The College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario is the governing body for Psychologists, Psychological Associates, and Behaviour Analysts in Ontario. The College’s mandate is to protect the public interest by regulating the practice of psychology and applied behaviour analysis (ABA) in Ontario. The College is governed by a Council comprised of ten elected professional psychology and ABA members, two to four appointed academic members of the professions, and eight to thirteen public members appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council. In addition, there is one elected, non-voting Psychological Associate member. All members of the College Council, whether elected or appointed, represent the public and not the constituency of the district or university from which they were elected or appointed.
At the end of March of each year, the College holds elections for those Council seats for which the terms of office are ending.
INAUGURAL ELECTION TO COUNCIL 2024 – BEHAVIOUR ANALYSTS
Nominations are now open.
The inaugural elections of Behaviour Analysts will take place on September 6, 2024. The number of members to be elected in this District is three.
The two members elected with the highest and second highest number of votes are elected for a three-year term ending in June 2027, with the next election to be held in March 2027 and every third year after that.
The member elected with the third highest number of votes is elected for a two-year term ending in June 2026, with the next election to be held in March 2026 and every third year after that.
If the number of candidates nominated for Electoral District 8 is equal to the number of members to be elected in the electoral district, the Registrar shall determine the length of the initial term for each candidate by lot.
Electoral District 8 is composed of the constituency of Behaviour Analysts.
WHY GET INVOLVED?
Members of the Council of the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts have a direct voice in determining policies, programs and services that ensure the delivery of safe and effective psychological and behavioural services. Involvement on Council provides members of the College with an opportunity to take an active role in the self-regulation of the professions. Members provide insight to Council discussions, drawing upon their wealth of knowledge, expertise, and individual diversity. During the three-year term, members will enhance their understanding of the inner workings of College governance and its processes, have an impact on how the profession is regulated, and help shape the future of the profession in Ontario. Becoming a Council member is not only an opportunity to take part in important decision-making but to learn new skills and become a leader in the profession.
Committee participation may be counted toward one’s Continuing Professional Development requirement (Section C – Additional Professional Development Activities).
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
District 8 (Behaviour Analysts) Members of the College who wish to assist in making decisions that reflect the College’s mandate to protect the public interest and who are willing to commit the time to participate on Council and its Committees.
The College recognizes the importance of a Council that reflects equity, diversity, and inclusion and appreciates the benefits inherent in these broad and varied points of view. Ontario is home to one of the most diverse populations in the world – most Ontarians can trace their roots outside of Canada. Ontarians represent diversity of race, indigeneity, places of origin, religion, immigrant and newcomer status, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, socioeconomic status, and age. Recognizing this, the College believes that the needs of the public and the profession are best served through the involvement of those who recognize, respect, and promote the value inherent in such diversity.
Through its Council and Committees, the College endeavours to reflect the diversity of the Ontario public served by Psychologists, Psychological Associates, and Behaviour Analysts.
WHAT SHOULD MEMBERS BRING TO THE COUNCIL?
Council is best able to carry out its responsibilities effectively when its members bring some or all of the following knowledge, skills, abilities and attitudes to the Council table:
- Commitment to the College’s mandate of public protection and serving the public interest;
- Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion;
- Familiarity with the College’s governing legislation/s and an understanding of the professional context within which the College operates;
- Ability to listen and communicate clearly and effectively;
- Commitment to ongoing professional development to enhance expertise and to remain current in regulatory matters;
- Commitment to fair and transparent processes within the limitations set by legislation; and,
- Computer literacy.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO BE NOMINATED FOR ELECTION?
To be eligible to be nominated to serve on the College Council, a Behaviour Analyst is eligible for election to the Council in Electoral District 8 if, on the date of the elections, the member holds a Certificate authorizing autonomous practice as a Behaviour Analyst.
To be nominated, member must not be in default of payment of any fees. Their Certificate of Registration must not have been revoked or suspended in the six years preceding the date of the election, or subject to a term, condition or limitation, as a result of a disciplinary action, within two years preceding the date of the election.
A member may be a candidate for election in only one electoral district in which they are an eligible voter.
To be eligible for nomination for election to Council, a member is not and has not been within one year before the date of election, a director, officer, board or committee member, or staff of any professional association involved in the advocacy for the professions.
