Webnames.ca Staff
If you own a .CA domain name, you’re already part of one of the most trusted online communities in the world. That’s in large part because .CA is securely managed by the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) under strong Canadian governance, with limited to Canadian registrants, backed by high security standards, and significant reinvestment of registration revenue into strengthening Canada’s internet and communities.
Importantly, .CA registrants can also become members of the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) and directly help to shape the future of Canada’s internet.
This month is a big one for CIRA. The 2025 Board of Directors election cycle is already underway, and the Annual General Meeting (AGM) is just around the corner. Whether you’re a long-time CIRA member or brand new to the process, now is the perfect time to get involved.
What is CIRA and Why Does it Matter?
CIRA is the not-for-profit that manages the .CA domain, ensuring it remains a secure, stable, and trusted online home for Canadians. But CIRA does much more than oversee the 3.4+ million .CA domains currently registered.
Under its Net Good program, CIRA also funds community-led projects, strengthens Canada’s internet infrastructure, and supports initiatives that promote cybersecurity, digital equity, and policy engagement. With each .CA domain registered, part of the fee goes back into making the internet better for all Canadians.
CIRA is governed by a board of 12 directors elected by members who provide strategic direction and oversight for the .CA domain and the broader Canadian internet. In this way members play a vital role in ensuring CIRA stays true to its mission of building a trusted, inclusive, and innovative internet for Canadians.
Why Become a CIRA Member?
If you own a .CA domain, membership is free, easy, and it comes with real benefits. Members get to:
- Contribute to strong governance by endorsing nominees, electing directors, and voting on by-law changes
- Stay informed on internet issues, cybersecurity developments, and CIRA initiatives
- Attend exclusive events and webinars on topics that matter to Canadians online
- Enjoy perks like giveaways, custom merch, and special offers from Canadian businesses
- Join a community of people who care about digital sovereignty, online safety, and the future of the Canadian internet
Becoming a member if you are the registrant of a .CA domain takes just a few minutes, and you can submit your application here.
CIRA 2025 Board Election – Key Dates
The CIRA board election gives members the chance to influence who will guide the organization’s strategy and priorities. Here’s how it will work this month:
September 4–11, 2025: Endorse member nominees. Read their profiles and choose who you’d like to see on the final slate.
September 18, 2025: Join a virtual meet-and-greet with the final candidates.
September 18–24, 2025: Vote for directors in the final election. Voting opens right after the AGM!
Endorsing and voting is important, so if you are a member already please have your say! Every vote strengthens the accountability and transparency of CIRA’s governance. Also, consider running yourself the next election cycle.
Don’t Miss the 2025 CIRA AGM on September 24, 2025
Format: Online event with virtual participation
Time: 1:00 PM ET – please login 15 minutes early
Signup: Pre-registration required through your member login
The AGM is a once-a-year opportunity to:
- Learn about CIRA’s accomplishments and future plans
- Review audited financials and industry insights
- Ask questions directly to CIRA leadership
- Participate in important governance matters
- Support your own community, too! CIRA will donate $10 to United Way Canada for every attendee
- Plus, members who attend te full meeting will be entered to win one of 50 Canadian gift boxes from Cheerfetti.
Complete Details: https://www.cira.ca/en/board-and-governance/agm/
AGM Resources: 2025 AGM Guide, Financial Reports, Annual Report to Members, Proposed By-Law Amendments and more can all be found on the AGM landing page
Why Your Participation Matters
From keeping the .CA domain safe to funding grassroots digital equity projects through Net Good by CIRA, CIRA’s work touches the daily lives of millions of Canadians. But the strength of CIRA comes from its members — the .CA registrants who step up to help guide the organization.
By endorsing nominees, voting in the election, and attending the AGM, you’re doing more than fulfilling a membership perk. You’re helping ensure Canada maintains a trusted, independent, and sovereign internet, one that reflects our values of security, openness, and inclusivity.
Join In and Make a Difference
If you’re already a CIRA member, mark your calendars as September is packed with opportunities to get involved. If you’re not yet a member but you own a .CA domain, now’s the time to apply here: https://member.cira.ca/Membership/join
While there is no guarantee that your membership will be approved in time, you’ll be ready for all upcoming member activities.
.CA is more than just a domain, it also community of people who care about how Canadians shape the Internet and vice versa, and it could use your voice. Make 2025 the year you participate.