Statement on Academic Freedom
Canadian Association of Geographers'
Statement on Academic Freedom
Monday, March 29, 2021
Recent events in France remind us that the freedom to study, teach, discuss and disseminate scholarly work is not something we should take for granted. As an academic community, we must remain alert to actions (e.g., sanction) or public expressions that pose a threat to academic freedom (i.e., the right of academic staff members to carry out teaching, research and service activities without political or institutional interference).
The CAG affirms its unwavering support for the principles and practices of academic freedom. We are committed to raise awareness about, and advocate to uphold, academic freedom as a right of academic staff members working in Canadian universities. The CAG also supports efforts to extend this right to academic staff working in other post-secondary institutions in Canada.
We encourage our members to be well-informed of these issues. The links below offer a brief starting point, especially for understanding the ways in which academic freedom is applied in the Canadian context.
Links
Dea, S (9 October, 2018). A brief history of academic freedom. University Affairs.
Canadian Association of University Teachers (2018) Policy Statement on Academic Freedom.
Conflict of Interest
Conflict of Interest Policy (2011)
Preamble
The objective of this policy is to clarify the Canadian Association of Geographer’s expectations for staff, officers, executive members and editors who may become involved in situations, which cause, or could potentially cause, a conflict of interest and/or a conflict of commitment. It is impossible to detail all the possible eventualities giving rise to a conflict of interest or commitment, however the following policy and procedures are intended to provide guidance in order that the vast majority of perceived, potential or actual conflicts of interest/commitment are recognized and either avoided or dealt with fairly and expeditiously through appropriate disclosure and management. Early disclosure of a potential or actual conflict of interest or conflict of commitment is key to successful resolution of the matter.
Policy
An actual or apparent conflict of interest arises when staff, officers, executive members or editors are placed in a situation where their personal interest, financial or other, or that of an immediate Family member or of a person with whom there exists, or has recently existed an intimate, personal relationship, conflicts, or appears to conflict, with his or her responsibility to the Association or with the interests of the Association. This includes situations which may arise where the staff, officers, executive members or editors are in a position to influence directly or indirectly Association business or other decisions in ways that would lead to a gain/benefit for the staff, officers, executive members or editors or immediate Family member.
A conflict of commitment arises when a staff, officers, executive members or editors external activities or commitments, paid or unpaid, interfere with his or her ability to meet responsibilities to the Association.
For the purposes of this Policy, “immediate Family member” means a spouse, partner, parent, child or sibling.
Staff, officers, executive members or editors are expected to avoid actual or potential conflicts of interest or commitment. If they are called upon to make an arm’s length decision or evaluation but feel unable to make an unbiased decision, they should inform those responsible and remove themselves from that aspect of the decision making. Conflict of interest must not be used to avoid the difficult evaluative decisions that are part of our profession.
Staff, officers, executive members or editors are expected to disclose immediately upon discovery, and to resolve subsequently with the Association, actual or potential conflicts of interest/commitment arising from the activities in which they are engaged.
Procedures for Disclosure and Management of Conflicts of Interest and Commitment
Staff, officers, executive members or editors have an obligation to provide full written disclosure of all relevant information, as soon as he/she could reasonably be aware that a conflict may exist, to the President (and in the case of the President, to either the Vice-President or the Past President of the Association). The existence of the actual or potential conflict of interest/commitment does not necessarily preclude the involvement of the individual in the situation where the conflict has arisen or may arise, however, it does mean that the conflict should be formally declared by staff, officers, executive members or editors in writing and resolved in conjunction with the President before any action or decision is taken. Such resolution may include prohibition of the staff, officers, executive members or editors’ activities with respect to the matter. It is recognized that in some situations there may be legitimate doubt as to whether a conflict of interest/commitment exists, in which case, discussion with the President may clarify the issue and/or lead to a solution. The President should consult with the Vice-President or the Past President of the Association where the conflict or potential conflict is unusual, substantial or complex.
The President, in consultation with the concerned individual and other appropriate Association officials shall determine whether a conflict exists or may appear to exist and determine the way to avoid or deal with the matter. The resolution of the matter shall be made in writing.