The nomination shall be agreed to by the candidate and endorsed by at least 2 members who support the nomination and who are eligible to vote in Electoral District 8.
ORIENTATION PROGRAM
Prior to submitting a nomination form and nomination statement for the election, the member must complete an on-line Orientation Program which discusses the role and governance of the College and the duties, obligations and expectations of Council and Committee members. Upon completing the orientation, members will be required to submit a declaration attesting to the completion of the module.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE IN AN ELECTION?
Members must hold a Certificate of Registration Authorizing Autonomous, Interim Autonomous or Supervised Practice, or an Academic, Inactive or Retired Certificate of Registration on the date of the election are eligible to participate in the election.
All Behaviour Analysts eligible to vote in Electoral District 8 are eligible to be nominated, may support a nomination, and may vote.
A member who holds a certificate of registration to practise psychology and a certificate of registration to practise applied behaviour analysis may vote in the electoral district in which they are eligible to vote and in Electoral District 8.
VOTING PROCEDURES
All eligible voters will receive a link to the secure voting site no later than 15 days before the election. The site will host the final list of candidates in the electoral district and the Candidates’ Statement/Biography.
HOW LONG IS THE TERM OF OFFICE?
The term of office for elected members in Electoral District 8:
- The two members elected with the highest and second highest number of votes are elected for a three-year term ending in June 2027, with the next election to be held in March 2027 and every third year after that.
- The member elected with the third highest number of votes is elected for a two-year term ending in June 2026, with the next election to be held in March 2026 and every third year after that.
- If the number of candidates nominated for Electoral District 8 is equal to the number of members to be elected in the electoral district, the Registrar shall determine the length of the initial term for each candidate by lot.
The first Council meeting of the new term will take place on September 27, 2024. New Council members are expected to attend an orientation training session preceding the September 2024 meeting.
WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT?
Council meetings are held at least quarterly; June, September, December, and March usually on a Friday. When Council meets in person, meetings take place at the College offices in Toronto. Virtual meetings have been held over the past few years due to the pandemic and no decision has been made regarding a return to in-person meetings. Materials are provided to Council members at least a week in advance of the meeting to allow sufficient time for review in preparing for the meeting.
In addition to serving on the College Council, members are appointed to serve on Committees. The Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, requires the College to have seven Statutory Committees: Executive; Registration; Inquiries, Complaints and Reports; Discipline; Fitness to Practice; Quality Assurance; and Client Relations. In addition, the College has two non-statutory Committees: Finance and Audit, and Jurisprudence and Ethics Examination. The Executive Committee is elected from the members of the College Council. The remaining Committees are comprised of professional and public members of the Council and members of the College who are not members of the Council. All titles, Psychologist, Psychological Associate and Behaviour Analysts are represented on each Committee.
Committees meet on weekdays during regular business hours. All meetings are scheduled in advance through consultation with Committee members regarding their availability. In addition to attendance at meetings, Committee members are required to prepare for each meeting by reviewing a meeting package and any other related materials provided in advance of the meeting. Adequate preparation is critical to allow members to participate and contribute fully to discussions and to develop informed opinions in rendering decisions. The number of Committee and panel meetings held per year varies depending on the Committee. Below is a brief description of each Committee’s role and an estimate of the time commitment required. The availability of a computer/laptop is necessary as meeting documents are provided electronically. Council members generally serve on at least two Committees and may be appointed to act as a Committee Chair.
Currently, Committee meetings are being held by videoconference. Should the Committees return to in-person meetings, these would be held at the College offices in Toronto. Arrangements may be made for members who do not wish to travel to attend by videoconference.
COMMITTEE DESCRIPTIONS
REGISTRATION COMMITTEE
The Registration Committee is composed of at least three professional and three public members of Council, and at least two members of the College who are not on Council. This Committee reviews applications referred by the Registrar, to determine whether requirements for registration have been met, and to direct the Registrar respecting the issuance of Certificates of Registration and any terms, conditions, or limitations to be imposed. The Committee also reviews and advises on policies and guidelines related to College Registration.
Each member of the Registration Committee is appointed to one of two panels and may expect to attend a two-day meeting once every six to eight weeks. Generally, the full Committee meets for a half day plenary on the first day. This is followed by a half day meeting of one panel with the other panel meeting for a half day on the following day. Committee members are expected to allocate time for reviewing registration files prior to panel meetings; some of which may be very large.
