Established in 1941, The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is an international professional association with global headquarters in Lake Mary, Florida, USA. The IIA is the internal audit profession's global voice, recognized authority, acknowledged leader, chief advocate, and principal educator. Generally, members work in internal auditing, risk management, governance, internal control, information technology audit, education, and security.

Globally, The IIA has more than 185,000 members. The IIA in North America comprises 160 chapters serving more than 70,000 members in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean (Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Curacao, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and Turks & Caicos), Bermuda, Guyana, and Trinidad & Tobago.

The Institute of Internal Auditors Canada (IIA Canada) is affiliated with this global body, serving the needs of more than 7600 members in Canada. With its headquarters in Ottawa, IIA Canada works in partnership with its 12 chapters across the nation, providing training, publications, and services for its members, and advocating for the profession to key government and regulatory bodies and related organizations. Members enjoy benefits offered by the North American Service Center including local, national, and global professional networking; world-class training; certification; standards and guidance; research; executive development; career opportunities; and more.

Although the first chapter in Canada was established in Toronto in 1944, and chapters grew in number across the country, a national body was not envisioned until the early 2000’s, when Canadian leaders identified unique needs that were not being met by the North American or Global components of The IIA. A Canadian Council was established in 2006 to provide a voice for the profession in Canada.

Today, IIA Canada is guided by the Canadian Board and operates as a “virtual” institute, with support and many services provided by its larger North American body headquartered in the USA, but with responsibility for advocacy efforts, programs, services and budget relating to Canadian members. These close ties ensure that Canadian members receive all the benefits from the North American organization while receiving enhanced benefits from a Canadian perspective.