In September 1958, a dedicated group of data processors (DP) got together to talk about common concerns of DP workers. That conference demonstrated to participants the value of sharing ideas, networking with fellow professionals, and learning about coming changes in the technology, practices, and management of information systems. This event sparked the formation of the The Computing and Data Processing Society of Canada. In 1968, the society changed its name to the current Canadian Information Processing Society.
In the mid-1980s, as the needs of information systems practitioners evolved, CIPS saw the need to develop a comprehensive professionalism program for the IT industry. The Information Systems Professional of Canada (I.S.P.) designation, a direct result of CIPS' focus on professionalism, was introduced in May 1989.
Today, we see a strong IT industry in Canada and CIPS sections in all the major centers across Canada serving thousands of IT professionals. CIPS has technical awareness, education, and networking events in every area of the country; the professionalism program has had good penetration in our society; the I.S.P. is legally recognized in six provinces (and counting); and mutual recognition agreements are in place with other national societies in the US, Europe, and Asia.
History details (logo, founder, presidents, society) are located here.
