The Royal College is governed by Council

Council acts as the Royal College’s policy-setting board and is our ultimate decision-making body. Specifically, Council sets strategic and governance policy, establishes our mission and vision, and provides oversight by monitoring the manner in which policies and decisions are implemented. Meet our Council members.

Large, diverse perspectives.

Council meets four times a year. Two of its meetings are in-person (June and December); and two are virtual (March and September). Virtual participation is supported when travel to Ottawa for in-person meetings is not possible. It is chaired by the President and includes either the Past-President or President-Elect, 24 region- and division-specific Fellows, and up to five public members, two Fellows-at-large and one resident member. Council members are elected by Members of the Royal College at the Annual Meeting of the Members (AMM). Region- and division-specific Fellows join Council for four years, renewable once. Public members and Fellows-at-large serve on Council for two years, renewable up to three times. The resident member serves a two year term and is ineligible to be re-elected under this category following the conclusion of their term. All Council positions are volunteer roles.

Council members are elected by the Members of the Royal College in accordance with Royal College Bylaw 22 , Article 11.2 and 11.3.

Council consists of twenty-four region- and division-specific Fellows (Article 11.1.2) and up to five public members, two Fellows-at-large and one resident member (Article 11.1.3). The Councillors described under article 11.1.3 are elected to complement the skills and perspectives of the region- and division- specific Fellows of Council. As future Fellows of the Royal College, residents are also assured a voice on Council with the election of a specialty resident member to Council. The resident member is invited to speak impartially on issues affecting all residents.

Executive Committee supports Council

An Executive Committee of Council — chaired by the President of the Royal College and including officers and standing committee chairs — supports Council and has delegated authority as defined by Council and the applicable bylaw. The Executive Committee of Council meets face-to-face at least three times a year.

Volunteers are indispensable in our governance

Volunteers (Fellows and lay volunteers) are a key feature in Royal College governance, with roughly 4,000 sustaining our committees, exams boards, surveys and other activities. Fellows also shape our direction and policies through various outreach programs, publications, focus groups and conferences.