Every year, half of the Board of Governor seats at the CCCJ come up for election. The Chamber opens a call for nominations, and any member in good standing can run. We’ve had some amazing slates of diverse and talented candidates in recent years, and not by chance.

Seeking out talented candidates and encouraging them to throw their hats into the ring is the mission of the Nominations Committee. With our 2024 election coming up, we thought it was time to spotlight the committee’s invaluable contributions.

What is the Nominations Committee, who’s on it, and what is the committee’s mission?

Riyo: The CCCJ Nominations Committee is appointed every year to solicit and receive nominations of candidates to stand for the upcoming election. This year, the committee is comprised of Governors Neil van Wouw and myself, since we are not up for election. There are six governor slots open, and we’re on a mission to bring in a diverse group of candidates to fill those positions.

Why did you decide to get involved?

Riyo: I worked on the Nominations Committee a couple of years ago, and it was a very interesting and enjoyable experience, so I wanted to serve on the committee once again. The role gives me the motivation and opportunity to contact many, many people during our search to find suitable candidates. I contacted and got to know members, new members contacted me, rekindled old contacts, and even recruited some new members.

Neil: I’ve been on the Nominations Committee several times, and it’s always an honour to be part of the process where members democratically choose caandidates for the next Board. It’s such a critical step in keeping the Chamber thriving, and it’s very exciting to see more candidates than ever raise their hand to be involved.

What’s the best part of being on the committee?

Riyo: Getting to know more members, hearing what they want from CCCJ, and what they can do for CCCJ!

Neil: Seeing the end result. The membership has repeatedly voted for more diversity on the Board as more choices have been made available through the nomination process. It is so satisfying to see the energy and engagement of the boards that come out of this process.

Why is it important to the CCCJ to ensure that we have a full and diverse slate of candidates for every election?

Riyo: We have a great diversification policy in our bylaws. It guides us to make our best effort to have a diverse and inclusive slate of candidates. This provides the CCCJ with the best chance of having a Board of Governors that represents different industries, experiences and perspectives who will contribute to wholesome governance.

If you could recruit any celebrity to run for the Board of the CCCJ, who would you recruit and why?

Riyo: I think we should recruit Katsura Sunshine! He happens to be a Canadian who is practically Japanese as well, and he can write our minutes in rakugo and undoubtedly add humour to our Board!

Neil: I love Riyo’s pick, but if I had to go with someone else, I’d say how about Avril Lavigne? She has a huge fanbase in Japan, loves the country, has done various collabs with brands here, and sounds very entrepreneurial. I think she’d bring some interesting new energy to the CCCJ.

(Editor’s Note: The Nominations Committee has spoken. We shall be contacting Mr. Sunshine’s and Ms. Lavigne’s agents.)

Any final messages for the candidates running in this year’s CCCJ election?

Riyo & Neil: We wish each and every candidate a terrific experience in running for a seat at the CCCJ Board of Governors. Whether you get there or not, please remember that there really isn’t a win or lose. You don’t have to be on the board to continue to help strengthen and deepen the Canada-Japan relation through CCCJ—especially with all our wonderful committees! Nonetheless, we look forward to having a great Board! All the best, candidates!

A special committee mixer event, and the committee in action