Council member role and description

Authority

The Council is the governing body for the College. 

Each member of the Council, acting in a position of trust for the membership and the community, is responsible for the effective governance of the organization and is responsible for meeting the statutory, fiduciary and ethical responsibilities of the College.  

Term

• Elected members serve a maximum of three consecutive three-year terms
• The term length for the Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine Appointee is determined by the Dean
• Public Representatives serve a maximum of two consecutive three-year terms
• The term length for Maritime Resident Doctors Appointee is determined by the appointed resident’s availability

Conflicts

Sitting members of Council must not represent a health organization whose mission may conflict with the College, including but not limited to:  Doctors Nova Scotia, Canadian Medical Association, and the Canadian Medical Protective Association. 

More specifically, sitting members must not sit on the Board of, or occupy a senior position with, such an organization. 

If sitting members provide some service to such organizations, such as participating on working Committees, this activity should be reported to Council for assessment of possible conflict of interest.

Requirements

• Knowledge of and interest in professional regulation and working knowledge of the Medical Act
• Understanding of the statutory, fiduciary and ethical responsibilities of the College
• Willingness to work as an effective and respectful Council and Committee member
• Commitment to the work of the College (a time commitment of 14 hours per month, including Council preparation, meeting and committee meeting time)
• Understanding of the services provided by the College and publicly supporting them
• Computer skills to keep pace with the College’s commitment to security and a paper free workplace

Major duties

• Govern the College in accordance with the Medical Act and consistent with the broad policies developed by the Council
• Serve on at least one committee and actively participate (with the exception of the Residents’ Position on Council)
• Prepare for, attend and participate in the discussions and the deliberations of the Council
• Recognize and be prepared to identify a conflict of interest
• Be accountable to the membership for the services provided
• Abide by and support majority decisions of Council
• Attest to the public accountability of Council process

Approved by Council:

October 17, 2025