Note: This article was originally posted in our Autumn 2018 newsletter, and has not been updated.
Council has approved changes to the College’s General By-law. These changes were the subject of a public consultation over the summer, and we thank everyone who took the time to share their feedback.
Eligibility Criteria for Elections and Appointments and Disqualification Criteria
Council approved changes to the eligibility criteria for nomination to Council, appointment to Committees as well as disqualification criteria of sitting Council members.
The amended by-law states that criminal charges, findings of criminal guilt, as well as cautions ordered by the Inquires, Complaints, and Reports Committee are included as criteria for ineligibility or disqualification. The requirement to receive an oral caution or to complete a Specified Continuing Education and Remediation Program makes a candidate ineligible if it was completed within the past three years, as these activities are considered remedial and not punitive. All of the new criteria can be found under article 5.08 Eligibility for Election, 6.12 Eligibility for Appointment, and 9.02 Disqualification of Council Members in the General By-law.
Ontario families must have trust in Council members’ and non-council Committee members’ personal and professional conduct, as these decision makers are accountable to the public. We believe that by holding decision makers to high and achievable standards, we are ensuring public trust in the College.
Governance training
In the effort to improve Council and Committees’ competency, a training program related to the duties, obligations, and expectations of Council and Committee members is being developed by the College. The completion of this program will be a requirement to sit on Council or a Committee.
Council approved previously attended Council orientation training and experience on Council as equivalent to the training program for existing/former Council members who choose to run for subsequent elections or choose to apply for non-Council appointments.
Appointment of non-Council public members to Committees
In the College’s 2017-2020 Strategic Plan, Public Participation & Engagement was identified as one of the strategic priorities. Council also committed to increasing public involvement in the College’s governance structure and in the design of the College’s regulatory work. We believe that the appointment of non-Council public members demonstrates the College’s commitment to public engagement and will bring the voices of the clients and the public into decisions that are relevant to them. See more about the implementation plan for the appointment of non-Council public members here.
Gender Inclusive Language
The amended By-law also addresses gender inclusive language and general improvements for clarity and cohesion with the College’s governance policies.