The Institute of Corporate Directors has recognized leaders at four major Canadian organizations for exceptional corporate governance, it announced on Tuesday.

The institute awarded 2009 ICD Fellowship Awards to Douglas D. Baldwin, chairman of Talisman Energy Inc., Robert Després, chairman of Cominar, Dallas J. Howe, chair of Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc., and Eileen Mercier, board chair of the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan.

The ICD confers Fellowship Awards annually to individuals who continually distinguish themselves by bringing exceptional corporate governance leadership to boardrooms throughout the country.

“ICD Fellows are role models for excellence in governance,” said William Dimma, chair of the ICD Fellowship selection committee. “At a time when we need more leadership, oversight and corporate wisdom, the Institute of Corporate Directors is delighted to recognize the significant accomplishments of these four outstanding Canadian directors.”

The 2009 Fellows were nominated by peers and chosen by an independent selection committee. The committee considered attributes such as leadership, accountability to stakeholders, contributions to governance and knowledge of the business. The caliber of contributions away from the boardroom table, such as published material, speaking engagements and philanthropic endeavors, were also considered.

The awards will be presented during a gala celebration in June in Toronto.

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/January2009/13/c6871.html