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Advisory councils – Health

The Regional Advisory Councils and Indigenous Advisory Council will listen to communities and recommend ways to improve the health care system.

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Health

Important dates

We are accepting applications to join the Regional Advisory Councils and the Indigenous Advisory Council over 2 stages:

  • April 16 to April 30 for possible appointment in the spring of 2024.
  • May 1 to August 30 for possible appointment between fall and the end of 2024.

Learn how to apply.

Overview

As part of the government’s work to refocus the province’s health care system, we are creating 12 Regional Advisory Councils and an Indigenous Advisory Council to bring forward local priorities and give input on ways to improve the health care system. 

These groups will bring together the perspectives of families, patients, health care workers and community leaders and help focus Alberta’s health care system to provide consistent, timely access to care – when and where you need it.

Learn more about the health care refocusing.

Regional Advisory Councils

Roles and responsibilities

The Regional Advisory Councils will represent their communities’ perspectives and the unique needs of each region. Members will:

  • bring local and regional perspectives to directly advise government and the new primary care, acute care, continuing care, and mental health and addiction organizations on health clinical service planning, capital planning and workforce planning
  • provide advice on strategies and approach to engage local communities, as required  
  • collaborate with community partners to identify local health system issues and explore potential solutions to issues
  • identify opportunities for the health system to better support local decision-making

The councils will be established as public agencies with an advisory role and are subject to the Alberta Public Agencies Governance Act.

  • Council membership

    The councils will reflect the makeup of communities in a region. Council members will represent a wide range of backgrounds and diverse experiences, including:

    • Albertans receiving health care services
    • health care workers
    • community leaders
    • Indigenous representatives
    • municipal representatives

    It’s anticipated each Regional Advisory Council will include up to 16 members, including a council chair. 

    Each member will be assigned to the council that represent the region where they reside. While boundaries for each council are currently being reviewed, they will be similar to the previous boundaries set by the Health Advisory Councils under Alberta Health Services.

  • Eligibility

    All council members must be 18 years or older and Alberta residents.

    A member’s appointment should not result in an actual or perceived conflict of interest that cannot be managed.

    Members must:

    • be able to take an active role and engage with their community
    • understand the needs of communities in their region
    • prepare for, attend, and participate in council meetings
    • be willing to consider diverse perspectives
    • provide input to the Ministry of Health on issues affecting the community

    Skills and experience

    Members should:

    • have experience volunteering or working in their communities
    • demonstrate basic knowledge and understanding of Alberta’s health care system
    • have strong communication skills
    • be able to cultivate respectful relationships and demonstrate integrity, impartiality, collaboration, and inclusiveness  
    • foster respect for the beliefs and traditions of others
    • discourage behaviours or practices that may be perceived as unfair, biased, or critical towards others

  • Time commitment

    • 4 to 6 meetings per year
    • A mix of virtual and in-person meetings

    There may be other expectations outside of council meetings, such as taking part in community engagements, preparing for meetings and developing proposals. 

  • Travel and reimbursement

    • Members are not paid for time spent on a council.
    • Council members may be reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses during the course of performing their duties as council members and to attend council meetings based on the Travel, Meal, and Hospitality Expenses Policy.

  • Term length

    Members will be appointed for a term of up to 3 years.

Indigenous Advisory Council

Roles and responsibilities

The Indigenous Advisory Council will have a provincial scope and provide advice on priorities and ways to improve health care for Indigenous Peoples. Members will:

  • bring Indigenous perspectives to directly advise government and the new primary care, acute care, continuing care, and mental health and addiction organizations on clinical service planning, capital planning and workforce planning
  • bring the voice of the community, and amplify local health needs, clinical service access issues, and cultural requirements
  • inform practices and protocols associated with culturally appropriate program and service delivery
  • explore opportunities to integrate traditional Indigenous practices and teachings
  • provide advice on goals and measurable outcomes to ensure the programs and services support Indigenous Peoples to meet health and wellness needs
  • identify Indigenous partnerships and service providers to support continuity of care between acute care, primary care, continuing care, mental health and addiction, and community care

The council will be established as a public agency with an advisory role and is subject to the Alberta Public Agencies Governance Act.

  • Council membership

    Indigenous council members will represent a wide range of geographic locations and diverse experiences, including: 

    • Indigenous Peoples receiving health care services
    • Indigenous health care workers
    • Indigenous community leaders

    The council will include up to 22 members, including a council chair.

  • Eligibility

    All council members must be 18 years or older, identify as First Nation, Métis or Inuit and reside within the boundaries of the province of Alberta.

    A member’s appointment should not result in an actual or perceived conflict of interest that cannot be managed. 

    Members must:

    • be able to take an active role and engage with their community
    • prepare for, attend, and participate in meetings of the council
    • provide input to the Ministry of Health on issues affecting the community

    Skills and experience

    Members should:

    • have knowledge of community health needs and gaps in care
    • have knowledge of traditional medicines, cultural practices, and ceremonies
    • understand practices and protocols associated with culturally appropriate programs and service design and delivery
    • understand issues affecting rural and remote Indigenous communities and resources required to improve access to care
    • have strong communication skills

  • Time commitment

    • 4 to 6 meetings per year
    • A mix of virtual and in-person meetings

    There may be other expectations outside of council meetings, such as taking part in community engagements, preparing for meetings and developing proposals. 

  • Travel and reimbursement

    • Members are not paid for time spent on a council.
    • Council members may be reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses during the course of performing their duties as council members and to attend council meetings based on the Travel, Meal, and Hospitality Expenses Policy.

  • Term length

    Members will be appointed for a term of up to 3 years.

How to apply

Step 1. Read the guidelines

Step 2. Complete the online application package

Apply to join the Regional Advisory Councils

Apply to join the Indigenous Advisory Council

Both applications will require you to submit a resumé.

Your application and supporting documents must be received between:

  • April 16 and April 30, 2024, for possible appointment in the spring of 2024
  • May 1 and August 30, 2024, for possible appointment between fall and the end of 2024

After you apply

  • Applicants who are most suitable for the council member role will be contacted for an interview. 
  • Following the interview, final applicants may be asked to provide:
  • Successful applicants will be appointed to one of the councils in the region where they reside. 
  • Successful applicants for the Indigenous Advisory Council may also be appointed to a Regional Advisory Council based on the region where they reside. 
  • Members will be appointed over 2 stages in spring 2024 and between fall and the end of 2024.
  • Regional Advisory Councils and the Indigenous Advisory Council are expected to be established in spring 2024.
  • The names and biographies of council members and chairs will be published on the Public Agency Secretariat website.

Contact

Connect with the Advisory Councils Secretariat:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-644-0878
Email: [email protected]

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