Institutional Cybersecurity Advisory Council (ICAC)

The Institutional Cybersecurity Advisory Council (ICAC – “eye-see-a-see”) is a national, institution‑focused advisory body that provides CANARIE with strategic guidance on cybersecurity priorities, trends, and needs across Canada’s research and education (R&E) sector. 

The ICAC brings together institutional leaders from across the country to share insights, surface emerging issues, and help inform the direction of national cybersecurity services that support the sector. 

The ICAC aims to strengthen connections between institutions and CANARIE, supporting better alignment between community needs and national cybersecurity initiativeshas and to create space for shared learning and for diverse perspectives to inform CANARIE’s work. 

What the ICAC does 

The ICAC serves as: 

• A trusted forum where institutional leaders share cybersecurity risks, priorities, and needs at a national level 

• An early sounding board for emerging national direction and the evolution of shared cybersecurity services 

• A structured channel for two‑way communication between CANARIE and the community 

The ICAC is advisory in nature. It does not provide operational oversight, approve funding, or make decisions on behalf of institutions. 

Council Composition 

The ICAC will be composed exclusively of institutional representatives from: 

• universities, 

• colleges, 

• polytechnics, 

• cégeps, and 

• research institutes across Canada. 

A minimum target of 30% French‑speaking or bilingual members will support meaningful bilingual participation. 

Timeline and Next Steps 

The ICAC will be established through a phased and transparent process that supports broad awareness and community input. 

Key Milestones 

• Call for nominations opens: May 25, 2026 

• Nomination deadline: June 12, 2026 

• Review and selection: June-July 2026 

• ICAC membership announced: August 2026 

• First ICAC meeting: September/October 2026 

Selection considerations 

Members will be selected through a structured review process that considers: 

• Leadership experience and strategic perspective, 

• Ability to contribute institution‑level insight, 

• Capacity to engage peers and support two‑way dialogue, and 

• Overall balance across institution type, geography, roles, gender and language. 

The process is designed to build a collaborative and effective council, with flexibility to adapt over time. 

Expectations of ICAC members 

ICAC membership goes beyond attending meetings. Members are expected to actively engage with the community they represent and support ongoing two‑way dialogue. 

This includes: 

• participation in quarterly meetings (four per year), 

• preparation for and active contribution to discussions, 

• regular engagement with represented institutions or sector groups to gather perspectives, 

• sharing updates and outcomes with peers, in partnership with CANARIE, and 

• contributing to optional topic‑based workstreams as needed. 

The estimated time commitment is 2–3 hours per month, on average. 

The ICAC will meet quarterly. Meetings will generally be virtual, with one in‑person meeting per year planned. High‑level outcomes and meeting notes will be shared publicly to support transparency. 

Submit a Nomination 

The nomination period will open May 25, 2026.

Contact Us 

For questions about the ICAC or the nomination process, please contact [email protected]