The CRTO Council acts like a Board of Directors. The role of the Council is to oversee the regulation of the practice of Respiratory Therapy in the public interest and to set overall policy direction for the CRTO. Council is composed of nine Professional Council Members (elected by their peers) and at least five Public Council Members (appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council).

In addition to Council, the CRTO has seven statutory committees whose functions are defined under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA). The CRTO may also establish non-statutory committees such as the Finance and Audit Committee. Committees play a crucial role in advancing the CRTO’s mandate of regulating the respiratory therapy profession in the public interest; they support the work of the Council and help to carry out the core functions of the CRTO. The committees are composed of Council members and Committee Appointees.

Please visit the Council and Committees web page for more information about the individual committees and their functions.

Serving as a Council or committee member provides an opportunity to be involved in regulating the RT profession in the public interest. Council and committee members provide invaluable insight by drawing on their professional knowledge and experiences and can impact broad policy issues that affect how the profession is regulated.

Serving on Council or committees is also a great way to meet and collaborate with a diverse group of RTs, enhance one’s leadership skills and gain a better understanding of the complexities of governance and the profession.

Prospective Council and committee members do not necessarily need to have a deep understanding of regulation and health care legislation to apply for the position. It is understood that individuals will develop these competencies as they work on Council and committees. What is needed is for Council and committee members to be engaged, passionate, keen to learn and motivated to contribute to the CRTO’s public interest mandate.

The CRTO developed a Council and Committee Competency Profile, which defines the knowledge, skills, judgement, attitude, and experience (i.e., competencies) expected of CRTO Council and committee members in areas such as governance, collaborative leadership and organizational oversight. Once an individual becomes a Council or committee member, these competencies can continue to be enhanced through ongoing orientation, continuing education and professional development.

Individuals interested in running in Council elections or applying for a committee appointment must meet the eligibility criteria listed in the CRTO By-law 2; these include, for example, that:

• They have completed the CRTO’s online orientation module relating to the duties, obligations and expectations of Council and committee members.
• They are not the subject of any current or past disciplinary or incapacity proceeding by a body that governs a profession in any jurisdiction.
• They have not been found guilty (unless it has been reversed on appeal or judicial review) of a criminal offence, an offence relating to the prescribing, compounding, dispensing, selling or administering of drugs or any offence relevant to your suitability to be licensed or registered with any professional regulatory body.
• They are not an employee, director, officer, or elected member of any provincial or national professional association or special interest group related to respiratory therapy.

For the complete list of all the eligibility criteria, please see Article 2 of the CRTO By-law 2.

Council and committee members serve and act in the public interest. They are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the strategic objectives of the CRTO as well as relevant legislation and policies. They are expected to review meeting materials, be prepared and participate actively in the deliberations and decisions. It is essential that Council and committee members maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.

Council meets four times a year, with the occasional special meeting if required. In addition, Council Members are appointed to at least one CRTO committee. The number of committee meetings per year varies depending on the committee (for more information about the expected time commitment for individual committees, please visit the Council and Committees web page).

Generally speaking, Council members should expect six to ten meetings each year. Most CRTO meetings are held virtually during the CRTO’s regular business hours.

The term of a Council member is three years, and the maximum length of service is nine consecutive years.

The number of committee meetings per year varies by committee. For more information about the expected time commitment for individual committees, please visit the Council and Committees web page.

Generally speaking, committee members should expect four to eight meetings per year. Most CRTO meetings are held virtually during the CRTO’s regular business hours.

The term of office of a committee appointee is one year, and there is no maximum length of service.

Each year Council and committee members are asked to submit a committee preference form. The Executive Committee reviews this information and appoints members to the CRTO committees taking into consideration preferences, experience, committee workload and succession planning. The committee appointments are typically confirmed in December; however, there may also be opportunities for mid-year appointments.

All Council and committee members are given comprehensive orientation and training opportunities throughout their terms. Before each meeting, Council and committee members are provided with an agenda, briefing notes and other relevant documentation. CRTO staff provide ongoing support to Council and committees.

Yes, the CRTO compensates Council and committee members for their time and expenses. For example, the per diem for a full-day meeting for Professional Council members and committee appointees is $200.00. The CRTO will also cover meeting preparation time. Most meetings are conducted virtually; however, if an in-person meeting is required, Professional Council Members and Committee Appointees will be reimbursed for all reasonable travel and accommodation expenses.

Most CRTO meetings are conducted virtually. In-person meetings, if required, are usually held in downtown Toronto. Council and committee members are reimbursed for all reasonable travel and accommodation expenses when the meetings are held in person.