Examples of Conflict of Interest/Commitment
There are many situations that may lead to a conflict of interest or conflict of commitment. The examples listed below, while not a comprehensive list, illustrate situations which may lead to a conflict of interest or a conflict of commitment and that should be avoided or if not possible to avoid, disclosed and managed.
Examples of Conflict of Interest
1. Authorizing, influencing, or participating in the purchase of equipment, materials, services or real property using Association funds, or with funds administered by the Association, from a source in which the staff, officers, executive members or editors a member of his or her immediate Family or a person with whom there exists, or has recently existed, an intimate personal relationship, has a financial interest.
2. Accepting gifts, benefits or favours from individuals or firms with which the Association does business, with the exception of minor gifts as token courtesies.
3. Using Association resources (including equipment, supplies, services or facilities) for the staff member’s personal benefit or the benefit of the staff member’s immediate Family or a person with whom there exists or has recently existed an intimate, personal relationship without the prior approval of the Association. Costs for such equipment, supplies, services or facilities shall be borne by the staff member at prevailing rates set by the Association, unless the Association agrees in writing, to waive all or part of such costs.
4. Participating in the appointment, hiring, promotion, supervision or evaluation of a person with whom the staff, officers, executive members or editors has a marital or familial relationship, or with whom there exists or has recently existed an intimate, personal relationship.
5. Using for personal gain, or other unauthorized purpose, information acquired as a result of the staff, officers, executive members or editors Association activities which is not available to the general public; such information might include, for example, knowledge of forthcoming developments requiring contractor or consultant selection or bulk purchases.
6. Using for personal gain, intellectual property acquired or developed using Association resources; by way of example, such intellectual property includes software tools or programs, or specialized pieces of equipment developed in the course of employment.
Confidentiality
All information, reports and resolutions disclosed and determined in accordance with this policy will be held in confidence by the President (or other authorized Association officials).
Failure to Disclose
Failure to disclose a potential or existing conflict of interest or commitment may result in disciplinary action being taken, up to and including termination of appointment.
Distribution and Notification
This policy shall be distributed to each staff, officers, executive members or editors staff member upon its approval.
Effective Date
This policy is effective June 4, 2011. Existing situations of conflict of interest or commitment that have not been disclosed or documented are subject to the terms of this policy and should be declared promptly.
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Information about our Organisation and Website
Modern information and communication technologies play a fundamental role in the activities of an organization like The Canadian Association of Geographers. We are committed to respecting and protecting the privacy and confidentiality of the personal information our members have entrusted us with. We are a national association based in Canada and through our journal, The Canadian Geographer, and the presentation of papers at the national and regional meetings, the CAG is committed to the dissemination of geographic research.
Our principal activities are:
- Publication of a journal, newsletter and directory
- Annual General Meetings
Our privacy policy covers The Canadian Association of Geographers and its website:
Organisation: The Canadian Association of Geographers
Address: PO Box 25039, Welland RPO Rose City, ON L3B 6G9
Controller: Executive Committee
Website(s): www.cag-acg.ca
Providing Visitors with Anonymous Access
You can access our Website home page and browse our site without disclosing your personal data.
The Services and Links of Our Website
Our Web site does not enable our visitors to communicate with other visitors or to post information to be accessed by others.
Our Web site includes links to third party Web service providers.
We do not use cookies on our Website. We do not automatically log personal data nor do we link information automatically logged by other means with personal data about specific individuals.
Data Collection and Purpose Specification
We collect the personal data that you may volunteer while using our services. We do not collect information about our visitors from other sources, such as public records or bodies, or private organizations.
The main purpose for collecting personal information is to facilitate online payment. We also require a current mailing address in order to ensure delivery of CAG publications to each member. As well each member is entitled to be listed in the membership section of the CAG Annual Directory. Members reserve the right to request that they not be listed in the CAG Annual Directory by checking the box provided for this purpose.
Other personal information such as email addresses and telephone/fax numbers published in the CAG directory is for use between members and geography departments across Canada. Members reserve the right not to submit their telephone or fax numbers.
To access the table of personal data collected and purposes for which they are used, please see Section 1 below.
We may collect and use personal data for the additional purposes of:
- preparing statistics to help distinguish current trends within the geography community and if necessary address these trends. No individual names are ever used in statistics.
