In Governance at a gala awards ceremony in Toronto last night.

The Waterloo-based insurance company was chosen from entries in the not-for-profit, public and private sectors for innovative changes in its governance structure and its policies on demutualization.

“Clarica has shown that strong governance begins with boards — strong, active, independent boards, empowered with active oversight and control of the organization,” said Anne Golden, president of The Conference Board of Canada and co-chair of the awards program.

“The essence of strong and innovative board governance involves talented people pooling their skills to navigate uncharted organizational waters,” said Andrew MacDougall, president of Spencer Stuart Canada and program co-chair.

“Defining and implementing good practices and innovation within a board requires teamwork, dedication and perseverance — and these efforts deserve recognition. This is one of the reasons for creating the National Awards In Governance, of which Clarica is a fine example.”

Other winners in the program include Easter Seals Society of Ontario in the not-for-profit sector, for its top-to-bottom transformation of the organization. The Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board was the public sector winner, for its innovative approach to the board nomination process.