This Council will be responsible for governing the regulation of the following seven health professional groups: Acupuncturists, Audiologists, Speech Language Pathologists, Dental Hygienists, Medical Laboratory Technologists, Midwives, and Respiratory Therapists.
The composition of the Council shall reflect the cultural, ethnic, and regional diversity of the province.
The Council shall consist of:
• one member of each college's board of directors elected from and by each college in accordance with the council's by-laws
• six members appointed by the Minister, who shall not be a member of a college, to represent the public interest
Diversity in the backgrounds, skills, knowledge, and experience of appointed Council members can enhance the effectiveness of a Council by bringing a wider range of perspectives and knowledge. The member should possess the following:
• Knowledge of the Health Professions Act
• Ability to think strategically and engage in future-oriented discussion and planning
• Financial expertise/literacy/technological competence
• Ability to serve the public in a manner that protects and serves the public interest
• Familiarity with the principals of good governance, including accountability, transparency and ethical conduct
• Leadership skills that foster a diverse and respectful environment
• Backgrounds: health care, governance, legal expertise, information technology, communications, public relations
The following attributes are important considerations in selecting members:
• Expressed interest in health care
• Previous board experience
• High ethical standards and integrity
• Appreciation of the responsibilities to the public
• Flexible, responsive and willing to consider others’ opinions
• Capable of a broad perspective on issues
• Ability to listen and work as a team member
• No direct or indirect conflict of interest
• Strategic planning experience
• Effective communication skills (written and oral)
• Policy development experience
• Leadership/management skills
Council meetings generally last 3.5 - 4 hours and are held a minimum of three times per year. An additional 1-2 hours in preparation for Council meetings is usually required. In addition, members are required to attend the Council’s Annual General Meeting, any education sessions and strategic planning sessions.
Council members are expected to be a member of at least one of the committees of Council. The committees of the Council generally meet a minimum of three times per year for a 2.5 hour meeting; depending upon the nature of the work, committees may meet more often.
A person appointed holds office for a term of three years and is eligible to be re-appointed. Where a person appointed holds office for a period of nine consecutive years, the person is not eligible for appointment as a member of the Council until the expiration of 12 months from the end of the year in which he or she was last a member.
Where the term of office of a member of the Council expires and a successor has not been elected or appointed, the member may continue to hold office until a successor is elected or appointed.