Disclosure and Visitor Choice
Where we disclose your personal data for the same purposes as those indicated in the table below, we provide you with the means to opt-out:
- by allowing you to omit “Background Information” at the point on the site where these data are collected
If we disclose your personal data for purposes which are different from those indicated in the table mentioned above, we will offer you the opportunity to consent to disclosure:
- by indicating in a box at the point on the site where these data are collected
Refund Policy
We will refund payment in full for a membership application within 30 days from the time that payment is received (cheque cashed/credit card charged).
Delivery Policy
Members will receive 4 journals per year, spring, summer, fall and winter; up to 6 issues of the newsletter; and a copy of the annual directory at year-end. The dates for delivery may vary from season to season.
Confidentiality / Security
We give you the option of using a secure transmission method to send us the following types of personal data:
- primary personal data (such as name and contact details)
- identifiers (such as credit card details, Website password)
We have implemented security policies, rules and technical measures to protect the personal data that we have under our control from:
- unauthorised access
- improper use or disclosure
- unauthorised modification
- unlawful destruction or accidental loss
All our employees and data processors, who have access to, and are associated with the processing of personal data, are obliged to respect the confidentiality of our visitors’ personal data.
We ensure that your personal data will not be disclosed to State institutions and authorities except if required by law or other regulation.
You can review your personal data by:
going to our website www.cag-acg.ca and clicking on My Profile.
You may challenge the data that we hold about you and, where appropriate, you may:
- erase the data
- amend the data
- complete the data
If you have an enquiry or concern about our privacy policy, please contact:
Email Address: info@cag-acg.ca
Address: PO Box 35047 Westgate, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1Z 1A2
URL: www.cag-acg.ca
Section 1
Table of personal data collected and purposes for which they are used
The purpose of collecting General Information* is to ensure delivery of CAG publications to each member. As well each member is entitled to be listed in the membership section of the CAG Annual Directory. Members reserve the right to request that they not be listed in the CAG Annual Directory by checking the box provided for this purpose. Other personal information such as email addresses and telephone/fax numbers published in the CAG directory is for use between members and geography departments across Canada. Members reserve the right not to submit their telephone or fax numbers.
*General Information
First Name
Last Name
Complete Mailing Address (include street number)
City
Province / State
Postal Code
Country
Office Telephone (Optional)
Home Telephone (Optional)
Fax (Optional)
Email
The purpose of collecting Background Information* regarding education and current employment is in preparing statistics that help distinguish current trends and equity within the geography community. This section is optional. No individual names are ever used in preparing statistics.
*Background Information (Optional)
Year of birth
Sex: Male/Female/Other
Language: English/French
Country of birth
Current Position
Employment Equity:
01 Aboriginal person
02 Member of a visible minority
03 Person with a disability
Education: Diploma Year Institution Specialization
Bachelor’s Year Institution Specialization
Masters Year Institution Specialization
Doctoral Year Institution Specialization
Field of Geography: Human Geography or Physical Geography
The purpose of collecting background information such as Field of Geography is for identifying the ratio of human geographers to physical geographers upon which affiliation fees to organizations such as the CFHSS (human geographers) and the CFES (physical geographers) is based. When used in preparing statistics no individual names are ever used.
We reserve the right to change the terms of this Privacy Policy.
Statement on Collegial Conduct
Community Standards & Respectful Exchange
Statement on Collegial Conduct
Canadian Association of Geographers'
Statement on Collegial Conduct and Respectful Exchange
The Canadian Association of Geographers (CAG) and its members affirm that the conduct of geographic activity and the communication of geographic knowledge involve a wide variety of ethical considerations, including the pursuit of diversity and non-discrimination. The broadest purpose of this statement is to encourage CAG leadership and members to consider and critically engage with these matters in their professional practices.
As members of the CAG and the wider community of geographers, it is our responsibility to uphold the dignity of all persons, to strive for diversity and equity (including a diversity of intellectual commitments and projects, under the banner of academic freedom), and to respectfully address colleagues, peers, and the wider public in written, spoken, and electronic communication. CAG leadership and members should exemplify these values in our interactions with others who we encounter in various contexts through our professional activities. Collegiality is integral to written and in-person exchange, and this expression reflects our commitment to our discipline, to the research and informed views of other practicing geographers, including students, and to the experiences and perspectives of the wider public.
