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Council Elections

2023 Council Election

Council is the College’s board of directors. Council sets the College’s strategic and policy direction and makes decisions that protect and promote the public interest.

From July 11 – July 18, 2023, kinesiologists in the following districts will vote to elect Council members:

Your district is determined by where you work. If you are not working, your electoral district is determined by where you live. View the electoral districts.

If you work or live in one of these districts, check your email inbox on July 11, 2023, for more information and a link to your ballot. This is your opportunity to contribute to public protection and the future of the profession.

Not sure what’s involved and want to learn more about serving on Council? View the expectations of Council members and learn more about Council.

If you have any questions about the nomination or election process, please email professionalpractice@coko.ca


Competency and eligibility

The College will be seeking nominations from kinesiologists with experience and competencies to successfully serve on Council. Candidates must also meet the established eligibility criteria to run.

You should also assess yourself against the Council and Committee Competency Profile that will be used to determine eligibility and suitability of kinesiologists wanting to stand for election to Council. In addition, candidates must complete an online Council Orientation Module, which is one of the requirements to run in the election. It should take you approximately one hour to complete. At the end of the module, you’ll be asked to submit a form to notify the College that you’ve completed it.

If you work or live in one of these districts, check your inbox in May for more information and consider running! This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to public protection and the future of the profession.

Not sure what’s involved and want to learn more about serving on Council?  Learn more here.

If you have any questions about the nomination or election process, contact the College via email.

Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

The College strives to create a diverse and inclusive setting that reflects the communities we serve. In the spirit of diversity, equity and inclusion, the College welcomes and encourages the candidacies of kinesiologists from visible minority/racialized, marginalized and rural communities, as well as internationally educated kinesiologists and those practising in expanded, collaborative and/or community health team models. We welcome questions regarding the election process and are willing to work with candidates to ensure that the election process is fair, transparent and inclusive. Please let us know if you require any accommodation to participate in Council elections and committee appointments.

About elections

The College is run by a Council, similar to a board of directors. Council sets the College’s strategic and policy direction. It makes decisions that protect and promote the public interest. Council is made up of:

While kinesiologists are elected by their peers, they do not represent kinesiologists. Once elected or appointed, all Council members are required to put the interests of the public ahead of the interests of the profession.

Election dates

Elections are held every July with by-elections scheduled as needed. The schedule is as follows:

Determining your electoral district

There are seven electoral districts for the purpose of Council elections. Your electoral district is determined by where you primarily work. If you are not working, your electoral district is determined by where you live. View the electoral districts

Running for election

To run for election, you:

View the full eligibility requirements.

Conflict of interest

The College of Kinesiologists of Ontario is the regulatory body that oversees kinesiologists working in the province. All Council and committee members and volunteers have a duty to carry out their responsibilities in a manner that serves and protects the public interest. They must not engage in any activities or in decision-making concerning any matters where they have a direct or indirect personal or financial interest.

Please review this policy that defines and describes conflict of interest and sets out procedures for avoiding and managing conflicts.

Read the full text of the College’s Conflict of Interest By-law 16, here. You can download the College’s Conflict of Interest form, here.

Every Council and committee member must complete the Conflict of Interest form annually declaring their current and recent affiliations with professional associations and other organizations as outlined in the policy.

Process for submitting nominations and voting

If you are in a district that is up for an election, you will receive an email in May notifying you of the upcoming election. This email will contain instructions on how to submit nominations. Nominations must be submitted online. The College accepts nominations for about two weeks, and the names of candidates eligible for election are announced in June. In July, if you are eligible to vote, you will receive an email that contains your ballot. You are eligible to vote if you have paid all fees owed to the College. 

The full election process can be found in section 10 of the College By-Laws.

Required training

Prospective Council members must complete an orientation program before they can be deemed eligible to run for election.

Being a Council member

Expectations

You will attend Council and committee meetings and participate in discussions and decision-making that impacts your profession and the patients/clients of kinesiologists. You will need to review meeting materials and come prepared to discuss and consider the various matters before Council or committees.

Time commitment

Council meets at least four times a year for at least one full day. Council meetings are typically in-person meetings although recent meetings have been virtual or a hybrid combination of in person and online.

You are expected to sit on at least two committees. Committees usually meet every six to eight weeks depending on the caseload, or only when necessary. All Council members are automatically on the Discipline and Fitness to Practise committees, which only meet in panels (i.e., a small sub-set of the committee). Committee selection occurs at the first Council meeting following the election. Learn more about committees

Council and committee dates are set in advance as much as possible to help you plan. Council and committee materials are provided to you at least one week before the meeting to give you time to review. 

Compensation

Council members receive a per diem of $150 for each meeting attended (Council and committee meetings, including teleconferences). Preparation time is paid and the College reimburses all reasonable travel, meal and accommodation expenses related to attending a meeting.

Orientation and training

Once elected, you will receive an information package with details about upcoming meetings and how to select your committees. You will also be provided with various resources to read over. An orientation day is held following the election for new Council members.