UPDATED: March 12, 2021
Dear TRIUMF community,
I am writing to announce that on December 4, 2020, the TRIUMF Board of Management substantially approved the agreements required for the incorporation of TRIUMF. This is a significant milestone in the Board’s ongoing review of TRIUMF’s governance and legal structures in order to position our laboratory for long-term success.
It is anticipated that as of April 1, 2021 (UPDATE: this date has been revised to June 1, 2021) ,TRIUMF will cease to be operated as a joint venture and instead it will move forward as its own legal entity: an incorporated non-profit charity. Alongside this change, TRIUMF will adopt a new governance model that will see the installation of a streamlined, skill-based Board of Governors, which will result in more proactive decision-making, greater accountability, and a renewed focus on the science and stewardship of TRIUMF. Crucially, these changes will not alter TRIUMF’s relationship with its Member Universities, who will continue to own and operate the laboratory.
TRIUMF’s staff, students, and users will experience very little impact as a result of these changes. Beyond the laboratory’s operating name changing to TRIUMF Inc., there will be only minor changes visible to those both internal and external to the organization. There will be no impacts on staff benefits, pension, or salaries. Similarly, TRIUMF will continue to maintain its existing relationships with funders and government partners, including the National Research Council and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council.
In the face of increasing government and regulatory oversight, this new structure gives TRIUMF the tools, skills, and flexibility it will need to thrive and flourish in the decades to come.
On behalf of the Board of Management, I thank everyone who has helped navigate this very important process, and I will provide further updates as the work nears its conclusion.
Regards,
Digvir Jayas, O.C., Ph.D., D.Sc., P.Eng., P.Ag., FRSC
Chair of the TRIUMF Board of Management and Vice-President, Research and International, University of Manitoba
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What is happening?
TRIUMF is changing its legal structure and governance model. TRIUMF is moving from a joint venture to an incorporated non-profit charity.
Why is TRIUMF doing this now?
These changes are critical to best position the organization for long-term success into the future.
Incorporation will allow TRIUMF to operate more efficiently and effectively by streamlining the Board decision-making process, as well as introducing skill-based positions that can provide expertise to TRIUMF management. These changes will ensure a better balance of both science and stewardship of TRIUMF. The revised structure streamlines operations and enacts best practices with respect to legal liabilities, following the same structure used by Canadian universities.
When will the change take place?
Incorporation is expected to take effect on April 1, 2021.
Who is making this change?
The decision to incorporate was made by TRIUMF’s Board of Management, which is composed of representatives from our Full Member Universities.
What will the new governance structure look like?
TRIUMF’s new governance model will result in more proactive decision-making, greater accountability, and a renewed focus on both the science and the stewardship of the laboratory. The new governance model is as follows:
- Members’ Council: A representative council composed of the TRIUMF’s Member Universities who have the responsibility to vote on significant decisions and also receive reports on TRIUMF progress. Each Member University selects one representative to sit on the Members’ Council.
- Science Council: An advisory body for the scientific direction of the lab composed of representatives from each Member University, TRIUMF staff, and selected individuals appointed by the Members’ Council.
- Board of Governors: A skill-based board composed of 11 members (referred to as Governors) selected from university representatives and external partners based on skills and experience needed to oversee TRIUMF’s strategic priorities. The Board of Governors are appointed by the Members’ Council, and includes the Chair of the Science Council.