The CAG is also committed to ensuring safe, respectful, and informed interaction among all members and participants at CAG-sponsored spaces, including at the Annual Meeting and in online venues. Harassment of others in any form is condemned, and substantive efforts should be made at every juncture to foster accessibility, diversity, and inclusivity at our annual meetings and other events. As we work toward environments free of discrimination, we must also support victims of harassment.
Respect or civilitydo not imply homogeneity or the absence of disagreement. But we must also be aware of and speak to implicit bias, institutional discrimination and other less overt practices. Particular attention should be paid in this regard to supporting and recognizing undergraduate and graduate students, precariously-employed participants, and members of underrepresented groups.
The predominance of electronic forms of communication raises particular challenges for professional conduct, as these can undermine community by facilitating the wide and sometimes anonymous dissemination of statements that are hurtful, embarrassing, or of unreliable veracity. Therefore, CAG leaders and members should not use electronic communication systems with the intent to embarrass, intimidate, or misrepresent (i.e., ‘cyberbullying’), and moderators of electronic exchange among CAG members and participants in CAG events should strive to ensure the maintenance of these standards.
The CAG does not intend for this statement to cover all of the ethical considerations confronted by geographers in their diverse professional practices. The activities of geographers are wide-ranging, as are the contexts in which they learn, research, teach, exchange, and engage with the world. As such, this statement should be viewed as a guiding document and interpreted relative to similar standards and guidelines within specific professional communities (e.g., public servants, university faculty, engineers) and/or that oversee the research enterprise in Canada and beyond (e.g., University and Tri-Council standards for research with human and animal subjects, The Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami National Inuit Strategy on Research, The World Health Organization Ethical Standards and Procedures for research with human beings).
(Adapted from a number of sources, including: The American Association of Geographers, The Canadian Philosophical Association/L’Association Canadienne de Philosophie, and the University of California, Berkeley.)
We welcome feedback on this statement, which was adopted unanimously by the CAG Executive in May 2019. We consider it a ‘living document’. Please send comments to info@cag-acg.ca.
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.
Bylaws
Governance & Policies
Bylaws
Canadian Association of Geographers Constitution & By-Laws
The Constitution and By-Laws of the Canadian Association of Geographers (CAG) establish the governance framework that guides the organization’s operations, membership, and decision-making processes.
This document outlines the Association’s purpose, organizational structure, membership provisions, executive roles and responsibilities, elections, meetings, committees, and other governance policies that support the work of the CAG.
Members are encouraged to review the Constitution and By-Laws to better understand how the Association is governed and how key decisions are made on behalf of its membership.
| Title | Tags | Report Year | Link | company | closing date | Importance | Location | Last modified date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian Association of Geographers (PCAG) Bylaws | English | Bylaws | May 7, 2026 |
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.
Constitution & Principles
Constitution & Principles
Organizational Structure
Guiding the Mission, Leadership, and Operations
Constitution & Governance
The Constitution of the Canadian Association of Geographers outlines the guiding principles, governance structure, membership framework, and operational responsibilities of the Association.
It serves as the foundation for promoting geographic study, research, education, and collaboration across Canada while supporting transparency, accountability, and inclusivity within the organization. This document defines the roles of the Board, election procedures, membership rights, and the processes that help advance the mission and long-term objectives of the CAG.
Article I – Name
This association shall be known as the Canadian Association of Geographers/l’Association canadienne des géographes.
Article II – Objectives
1. The objectives of the Association are to encourage geographical study and research particularly in relation to the Canadian environment. The Association shall provide for the dissemination to the public of the results of research supported by the Association.
2. The Association is an educational organization, the activities of which shall be conducted without purpose of gain for its members. Any profits or other gains to the Association shall be used in promoting its objectives.
Article III – Languages
English and French shall be the official languages of the Association.
Article IV – Membership
1. Membership in the Association is open to all who share its objectives.
2. Persons, institutions or corporations making a substantial contribution towards the objectives of the Association may be designated as Benefactors by the Board.
