The Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Advisory Council reports to the Minister of Health and Community Services and advises on key mental health and addictions matters to support decision-making and policy development. The Advisory Council also provides input and oversight of the completion of all actions outlined in the five-year provincial action plans: Our Path of Resilience: An Action Plan to Promote Life and Prevent Suicide in Newfoundland and Labrador and the Provincial Alcohol Action Plan: Reducing Alcohol Harms and Costs in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The composition of the Advisory Council shall reflect the cultural, ethnic, and regional diversity of the province.
Membership, including the chairperson and vice-chairperson are appointed by the Minister and consist of no less than 12 and no more than 15 members.
Diversity in the backgrounds, skills, knowledge, and experiences of appointed Advisory Council members enhance the effectiveness of the Advisory Council by bringing a wider range of perspectives and knowledge.
Examples may include:
• Knowledge of the Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Advisory Council
• Knowledge of mental health and addictions services
• Legal expertise related to mental health and addictions
• Clinical expertise related to mental health and addictions
• Communication and analytical skills, including the ability to facilitate discussion and articulate recommendations
• Leadership skills, including the ability to motivate others towards achieving the Advisory Council’s purpose.
The following attributes are important considerations in selecting members:
• Expressed interest in health care
• Lived or living experience (individual or family)
• High ethical standards and integrity
• Appreciation of the responsibilities to the public
• Flexible, responsive and willing to consider others’ opinions
• Capable of a wide perspective on issues
• Ability to listen and work as a team member
• No direct or indirect conflict of interest
• Strong reasoning and conflict resolution skills
• Strategic planning experience
• Effective communication skills (written and oral)
• Policy development experience
• Leadership/management skills
• Available to participate in Advisory Council meetings
Membership should also carefully consider the inclusion of individuals with diverse experiences including, but not limited to, regional representation, age, ethnicity, disability, gender balance and lived and living experience with mental illness, substance use disorders and addictions.
The Advisory Council meets every two months or at the call of the chair. Meetings will take place by videoconference, unless specified otherwise.
A member of the Advisory Council shall be appointed for a term of three years and may be re-appointed to one further term of three years for a maximum of six years.
Where the term of office of a member expires, and a successor has not yet been appointed, the member may continue to hold office until a successor has been appointed.
