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Part of Health

Advisory councils – Health

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

Important dates

Recruitment for the advisory councils has closed. We continue to process applications.

Find your council

Overview

As part of the government’s work to refocus the province’s health care system, we are creating 14 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.

Find your council

Locate your Regional Advisory Council based on the region and community where you live.

Find my council now 

How to apply

The recruitment for the advisory councils has closed. We are currently processing applications.

  • 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. 
  • Regional Advisory Councils and the Indigenous Advisory Council are expected to be established in the coming weeks.
  • The names and biographies of council members and chairs will be published on the Public Agency Secretariat website.
  • The application to join the council may reopen to fill future vacancies.

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 advise government and the new primary care, acute care, continuing care, and mental health and addiction provincial health agencies on 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

  • 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 represents the region where they reside.

    Find your health council region and boundaries.

  • 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

    • Four 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 and preparing for meetings.

  • 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 advise government and the new primary care, acute care, continuing care, and mental health and addiction provincial health agencies 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

  • 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

    • Four 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 and preparing for meetings.

  • 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.

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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