MHCC: Make a difference in Mental Health – Join our Board of Directors!
Make a difference in Mental Health – Join our Board of Directors!
The Mental Health Commission of Canada is seeking applications to fill several positions on our Board of Directors. We are looking for people from all walks of Canadian life who are dedicated to the improvement of the lives of people with mental health problems and illnesses. This is your chance to make a difference!
About the Mental Health Commission of Canada
The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) was created by the Government of Canada in 2007 to be a catalyst for improving the mental health system and changing the attitudes and behaviors of people living in Canada around mental health issues. The MHCC brings together leaders and organizations from across the country to accelerate these changes. Each of the Commission’s initiatives and projects is led by people from across the country who bring a variety of perspectives and experience to the table. Funded by Health Canada, the MHCC’s Board and advisory group members, as well the staff all share the same vision – mental health and wellness for all.
MHCC is developing partnerships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. Following the release of the Truth and Reconciliation’s Calls to Action, the MHCC is committed to engaging in reconciliation and we are taking measures to build cultural humility and competency, and are dedicating resources to sustained and meaningful engagement with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.
The MHCC is governed by a Board of Directors, which is collectively responsible for directing and overseeing the work of the organization. In fulfilling these responsibilities, the MHCC Board of Directors provides leadership, sets strategy, ensures compliance, and directs and oversees the work of the President & CEO. The President & CEO has responsibility to manage the business and operations of the MHCC within board-approved strategic plans, business plans and budgets, and is accountable to the Board of Directors for the organization’s performance.
Term and Location
Directors will serve for a term of up to three years, with eligibility for reappointment for a second consecutive term of up to three years.
Time Commitment
Meetings of the Board of Directors and their committees are typically held on a quarterly basis and are a full day in length. In addition, directors are expected to participate on at least one board committee, and should expect to participate in an average of 8-10 board and committee meetings per year, and must make reasonable efforts to attend the entire period of meetings.
Skills and Experience
All candidates must have certain core skills and other attributes, including:
- Commitment to MHCC’s mandate and strategic directions
- Understanding of the MHCC board’s governance role
- Inter-personal communications
- Creative and strategic planning / vision
- Governance expertise
- Financial literacy
- Analytical and critical thinking
In addition, the nomination and selection process is designed to maintain a board that includes experience/competency in the following specific areas:
- Financial Management (a professional designation preferred)
- Law
- Lived experience of mental health problems or illnesses
- Caregiver experience supporting someone with a mental health problem or illness
- Familiarity with recovery-oriented approaches and or mental health promotion
- Issues facing Indigenous peoples in Canada
- Risk Management
- Human Resources
- Communications/Public Affairs
- Mental Health System – including community-based and clinical experience
- Mental Health Research
Consistent with best governance practices, the MHCC is seeking applications from persons with expertise in any of these areas. We are specifically searching for candidates with experience and expertise in issues facing Quebec, as well as Francophone and Acadian Communities, Inuit representation, youth representation (18 to 25), and legal expertise.
Application Process
In keeping with the MHCC’s commitment to increase diversity in positions of influence, we encourage applications which represent Canada’s English and French linguistic duality; the need for balanced gender representation and a diversity of ages; persons who have lived experience of recovery from a mental illness; as well as individuals from immigrant/refugee/ethno-cultural/racialized (IRER) communities in Canada; LGBTQI2S communities; and people with disabilities.
All applications received will be reviewed, with qualified candidates presented to the Governance & Nominating Committee. A final list of candidates for election will be presented at the MHCC’s next Annual General Meeting, scheduled for early September.
Interested individuals should submit their comprehensive Curriculum Vitae accompanied by a Letter of Interest, detailing their academic, professional and lived experiences and clearly stating the reasons why they would be an excellent candidate for this position.
Interested candidates should submit applications to be received by 5:00 pm ET on April 15, 2017 to:
The Mental Health Commission of Canada Attention: Corporate Secretary 350 Albert Street, Suite 1210 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1R 1A4 Or by email to: [email protected]
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those shortlisted for consideration by the Governance & Nominating Committee will be contacted.
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