Dear TRIUMF community,
I am writing today to announce that TRIUMF is entering the final stages of its effort to move from a joint venture to an incorporated non-profit with charitable status. On March 5, 2021, the TRIUMF Board of Management confirmed its intention that this process should be completed by June 1, 2021. The Board of Management has elected to have TRIUMF’s Full Member universities approve all required documents in their final form; therefore, requiring an extension of the original timeline for incorporation by two months.
It is expected that as of June 1, 2021, TRIUMF will begin operating as an incorporated entity. The benefit and intricacies of this new structure were detailed in my last update on this topic in December; however, simply put, this change will put in place a legal and governance structure that will position TRIUMF for long-term success.
In closing, thank you to the TRIUMF community, our Member universities, and partners for your support as we’ve worked to make this change a reality. Together, we are positioning TRIUMF to flourish for decades to come.
I look forward to providing further updates as we get closer to June 1st.
Sincerely,
Digvir S. Jayas, O.C., Ph.D., D.Sc., P.Eng., P.Ag., FRSC
TRIUMF Interim-Director and Chair Board of Management and
Vice-President (Research and International) and Distinguished Professo
University of Manitoba
Frequently Asked Questions:
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 June 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.