AI in Corporate Governance

August 24, 2025

On August 24, 2025, more than 70 GPC.D certified governance professionals gathered in Montreal for a pre-conference workshop titled “Insight and Appreciation.” Hosted by The Planning Group and supported by Governance Professionals of Canada (GPC), the session explored how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping board meetings, compliance, and strategic oversight. Facilitated by Peter Wright, Cheyenne Russell, and Patrick Mason, the event offered a deep dive into the practical applications of AI in governance.

A Cross-Sector Gathering of Governance Experts

The session convened alumni of the GPC.D certification program—leaders recognized for their advanced expertise in board governance and strategic advisory. Attendees represented a diverse mix of sectors: Crown corporations (30%), financial institutions and credit unions (25%), municipalities and public sector associations (15%), private industry (15%), education, healthcare, and independent consultancy (5%). This diversity enriched the dialogue, offering a panoramic view of how AI is being adopted across Canada’s governance landscape.

Workshop Goals: Bridging Theory and Practice

The workshop aimed to equip governance professionals with actionable insights into AI adoption. Topics included agentic AI, board engagement tools, privacy and security implications, and real-world use cases. Participants explored how AI can elevate governance tasks, assess organizational AI maturity, and identify practical tools for implementation

Poll Results: AI Adoption Trends Among Governance Professionals

Live polling revealed a nuanced picture of AI integration in governance: Policy Readiness: 44% have a clear AI policy; 36% are developing one. Of those with policies, 86% permit some AI use. Work Quality: 71% said AI has somewhat improved their work; 13% said it has dramatically improved it. Time Efficiency: 65% said AI saves a little time; 33% said it saves a lot. Frequency of Use: 27% use AI daily, 27% multiple times per day, and 39% occasionally. Top Use Cases: Drafting and research led the list, followed by editing, minute-taking, and agenda creation.

Key Themes in AI Governance

1. AI Adoption Is Underway but Uneven: Most participants are engaging with AI tools, but usage varies widely across organizations.
2. AI Is Used for Core Governance Tasks: Drafting, editing, research, and documentation are the primary applications—freeing up time for strategic thinking.
3. Policy Development Is Lagging Behind Practice: Many organizations are using AI without formal policies, highlighting the need for board-level governance frameworks.
4. Boards Are Beginning to Engage with AI: Some boards have adopted AI practices, while others face constraints or unintended consequences.
5. Peer Learning and Practical Guidance Are Essential: Participants shared tools like M365 Copilot, ChatGPT, and Gemini, emphasizing the importance of starting small and learning from peers.
6. AI Is Seen as Transformative, but Views Vary: 35% believe AI will definitely transform governance; 65% see it as important but not yet transformative.
7. Risks of Inaction Are as Serious as Risks of Use: The “AI Risk Paradox” was introduced: organizations must manage the risks of using AI while also recognizing the risks of not using it.

Breakout Sessions: Peer Learning and Practical Applications

Two breakout sessions provided space for reflection and forward-looking dialogue:

• Breakout #1 examined the current governance landscape, constraints, emerging best practices, and unintended consequences.
• Breakout #2 focused on practical advice, tool recommendations, hurdles to overcome, and predictions for the next five years.

Top AI Tools for Governance Workflows

Participants highlighted several tools actively used in board governance:

• M365 Copilot: Meeting documentation, agenda drafting, action item tracking.
• ChatGPT: Drafting, editing, research, brainstorming.
• Gemini (Google AI): Summarization, policy drafting, jurisdictional scans.

Use Cases: How Boards Are Leveraging AI

AI is enhancing governance in areas such as:

• Meeting administration,
• Content creation and summarization,
• Research and policy development,
• Strategic alignment,
• Sentiment monitoring,
• Board performance.

Roadmap for Responsible AI Adoption

Governance professionals are encouraged to assess current capabilities, define strategic objectives, form an AI steering committee, and pilot small projects and scale successful ones. Success depends on clean data, secure infrastructure, and clear governance policies.

Conclusion: AI as a Strategic Imperative

The Montreal session made one thing clear: AI is no longer a future consideration—it is a present-day reality. GPC.D certified professionals are already applying AI to improve the quality, speed, and strategic value of their work. Yet, adoption remains uneven, and policy development is lagging—presenting both a challenge and an opportunity. Governance professionals must lead the way in shaping responsible frameworks for AI use. The risks of inaction—inefficiency, missed insights, reputational stagnation—are just as serious as the risks of use. Boards must be equipped with the right tools, mindset, and governance structures to ensure AI is deployed ethically and effectively. As AI continues to evolve, so too must the governance profession. The GPC.D alumni community is uniquely positioned to guide this transformation, bringing deep expertise and a shared commitment to excellence. The future of governance is not just digital—it is intelligent, adaptive, and ready for what comes next.

Your AI Strategy Readiness Session

Ready to explore how AI can elevate your board’s performance? Book a strategic AI readiness session with our governance experts today. This is not a technical assessment—it’s a strategic conversation focused on your board’s decisions, leadership perspectives on AI, and staff readiness for adoption.