AGM Archives
A Record of the CAG Annual Meeting Since 1951
The CAG Annual Meeting has been hosted by universities across Canada since 1951. This page brings together the history of past hosts, conference programs and abstracts from earlier meetings, and links to the reports presented at each Annual General Meeting (AGM).
AGM Reports
Agendas, minutes, President’s reports, financial statements, and committee and division reports are kept in the Association Reports table. To find the records for a specific meeting, type the year in the table’s search box.
Conference History
Past Conferences and Hosts
Select a decade to see the host of each Annual Meeting, with links to conference programs and AGM reports where they are available.
2026 University of Victoria
2026 conference website · 2026 AGM reports
2025 Carleton University
2025 AGM reports
2024 Memorial University
2024 AGM reports
2023 Université du Québec à Montréal
2023 AGM reports
2022 Toronto Metropolitan University (Virtual)
2022 AGM reports
2021 University of Northern British Columbia (Virtual)
2021 AGM reports
2020 In-person meeting cancelled
2020 AGM reports
2019 University of Winnipeg
2019 program (PDF) · 2019 AGM reports
2018 Université Laval (IGU-CAG-NCGE)
2018 AGM reports
2017 York University
2017 program (PDF) · 2017 AGM reports
2016 St. Mary’s University and Dalhousie University
2015 Simon Fraser University
2015 conference schedule · 2015 abstracts (PDF)
2014 Brock University (FHSS)
2014 program (PDF)
2013 Memorial University
2013 program (PDF)
2012 University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University (FHSS)
2012 program (PDF)
2011 University of Calgary
2011 program (PDF)
2010 University of Regina
2010 abstracts (PDF)
2009 Carleton University (FHSS)
2009 program (PDF)
2008 Université Laval
2008 program (PDF)
2007 University of Saskatchewan (FHSS)
2007 program (PDF)
2006 Lakehead University
2005 University of Western Ontario (FHSS)
2004 Université de Moncton and Mount Allison University
2003 University of Victoria
2002 University of Toronto, Ryerson University and York University (FHSS)
2001 McGill University, Concordia University, et Université de Montréal
2000 Brock University
1999 University of Lethbridge
1998 University of Ottawa (FHSS)
1997 Memorial University
1996 University of Saskatchewan
1995 Université de Québec à Montréal
1994 Wilfrid Laurier University
1993 Carleton University
1992 University of British Columbia
1991 Queen’s University
1990 University of Alberta
1989 Université de Québec à Chicoutimi
1988 St. Mary’s University
1987 McMaster University
1986 University of Calgary
1985 Université de Québec à Trois-Rivières
1984 Malaspina College
1983 University of Winnipeg
1982 University of Ottawa
1981 Grenfell College
1980 Université de Québec à Montréal
1979 University of Victoria
1978 University of Western Ontario
1977 University of Regina
1976 Université Laval
1975 Simon Fraser University
1974 University of Toronto
1973 Lakehead University
1972 Université de Montréal (IGC)
1971 University of Waterloo
1970 University of Manitoba
1969 Memorial University
1968 University of Calgary
1967 Carleton University
1966 University of Sherbrooke
1965 University of British Columbia
1964 University of Western Ontario
1963 Université Laval
1962 McMaster University
1961 McGill University
1960 Queen’s University
1959 University of Saskatchewan
1958 University of Alberta
1957 University of Ottawa
1956 Université de Montréal
1955 University of Toronto
1954 University of Manitoba
1953 University of Western Ontario
1952 Université Laval
1951 McGill University
Join the Community
Be Part of the Future of Geography
Whether you're a student, educator, researcher, or professional, the CAG offers opportunities to connect, learn, and contribute.
Mission & Vision
Our Purpose
Mission & Vision
Advancing Geography Across Canada
Our Commitments & Core Objectives
The Canadian Association of Geographers is dedicated to strengthening the discipline of geography through research dissemination, educational advancement, professional recognition, and national and international collaboration.
Through its publications, academic initiatives, partnerships, and member services, the CAG supports geographers at every stage of their careers while promoting the importance of geography in education, research, and society.