3. Membership categories shall be determined and dues fixed by the Board.
4. A member in good standing is defined as a member who has paid the membership dues of the current year.
Article V – Officers
The officers of the Association shall consist of a President, serving a two-year term; a Vice-President or a Past-President, each term consisting of one year; a Secretary-Treasurer elected for a period of three years; a minimum of four and up to six national councillors elected at large for a period of three years; one English speaking student councillor elected at large for a period of two years; one Francophone student councillor elected at large for a period of two years; and one regional councillor from each of the Western Division, the Prairie Division, the Ontario Division, Quebec, and the Atlantic Division, to be elected or designated for a term specific to their individual constitutions or co-opted by the Board. The Vice-President shall be elected biannually, will normally succeed to the office of the President in the year following the election, and will serve as Past-President in the year following the two-year presidential term. During the year in which there is a Vice-President there will not be a Past-President; conversely, during the year that there is a Past-President there will not be a Vice-President. The President, Vice-President and councillors shall not be eligible for immediate re-election to the same office.
Article VI – Board Duties
The officers of the Association shall comprise the Board. The Board is empowered to:
1. transact the business of the Association;
2. appoint and delegate responsibilities to standing and special committees;
3. appoint the editors of the publications of the Association;
4. appoint and designate the duties of the Executive Assistant and any other appointed posts required to carry out the business of the Association;
5. assign responsibilities to members of the Board including the expectation that each Board member sit on at least one standing committee of the Board;
6. determine the time and place of the annual meeting;
7. fix the remuneration (including salary and benefits) of the Executive Assistant, editors and any other remunerated positions;
8. appoint, as required, through executive appointment or through election, representatives to act on behalf of the Association to other associations or events;
Article VII – Accountability of the Board
1. The President may convene a meeting of the Board at any time and shall convene a meeting of the Board on request in writing of no less than five of the officers of the Association.
2. Quorum at Board Meetings shall be considered as fifty percent (50%) of the Board members, plus one.
3. An officer or committee chair who is unable to fulfill the duties of the office for a period of a year shall resign.
4. The accounts of the Association shall be audited each year by a qualified accounting firm.
5. The Board shall report on the business of the Association at each annual general meeting.
Article VIII – Board Executive
The Board Executive shall consist of the President, Vice-President/Past-President and the Secretary-Treasurer. The Board Executive shall act on behalf of the full Board whenever required and/or appropriate.
Article IX – Elections
1. Only members of the Association may hold office in the Association and vote in elections.
2. A nominating committee will be elected at the Annual General Meeting. It will be composed of four members: the Vice-President or Past-President as chair, two members elected at the Annual General Meeting, and one member of the Board to ensure equitable representation.
3. A call for nominations to those positions on the CAG Board, which will become vacant during the coming year, will be circulated to the membership. Nominations must be supported by two members of the Association, and the nominee must have indicated in writing her/his acceptance of the nomination.
4. The nominating committee will prepare a slate of candidates with the names of candidates nominated by the membership as well as its own nominations.
5. The Secretary-Treasurer shall conduct the election electronically prior to the annual business meeting.
Article X – Constitutional Change
1. Any member in good standing may propose a change in the Constitution providing the signatures of five other members in good standing have been secured.
2. The Secretary-Treasurer will circulate the proposed change to the membership electronically.
3. Ratification of the change requires the approval of two-thirds of the members whose vote is recorded within the specified time.
Article XI – Annual General Meeting
1. An Annual General Meeting shall be held each year at a place and time designated by the Board Executive.
2. All members shall be given two months’ notice of the date and place of the Annual General Meeting.
3. The agenda of the Annual General Meeting will be circulated in advance to all members and specific reference will be made to increases in membership dues and proposals to undertake major new commitments.
4. All business at the meeting shall be settled by a simple majority of all members in good standing, present and voting.
5. A quorum of the Annual General Meeting shall be 25 members in good standing.
Article XII – Regional Divisions
Any group of members in any region may set up a regional division of the Association upon ratification of the proposed constitution by the Board.
Article XIII – Study Groups
The creation of a study group will be reviewed by the Board for approval upon submission of evidence of the support of at least 15 members of the Association in good standing.
Article XIV – Review
The Constitution shall be reviewed no less than every five years by the Governance Committee of the CAG.
Adopted 1 January 1995
Amended 1996
Amended 1998
Amended 2000
Amended 2004
Amended 2012
Amended 2013
Amended 2025
