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Board of Directors Certificate: Legal and Ethical Governance

Program description

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The Board of Directors Certificate: Legal and Ethical Governance is a practice-focused program designed to help professionals build their legal knowledge, ethical judgment and governance skills. This intensive, case-based program equips executives and professionals with practical governance strategies for the Canadian context as well as crisis management techniques and conflict resolution skills that are essential for today’s complex board environments. Whether they’re navigating corporate challenges, steering non-profits or guiding philanthropic foundations, graduates emerge with the confidence to make decisions that are legally sound, ethically strong and capable of withstanding scrutiny.

Master the boardroom through hands-on skill-building that transforms theory into practice. Tackle high-profile Canadian cases while developing your abilities in strategic crisis response, conflict navigation and fiduciary oversight. Our focused simulations prepare you for the exact governance dilemmas boards face today — from stakeholder disputes to environmental, social and governance (ESG) factor integration and AI transformation. This will equip you to make sound decisions with clarity and confidence.

Move beyond theory into the boardroom reality through immersive learning that delivers practical skills you’ll use immediately:

  • Apply fiduciary duties to strategic decisions.
  • Prevent and manage conflicts of interest.
  • Lead on ESG, AI and board diversity.
  • Navigate political and regulatory uncertainty with strategic foresight.
  • Implement comprehensive risk management frameworks.
  • Master CEO selection and evaluation.
  • Implement effective crisis response protocols.
  • Strengthen financial oversight capabilities.

This certificate doesn’t just build your governance knowledge — it develops your capacity to make sound decisions that protect and advance your organization’s interests.

With our carefully crafted hybrid experience, access premier governance education that fits your schedule:

  • Master seven comprehensive learning modules that deliver 35 hours in total of focused learning.
  • Begin and end with dynamic live sessions featuring interactive simulations and peer collaboration.
  • Join an exclusive and diverse network of governance leaders, creating valuable connections that extend beyond the classroom and opening doors to future opportunities.
  • Access all materials in one intuitive digital platform — designed for busy professionals, it offers seamless navigation and on-demand expert content.

Each module features expert instruction from Canada’s governance leaders: C-suite executives who have navigated corporate crises, board chairs who have transformed organizations and governance scholars who are at the forefront of Canadian board practices. Their real-world and academic experience becomes your advantage.

Exclusive to this program, The Boardroom Deskbook serves as your comprehensive governance resource. It’s a bespoke manual that was meticulously developed in consultation with Canada’s foremost governance authorities. This practical guide includes annotated case studies of landmark Canadian governance situations; decision frameworks for complex ethical dilemmas; and sector-specific guidance for corporate, non-profit and foundation boards. Available in both digital and audio formats, the Deskbook provides insight into high-profile governance successes and failures, offering lessons you can apply immediately in your board service. This Canada-focused resource will remain a valuable reference throughout your governance career.

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Earn your CD.G designation

Once you complete all the program requirements, you’ll earn the prestigious CD.G (Certified Director of Governance) designation — a clear signal to organizations that you possess advanced governance knowledge and capabilities. This uOttawa Law credential demonstrates your mastery of the legal frameworks, ethical principles and practical skills you need to know for effective board service. The CD.G designation distinguishes you in a competitive landscape, opening doors to board opportunities. It also connects you to a growing network of governance professionals equipped to meet today’s complex boardroom challenges.
Alexander Ikejiani

Alex Ikejiani

Alex Ikejiani is an environmental lawyer and Law Society of Ontario certified specialist in environmental law. With over 26 years of experience, he focuses on environmental law, regulatory compliance, and resource management, and has made significant contributions to federal legislation and major regulatory initiatives.

Since 2003, he has taught interdisciplinary courses at the University of Ottawa in law, environmental studies, and business, covering topics such as ESG, ethics, and environmental advocacy. He was appointed adjunct professor of environmental law in 2016.

Mr. Ikejiani serves on the boards of the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport and Learning for a Sustainable Future. He holds degrees in political science (University of Manitoba) and law (Dalhousie University), and is a member of both the Law Society of Ontario and the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society.

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“The difference between good and great governance isn’t just process — it’s purpose. In the CD.G program, we develop directors who understand that ethical leadership and independent judgment are the foundation of organizational excellence. When these values shape boardroom decisions, organizations don’t just endure challenges — they thrive through them.”

Alex Ikejiani | Team Leader and Senior Specialist, Board of Directors Education | University of Ottawa Faculty of Law