Council Member Role Description
All Council members make decisions in the public interest, combining this responsibility with an understanding of the profession and the settings in which it is practised. Council is made up of 14 RNs and 7 RPNs elected by their peers through regional elections, and 14 to 18 public members appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor-in-Council. Collectively they are responsible for setting the direction for regulation of the nursing profession under the framework of the Regulated Health Professions Act and the Nursing Act.
In performing this function, Council members are expected to:
Understand and fulfill their role
- Demonstrate accountability to the public through decision-making in the public interest.
- Identify and address conflict of interest situations as set out in the Conduct By-Law.
- Understand and identify cases in which prior knowledge may affect the ability to make a specific decision on a statutory committee.
- Recognize and respect confidential information learned in the course of CNO activities and avoid any behaviour that has the potential to create a perception of sharing of confidential information (e.g., posting information about the College on a social networking site).
- Understand the distinct roles and responsibilities of the governing board and staff.
- Maintain constructive, collaborative and mutually respectful relations with other Council members and staff.
- Support and, when asked, explain Council decisions and rationale to colleagues and other individuals who express interest.
Possess the necessary knowledge
- Participate in required annual orientation activities.
- Maintain a knowledge of College functions and issues facing Council.
- Maintain a knowledge of legislation and issues relevant to committees on which they participate.
- Review all preparatory material in advance of Council and committee meetings.
- Identify information needed to enhance Council and committee discussions and decision-making.
- Listen to presentations and to the discussion of issues during Council meetings.
- Ask questions if more information is required for informed decision-making.
Effectively participate in Council decision-making
- Arrange schedule to allow attendance at meetings.
- Contribute constructively to Council and committee discussions and decision-making.
- Participate in Council and committee decision-making by voting.
- Understand the requirements for conflict of interest and declare a conflict when appropriate.
- Resolve concerns with the committee chair, Council President, or Vice-Presidents.
- Respect the perspective and input of other Council members and the regulatory expertise of staff.
- Identify issues to be added to the Council or committee agenda, in advance of the meeting and in accordance with the criteria for Council consideration of an issue.
- Understand and follow the rules of order adopted by Council.
Term of office
The term of office for Council members is three years and service is limited to two consecutive terms.
