Calling all regulated members practising rurally: Put your name forward to run for CPSA Council!

Read time: 4 minutes

As of May 4, CPSA Council nominations are open to fill one regulated member vacancy for a three-year term starting Jan. 1, 2027.

This year, to ensure Council has a well-rounded group that includes representation of the unique experiences within rural healthcare delivery, the Council Nominations Committee has placed a special focus on only seeking nominations from regulated members who are currently practising in a rural community*.

*As defined by the Rural Health Profession Action Plan (RhPAP), we consider “rural” to be a community that is located outside the defined Census Metropolitan Area boundaries of Calgary or Edmonton AND has a population of fewer than 15,000 people. Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Maybe you’ve never heard of the Council election process before, or perhaps you’ve simply never considered yourself someone who could join the governing body of your professional regulator.

This year, we encourage you to challenge your inhibitions and apply—your contributions to CPSA Council will have an impact on the lives of thousands of your fellow regulated members and the millions of Albertans you and your colleagues care for. Ready to apply? Confirm your eligibility and submit your nomination form!

Have we captured your interest, but you want to learn more? Take a few minutes to find out what being on CPSA Council is all about!

Over the years, CPSA Councillors have shared meaningful insights about their experiences on Council. This year, we are going back through our archives to bring you the best advice and help paint a picture of what you can expect from spending time on Council.

Who should run for CPSA Council?

“Running for Council is something that any physician with a passionate heart would enjoy… Any experienced regulated member with an open mind, passion for the health of Albertans and some time to give to the task will really enjoy it. Council can always use more experience and perspectives at its meetings, from physicians at all stages of their careers.” – Dr. Richard Buckley

What did you learn during or what surprised you about your time on Council?

	“Being on Council has given me the opportunity to understand the complexity of certain issues that have happened or are arising in our healthcare system.” – Dr. Jaelene Mannerfeldt
	“Another unexpected benefit is seeing behind the scenes of regulation. The regulatory role is one that I’d never really appreciated until seeing it from the other side. I had some experience working with CPSA on Hearing Tribunals, so I thought CPSA’s main roles were discipline and ensuring competency. I’ve now seen that that’s just one significant but not exclusive role that CPSA is responsible for. That’s given me much perspective.” – Dr. Oluseyi Oladele
	“The biggest surprise for me was the change in my view of CPSA as an organization and even of self-regulation and regulatory bodies… I also have a deeper understanding of how the system works.” – Dr. Daisy Fung

CPSA Council’s role is to protect the public interest. How can Councillors approach their role on Council with this in mind as opposed to representing the interests of regulated members?

	“We as regulated members are also part of the public. We all deserve the best possible healthcare system. Self-regulation is a privilege, but there needs to be so many changes in our healthcare system to keep up with the times. I feel that it’s important to represent all Albertans, doctors included, as we just want a good system to serve our needs.” – Dr. Richard Buckley
	“Both our public members and regulated members on Council are passionate about what we do. Not only do we want Alberta to be a great place to be a patient, but also a great place to practise medicine.” – Dr. Jaelene Mannerfeldt
	“As physicians, we went into this profession to help patients and do the right thing. Being on Council is fulfilling in a way that dovetails well with our clinical or teaching jobs… it’s even been a way to reduce my risk of burnout by adding variety to my work and giving me a place to divert my energy in a positive way.” – Dr. Daisy Fung

Rural physicians and physician assistants: ready to put your name forward?

Review the eligibility requirements, nomination process, and the core competencies and attributes for Councillors, and then submit your nomination by end of day Friday, May 29! You can also review our 2026 nomination postcard for more details.

Is serving on Council not for you, but you know someone who might be the right fit?

Many CPSA Councillors say they got involved because of encouragement from their peers. If you have rural-practising friends and colleagues who may be a good fit for CPSA Council, tell them to consider submitting a nomination!

Questions? Email elections@cpsa.ab.ca