Help Shape Canada's Digital Future: CIRA's 2026 Board Election & AGM

If you own a .CA domain name, you’re already part of Canada’s online community. As a .CA registrant, you also have an opportunity to help shape the future of the Canadian internet through membership in the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA).

At a time when Canada’s digital economy faces growing uncertainty, rapid technological disruption, evolving internet regulation, cybersecurity threats, and shifting Canada-U.S. economic and policy dynamics, having a strong, independent Canadian voice in internet governance has never been more important.

That’s why Webnames believes the CIRA’s Board Election and Annual General Meeting (AGM) are particularly significant in 2026.

As the steward of the .CA domain and a leading advocate for a trusted internet in Canada, CIRA depends on the participation of its members to help guide its direction and priorities. Whether you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, nonprofit, community organization, or individual Canadian with a .CA domain, your voice can help influence how Canada’s internet continues to evolve.

Why CIRA Matters in 2026

CIRA is the not-for-profit organization responsible for operating and managing the .CA domain on behalf of Canadians. Today, millions of individuals, businesses, and organizations trust .CA as their online home in large part because it operates under Canadian laws, policies, and governance.

But CIRA’s role extends beyond management of the .CA domain.

Through its community initiatives and funding, advocacy work, cybersecurity services, internet performance work, and more, CIRA helps strengthen Canada’s digital infrastructure and supports a more secure, resilient, and inclusive internet for everyone.

We believe this has added significance in 2026.

As governments around the world continue to grapple with questions around artificial intelligence, platform governance, cybersecurity, data protection, and digital sovereignty, decisions about internet infrastructure and policy increasingly affect Canada’s economic competitiveness, cultural identity, and national resilience.

In an era where many online services, platforms, and digital ecosystems are controlled outside Canada’s borders, .CA remains one of the most visible and trusted symbols of Canada’s independent online presence.

What Does the CIRA Board Do?

CIRA is governed by a Board of Directors that provides strategic oversight and helps guide the organization’s mission and long-term priorities.

Board members play an important role in overseeing:

The management and security of the .CA registry
CIRA’s investments in Canada’s internet infrastructure
Cybersecurity initiatives and programs
Community funding and internet development projects
Policy and governance matters affecting Canada’s online future
Long-term strategy and organizational accountability

In addition to overseeing CIRA’s strategic affairs, directors elected by members help ensure that CIRA continues to reflect the needs and interests of Canadians while maintaining a trusted, stable, and secure internet ecosystem. This is how the Board helps shape how CIRA contributes to the future of Canada’s internet.

Why Your Voice & Vote Matters

One of the unique things about CIRA is that it is member-driven. Unlike many internet organizations, CIRA gives eligible members a direct say in its governance process through nominations, endorsements, elections, and voting at its Annual General Meeting.

Every endorsement, ballot, and vote helps determine the direction of the .CA registry and who will represent the interests of Canadian internet users, businesses, and organizations in the years ahead.

At a moment when Canadians are paying closer attention to questions of economic sovereignty, domestic innovation, digital infrastructure, and foreign platform dependence, participating in CIRA’s governance is one way to voice support for a strong Canadian internet.

CIRA 2026 Board Election: Key Dates

The 2026 board election process is already underway, and there are several opportunities for members to get involved.

September 3-10

Member Endorsement Period – Beginning September 3 at 2:00 p.m. ET, members can endorse their preferred nominees. Candidates must receive at least 20 member endorsements to advance to the final ballot.

Learn more about the individuals making up the slate of nominee members here.

September 10

Final Candidates Announced – The successful nominees moving on to the election ballot will be announced shortly after the endorsement period closes.

September 17

Virtual Candidate Meet & Greet – Join CIRA from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET to hear directly from this year’s candidates, learn more about their experience and perspectives, and ask questions before voting.

Register for the candidate Meet & Greet virtual event here.

September 16-23

Election Voting Period – New this year, voting opens before the AGM.
Eligible members can cast their vote beginning September 16, with voting remaining open until the AGM concludes on September 23.

For more information about the election process, candidate profiles, and voting details, visit CIRA’s 2026 Board Election page.

Don’t Miss the 2026 AGM

In addition to voting in the election, members are invited to attend CIRA’s 2026 Annual General Meeting. Fully virtual, the AGM is where CIRA presents its accomplishments from the past year, relevant news and future plans.

CIRA 2026 AGM
Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free for eligible voting members

The AGM gives members an opportunity to:

Learn about CIRA’s accomplishments over the past year
Hear updates on initiatives supporting a trusted internet in Canada
Review financial performance and governance matters
Vote on key resolutions
Ask questions directly to CIRA leadership
Participate in the democratic governance of the organization

As an added bonus, CIRA will donate $10 to United Way Canada for every attendee, helping support communities across the country. Members who stay for the entire meeting will also be eligible to receive one of 50 CIRA giftboxes.

While AGMs may not sound like the most exciting of events on paper, CIRA consistently delivers a well-run, informative event that offers valuable insight into the organization’s work, future priorities, and the evolving state of Canada’s internet ecosystem. It’s one of the best opportunities each year for members to engage directly with CIRA leadership and fellow community members.

.CA Owner, But Not a CIRA Member Yet? Here’s How to Join

As mentioned, to participate in the board election and AGM, you must be a CIRA member. The good news is that if you own a .CA domain name, membership is completely free.

To become a member, you need to meet the following criteria:

Hold an active .CA domain registration
Create or verify your account through the CIRA Membership Portal
Complete the membership application process

Learn more about CIRA membership and enroll on the CIRA Membership page. Membership remains active as long as you maintain an eligible .CA domain registration. In addition to election and AGM participation, members also receive communications about governance, special events, and opportunities to help shape the future of Canada’s internet.