The University of Ottawa's School of Management’s Centre for Executive Education created The Leadership Forum in 2006. Business leaders are extremely concerned about accountability for their people, teams and the organization itself – to all its stakeholders. The Forum was created and led by Peter Cleveland. Forty of Canada's most promising young leaders are invited to participate. The Forum is sponsored Scotia Bank, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Minto Group, Scotiaband, IBM, Ottawa Business Journal and CATA Alliance.

In designing the Leadership Forum Dean Michael Kelly said, “What we hope to achieve is a forum that is practical, that gives realistic stories of what the most effective ways are to implement accountability, and to pass it from one generation to another.”

The Forum has focused on the most effective ways to implement accountability. As young leaders rise through the ranks, it is hoped that they will pass on what they have learned and the message will filter down through their organization. Rob Ashe, President & CEO of Cognos Incorporated, who is responsible for the strategic vision, direction and day-to-day leadership of the Corporation, spoke at one session linking accountability to business objectives. By listening to Ashe and other speakers, we are hopeful Forum candidates will return to their workplaces as disciples to grow and mentor their colleagues.

Leadership Forum subjects included creating a culture of accountability, creating a culture of innovation, and excellence in education. Speakers included the following business leaders:

• Paul Coffin
• Rob Ashe
• Don Smith
• Rod Bryden
• Jim Roche