Elevating Board Governance in Canada’s Postsecondary Sector

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Canada’s colleges and universities are navigating an era of transformation — marked by fiscal uncertainty, shifting political priorities, and increasing public scrutiny. In this climate, effective governance is paramount. But with these pressures lies potential: today’s challenges present an opportunity for boards to build and better leverage their strengths, ask the hard questions, and make better use of their vast array of skills to secure their institution’s future — a future that is resilient, forward-looking, and focused on contributing to a vibrant postsecondary sector. 

In this era of instability, institutional boards are being called upon to lead with greater clarity, confidence, and alignment. From strategic oversight to fiduciary responsibility, boards are rediscovering their essential role in stewarding trust and guiding institutions through complexity. We want to help boards rise to the occasion.

BoardWise is a new suite of governance support offerings developed through a strategic partnership between Higher Education Strategy Associates (HESA) and Balsam Advisory — two firms with deep sector knowledge and real-world boardroom experience. Together, we help postsecondary boards move from obligation to performance to impact — equipping them with the tools, insight, and the alignment they need to lead effectively.