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Dissemination of Geographic Research
Through The Canadian Geographer and the presentation of papers at national and regional meetings, the CAG is committed to the dissemination of geographic research.
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Promotion of Geographic Education at All Levels
Through the CAG Education Committee, individual members’ support of Summer Institutes for Geographic Education, the “Great Canadian Geography Challenge,” and the monitoring of geography at colleges and universities across Canada, the CAG is committed to the promotion of geographic education at all levels.
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Recognition of Geographic Excellence
Through the CAG awards for scholarship, service, contributions to the public and private sector, teaching excellence, and undergraduate scholarship, the CAG is committed to the recognition of geographic excellence.
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Increased Cooperation with Other National and International Geographic Organizations
Through associate membership agreements with l’association professionelle des géographes du Québec, the Association of American Geographers, and the Institute of British Geographers; the Canadian Association of Geographers/Royal Canadian Geographical Society corresponding membership agreement; and membership in the International Geographical Union, the CAG is committed to working with other geographic associations to promote geography as a key discipline in education, research, and the public and private sectors nationally and internationally.
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Increased Participation in National Interdisciplinary Organizations
Through membership in the Humanities and Social Science Federation of Canada and the Canadian Federation of Earth Sciences, the CAG is committed to working with related disciplinary interest groups to promote the importance of scholarship and research in Canada.
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Improved Service to the Membership
Through the CAG Newsletter, the website, the CAG Directory, associate membership agreements, membership in national and international organizations, publishers’ discounts, and the organization of regional and national meetings, the CAG is committed to providing the highest level of service possible to all geographers, whether they are students, teachers, professors, employed in the public or private sector, retired, or non-waged.
Approved by the Executive Committee of the CAG — 1996.
Join the Community
Be Part of the Future of Geography
Whether you’re a student, educator, researcher, or professional, the CAG offers opportunities to connect, learn, and contribute.
Our Board Members
Our Board Members
Guiding the direction of the CAG
The Board of Directors of the Canadian Association of Geographers (CAG) provides strategic leadership, governance, and oversight for the organization. Comprised of elected officers and representatives from across Canada, the Board reflects the diversity of the geographic community, including scholars, educators, students, and professionals working in public, private, and non-profit sectors.
The Board is responsible for guiding the Association’s mission to advance the study and application of geography, promote research and education, and support a national network of geographers. Through collaboration with committees, regional divisions, and members, the Board ensures that the CAG remains responsive to emerging social, environmental, and scientific challenges.
Key responsibilities of the Board include setting organizational priorities, supporting conferences and initiatives, recognizing excellence in geography, and fostering equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility within the discipline
This page is currently being updated as part of our new website launch. Board photos and additional content will be added soon.
Board Executive
Toronto Metropolitan University
University of Waterloo
Luther College, University of Regina
Regional Division Representatives
Saint Mary's University
McGill University
Brandon University
Université du Québec à Montréal
University of Victoria
Board Members
Wilfrid Laurier University
University of British Columbia
University of Waterloo
Université TÉLUQ
Thompson Rivers University
University of British Columbia Okanagan
University of Waterloo
Université de Montréal
Join the Community
Be Part of the Future of Geography
Whether you’re a student, educator, researcher, or professional, the CAG offers opportunities to connect, learn, and contribute.
Our History
From our beginnings to today
Our History
The story of the Canadian Association of Geographers (CAG) begins in a time when geography was still a developing discipline in Canada, with only a handful of scholars and institutions recognizing its importance.
Emerging from post-war efforts to strengthen national research and policy, a small group of dedicated geographers gathered in Ottawa in 1950 with a shared vision—to establish a unified organization that would advance the study and application of geography across the country.
Driven by the belief that geographic knowledge was essential to understanding Canada’s vast and complex landscape, these pioneers laid the foundation for what would become a national association. From its formal creation in 1951 at McGill University, the CAG aimed to promote collaboration, support research, and elevate the role of geography in education and public life.
