Current News

Dear CIRPA Members,

I am pleased to introduce the newly elected members of the CIRPA Board, who will begin their terms following the Annual General Meeting in October 2026 until October 2028:

Secretary (acclaimed)
Martha Meisner (Dalhousie University)

Treasurer
Elan Webber (Nova Scotia Community College)

Member-at-Large
Joanne Gittens (McMaster University)

Congratulations to our incoming Board members, and sincere thanks to everyone who put their name forward. We had an exceptional slate of candidates, and your willingness to serve is deeply appreciated.

A special thank you goes to our Nominating Committee for their dedication, collaboration, and behind-the-scenes work in facilitating this election. Thank you to Sonia Beattie (Dalhousie University), Neil Chakraborty (University of Toronto), Yuqin Gong (University of Prince Edward Island), and David Paul (Portage College)—we are grateful for your contributions!

Sincerely,

Stephanie McKeown – University of British Columbia
Chair, Nominating Committee
Canadian Institutional Research and Planning Association (CIRPA)

Nominating Committee Membership 2025-2026 :
Sonia Beattie – Dalhousie University
Neil Chakraborty – University of Toronto
Yuqin Gong – University of Prince Edward Island
David Paul – Portage College

I am pleased to inform you that the nomination period is now closed. The candidates have been nominated, and the CIRPA Board election is now open!

This year, members will vote for the roles of Treasurer and one Member-at-Large position. In addition, we are pleased to announce that Martha Meisner (Dalhousie University) has been acclaimed for a second term as Secretary. Thank you, Martha, for your continued commitment to CIRPA.

Our candidates each bring valuable experience, perspectives, and ideas to the Board, along with a shared commitment to supporting and strengthening the CIRPA community. I encourage you to take time to review the candidate bios and learn more about their backgrounds and interests.

Your participation in the election process is important, and every vote counts. Voting will remain open until Friday, June 12, 2026.

Warm regards,

Stephanie McKeown – University of British Columbia
Chair, Nominating Committee
Canadian Institutional Research and Planning Association (CIRPA)

Nominating Committee Membership 2025-2026 :
Sonia Beattie – Dalhousie University
Neil Chakraborty – University of Toronto
Yuqin Gong – University of Prince Edward Island
David Paul – Portage College

The Nominating Committee is inviting CIRPA members to nominate candidates for the 2026 elections. A nomination form is included separately with this notice.

Please note that the deadline for nominations is May 15, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PDT.

Elections will be conducted and results announced in June. Each position will be for a two-year term and will become effective immediately following the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The next AGM will be held in October 2026, concurrent with the 2026 conference.

Elected members of the Board of Directors are expected to attend the conference, the AGM and all other meetings as determined by the Board.

Nominees must hold a regular membership for the 2025/26 year (must renew before May 15, 2026).

The following three positions are open for nomination:
• Treasurer
• Secretary
• Member-at-Large (1 position)

Treasurer (detailed job description available upon request)
The Treasurer oversees the Association’s finances, including managing all funds, maintaining accurate financial records, ensuring expenditures align with approved budgets and policies, and supporting the annual audit and tax filings. The Treasurer works with the Board to develop and monitor budgets, reports regularly on financial status, manages conference finances, and presents audited financial results to members at the Annual General Meeting.

Secretary (detailed job description available upon request)
The Board Secretary prepares and maintains official records, including minutes, agendas, and correspondence, and supports the effective functioning of the Board. The Secretary attends and documents Board meetings, assists with agenda preparation and communications, coordinates Annual General Meeting materials, and ensures proper record-keeping and transition to the incoming Secretary.

Member-at-Large (detailed job description available upon request)
Members-at-Large support the work of the Board by contributing to activities such as communications, the website, membership strategy, and professional development initiatives, as well as special projects as needed. The members-at-large are expected to actively participate in Board meetings and discussions, attend conferences, and bring strong communication skills and a commitment to the Association’s mandate and governance.

Only members of the Association holding a regular membership are eligible to stand for election to any of these positions. Members who would like to nominate themselves or other members of the Association for any of the above listed positions should e-mail nominations@cirpa-acpri.ca. Please complete the Nominations Form and include a short biography (250 words or less) and a photo.

Thank you,

2025-26 Nominating Committee Membership:
Stephanie McKeown – (chair) University of British Columbia
Sonia Beattie – Dalhousie University
Neil Chakraborty – University of Toronto
Yuqin Gong – University of Prince Edward Island
David Paul – Portage College

2026 CIRPA Conference in Hamilton, Ontario – Call for Proposals

CIRPA-ACPRI is excited to invite you to submit a proposal to present at the CIRPA 2026 conference, taking place October 25-28, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada! Share your expertise and insights, while contributing to building an engaging and impactful conference program!

The Program Planning committee is also welcoming volunteers in various capacities to prepare for the conference.

You do not need to be a current CIRPA-ACPRI member to submit a proposal or participate as a volunteer. However, if your proposal is accepted, presenters and volunteers must hold a 2026 regular or student membership and register for the conference.

Proposals received by March 27, 2026 and accepted qualify for one $50 Early Presenter registration discount!

How to submit:

• Complete your proposal using the Call for Proposals template file.
• Email your Call for Proposal template file and/or Request to Volunteer to programchair2026@cirpa-acpri.ca by March 27, 2026.

For more details, visit CIRPA 2026 – Hamilton Conference and view the Call for Proposals template file.

We look forward to making CIRPA 2026 an unforgettable experience together!

2025 Conference recordings

The conference recordings from the 2025 virtual conference are currently available and can be accessed in our Member portal. 

While you’re in the Member portal, check out the stimulating conversations taking place within the discussion forum – open to both regular and limited members.

Happy Holidays!

On behalf of the CIRPA Board of Directors, we wish you a warm and happy holiday season filled with time to relax and enjoy with family and friends. We look forward to working together in 2026 as we continue to build the Canadian Institutional Research and Planning Association.

Best wishes for the holidays and the New Year!

Kind regards,

Miranda Pearson,
President, Board of Directors,
CIRPA-ACPRI