INQUIRIES, COMPLAINTS AND REPORTS COMMITTEE
The Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee is composed of at least two professional and three public members of Council, and two members of the College who are not on Council. This Committee investigates complaints and reports regarding the conduct, capacity, or competence of members. The Committee also reviews and advises on policies and guidelines related to investigations and resolutions. Members appointed to Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee panels may expect to attend meetings four to five times a year with additional teleconferences scheduled as needed. Committee members will need to allocate time for reviewing files which may be very extensive.
DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE
The Discipline Committee is composed of at least six professional members and four public members of Council, and at least two members of the College who are not on Council. The panels of this Committee meet, as needed, to conduct Discipline Hearings at which allegations of professional misconduct or incompetence against members, referred by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, are heard. If appointed to a panel, Committee members are required to serve as needed for the duration of the hearing. These typically last for one day but could, in complex cases, last much longer. Members are consulted as to their availability before being appointed to a Discipline panel.
FITNESS TO PRACTICE COMMITTEE
The Fitness to Practice Committee is composed of at least two professional members and one public member of Council, and at least two members of the College who are not on Council. This Committee hears matters related to a member’s fitness to practice that are referred by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee. If appointed to a hearing panel, Committee members are required to serve as needed for the duration of the hearing. Members are consulted as to their availability before being appointed to the hearing panel.
QUALITY ASSURANCE COMMITTEE
The Quality Assurance Committee is composed of at least two professional members and one public member of Council, and at least two members of the College who are not on Council. This Committee meets five to six times per year, in person or by teleconference. It is responsible for the continued development and implementation of the Quality Assurance Program including the monitoring and auditing of the Self-Assessment Guide and Professional Development Plan, Continued Professional Development and the Peer Assisted Review process. It also advises on policies and guidelines related to Quality Assurance.
CLIENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE
The Client Relations Committee is composed of at least two professional and two public members of Council, and at least two members of the College who are not on Council. This Committee meets two to three times per year, in person or by teleconference. Development work is typically done between meetings. The Client Relations Committee advises the Council on the College’s client relations program including measures for preventing sexual abuse of clients by practitioners. The Committee administers the College’s Funding for Therapy or Counselling Program for Patient/Client Victims of Sexual Abuse by a Member. It also develops educational materials for members, guidelines for the conduct of members with their clients, training for College staff and the provision of information to the public.
ARE COUNCIL MEMBERS COMPENSATED?
Council members are volunteers although their contribution is recognized through a per-diem for meeting attendance and some meeting preparation. Members are reimbursed for expenses such as travel, meals and accommodation, should this be necessary. A copy of the College’s Per Diem and Expense Claim policies are available upon request.
HOW DO I RUN FOR COUNCIL?
If you meet the eligibility criteria above and would like to be nominated for election to serve on the College Council for the 2024 – 2026/2027 term you must:
- Submit a nomination form signed by at least 2 eligible voters of the district,
- Submit a one-page Candidate Statement/Biography, and
- Submit a Declaration of Completion for the Council Orientation Program.
Nominations must be received by 5PM on Tuesday, August 6, 2024.
Nomination Forms for District 8 is available for download below or may be obtained by contacting the College. A nomination must be endorsed by at least two members of the College who are eligible to vote in District 8.
IMPORTANT DATES
| Call for Nominations / First day to submit nominations for elections. | July 8, 2024 |
| Voters notified of eligible Candidates nominated to date. | July 26, 2024 |
| Last day to submit a nomination for election. Last day for Candidates to submit one page Candidate Statement/Biography and Declaration of Completion for the Council Orientation Program. | August 6, 2024 by 5PM |
| Voting Opens | August 20, 2024 |
| Election Date | September 6, 2024 |
| 1st Council Meeting | September 27, 2024 |
Withdrawal of nomination: Candidates may withdraw their nomination by giving notice to the Registrar in writing, not less than 30 days before the election. The last day for withdrawal is August 6, 2024.
OTHER INFORMATION
To further your understanding of the role of a Council member and the work of the College, please review the following documents:
- Code of Conduct for Council and Committee Members
- College By-laws
- College Performance Management Framework Report 2023
- Strategic Direction
If you have any questions about the election process, please contact Odessa Medallon at omedallon@cpbao.ca.