If you are interested in helping to ensure that Bill C-81 lives up to its promises and that we are true to our commitment to create an accessible Canada, then please read on! BFC-CSB needs to hear from you! We are seeking board members!
Barrier-Free Canada/Canada Sans Barrieres (BFC/CSB) advocates to the Canadian Parliament to enact a strong and effective Canadians with Disabilities Act (CDA) to achieve a Barrier-Free Canada for all persons with disabilities. To this end, BFC/CSB is seeking Directors for its Board who have the skills, knowledge and abilities to work as part of a non-partisan team toward and through the next stage of the ACA’s development into a meaningful and progressive piece of Human Rights legislation.
BFC has proudly achieved its earlier mission to collaborate with others to ensure the safe passage of Bill C-81. On May 1, 2019, Barrier-Free Canada presented on behalf of Canadians with Disabilities to the Senate Standing Committee, and we were part of Minister Qualtrough’s Parliament Hill public celebration on June 20, 2019, as well as being in-person witness to the Royal Assent ceremonies when Bill C-81 was acclaimed on June 21, 2019.
BFC’s ongoing mission is to work with the Canadian Government and other stakeholders to ensure that the ACA Framework legislation continues to develop into the dynamic, inclusive, and fair support system all Canadians need in this “Just Society”.
Position
Director (BFC Board of Directors)
Authority
Directors will carry out tasks and assignments which they agree to accept and/or that are delegated by the Board.
Responsibility
Report to the Board of Directors, Directors will assume responsibilities which they agree to accept and/or that are delegated by the Board.
Qualifications and Skills
To be eligible for election to the Board of Directors, an individual must:
- Be at least 18 years of age;
- Not have been declared incapable by a Court in Canada or elsewhere; and
- Not have the status of a bankrupt.
Members of the Board may, but are not required to be, representatives of member organizations.
Members of the Board may, but are not required to, have a disability.
Board members must:
- have a demonstrable commitment to the purpose, mission, and values of BFC;
- be able to dedicate 1-2 hours per week (on average) to board work over the course of your term;
- have regular access to a computer with an Internet connection and e-mail, and possess basic computer skills to use typical office applications (e-mail, Microsoft Word, etc.) for day-to-day administrative tasks;
Have the ability to:
- think independently and critically (including using research data, asking questions, challenging unsubstantiated information)
- use logic and reasoning to identify issues as well as the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems
- be objective at all times about what is best for the whole of the organization and the community of Canadians with disabilities rather than what is best for a particular constituency
- understand the need to base decisions on what is good for the organization, and accept accountability for group decisions so that the Board of Directors speaks with one voice;
Nomination, Election, and Term of Service
Prior to each meeting of members, the Board appoints a Nominations Committee (comprised of the President and at least two others) which will prepare a list of candidates for nomination. In assessing a particular nominee for consideration, the Nominations Committee may consider, among other demographic factors, his or her education, experience, and accomplishments; attendance, preparation, and active participation at past board meetings and general membership meetings; availability and commitment for the proposed term of office; and past performance reviews and assessments.
Except where an election is held to fill the unexpired portion of a term, newly elected directors shall be elected for two-year (2) terms.
General Duties
Directors are expected to:
- Gain a good working knowledge of BFC-CSB’s mandate, mission, bylaws and operating procedures;
- Hold basic knowledge of standard legislation to support people with disabilities. This includes the Accessible Canada Act (Bill C-81), Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.0), the Canadian Human Rights Act, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and basic Universal Design theory;
- Prepare for all meetings and conference calls in advance and actively participate in all of them;
- Attend at least 75% of board meetings, which are typically held on a monthly basis by teleconference;
- Participate in email discussions which take place between formal meetings;
- If they are a representative of an organization, keep their organization informed about BFC’s activities and act as an information conduit for the exchange of relevant news and information between the organizations;
- To the extent that they may be a member of, or otherwise connected to, a particular disability community, they should use their best efforts to facilitate open information-sharing with those communities;
- Represent positively the interests of Barrier Free Canada in all interactions and communications with third parties. Directors may attend external meetings in a representative capacity, and will in that context be an ambassador for BFC;
Serve as a role model by:
- assisting People with Disabilities in advocating for their rights, directly or indirectly. We believe that sharing resources and embracing educational opportunities will assist individuals in gaining a stronger sense of empowerment and strength to face barriers;
- taking all available opportunities to share the vision, mission and values of the organization and promote BFC-CSB’s webpage, Facebook and other social media channels;
- Maintain confidentiality and respect privacy rights as appropriate.
To contact us:
Please send an email to info@barrierfreecanada.org.
Put the words “Director Posting” in the subject line.
And please include a description of why you would like to be considered for membership to our board.
Please include a phone number where you can be reached.
All emails will be responded to.