Over the decades, the Association grew alongside the discipline itself—expanding from a small network of academics into a nationwide community of scholars, educators, and students. While it faced challenges in membership and evolving relevance, its contributions to research, education, and the development of geographic thought in Canada remain significant.
Today, the history of the CAG reflects not only the growth of an organization, but also the transformation of geography in Canada—from a niche field into a dynamic and evolving discipline that continues to shape how we understand our world.
History Timeline
Pre-Formation (1940s–1950)
1940s (World War II era)
- Hugh L. Keenleyside recognizes the importance of geography in government and international affairs
- He facilitates hiring of J. Lewis Robinson as one of the first professional geographers in the Canadian federal government.
1947
- Keenleyside becomes Deputy Minister of the Department of Mines and Resources.
- Establishes the Geographical Bureau with support from C. D. Howe.
- Bureau begins operations under Dr. Trevor Lloyd.
1950
- Bureau upgraded to Branch status.
- J. Wreford Watson appointed Director.
- Staff grows to 10 geographers → future founders of CAG.
Formation of CAG (1950–1951)
August 29, 1950
- 9 geographers meet in Ottawa (Elgin Building).
- Decision to create the Canadian Association of Geographers (CAG).
- Organizing committee formed (Watson, Gajda, Gutsell, Laurendeau, Nicholson, Reeds, Robinson, Tatham, Zaborski).
Late 1950 – Early 1951
- Outreach to geographers across Canada.
- Planning for inaugural national meeting.
May 30, 1951
- First official meeting held at McGill University.
- Formal establishment of CAG.
- Objectives defined:
- Promote geography in Canada
- Encourage research and education
- Facilitate collaboration
1951–1952 Executive Committee
- Honorary President: Griffith Taylor
- President: Donald F. Putnam
- Vice Presidents: Pierre Dagenais, J. Lewis Robinson
- Secretary-Treasurer: Pierre Camu
Early Development (1950s–1960s)
- Geography still emerging as a discipline in Canada.
Strong centers in Quebec:
- Université de Montréal
- Université Laval
- McGill University
1952
- First national meeting held at Université Laval.
1963
- CAG secretariat moves to McGill University (long-term base).
Challenges & Criticism (1967–1980s)
1967
- Closure of the Geographical Branch (government setback).
Key criticisms of CAG:
- Failed initiatives:
- National wall map project
- Geographic excursions program
- Comprehensive bibliographyPolicy influence on national issues
Despite this:
- Growth continues in academic geography.
Publications & Achievements (1967–1990s)
Major publication success:
- Canada: A Geographical Interpretation (Centennial contribution)
1993–1997
- Launch of major academic series:
- Canadian Geography Series (4 volumes)
50th Anniversary Reflection (2001)
- CAG reaches 50 years.
Reflection by Audrey Kobayashi:
- Shift in geography:
- From discovering facts → to understanding knowledge as socially constructed
- Continued evolution of the discipline
Acknowledgements
The author has made liberal use of the essays collected in Hamelin, L-E., and L. Beauregard (1979) Rétrospective 1951-1976. The Canadian Association of Geographers Directory 2000 compiled and edited by Harun Rasid was also a useful source. And Volume 45, Number 1 (Apring 2001) of The Canadian Geographer should not be missed, especially the introduction by guest-editor and Association President Audrey Kobayashi, “Truly our own: Canadian geography 50 years after/Un symbole national: le Géographe canadien après 50 ans”.
The individual papers in this now-scarce volume are:
- “Objectifs de la réunion” par Louis-Edmond Hamelin
- “The development of the Canadian Association of Geographers 1951-1976” by J. Keith Fraser
- “Geography in Canada 25 years ago” by J. Lewis Robinson
- “On neoclassicism in economic geography theory” by Leslie J. King
- “Épistémologie de la géographie au Canada français” par Ludger Beauregard
- “Le géographe dans la société” par Pierre Camu
- “Geographers and Canadian society” by William Wonders
- “The CAG as seen by its members” by Herbert A. Whitney and Luc Bureau
- “Comments on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the CAG” by Trevor Lloyd
- “Tableau de la géographie québécoise” par Louis Trotier
