Call for Delegates: Alberta Water Council Directors & Alternates

Introduction

The Alberta Environmental Network has received a delegate selection request for three (3) representatives/directors and (3) alternates to participate on the Alberta Water Council. This notice requests applicants for all six (6) positions.

Action: Please reply to the AEN office ([email protected]) by no later than November 30, 2006, with the information requested below.

Background

The Alberta Water Council is a multi-stakeholder partnership with members from industry, non-government organizations and governments. All stakeholders have a vested interest in water. Using a consensus-based approach, Council brings together the expertise and experience of its members to oversee implementation of the Alberta Water for Life strategy and support achievement of the strategy’s outcomes, namely:

  • Safe, secure drinking water supply
  • Healthy aquatic ecosystems
  • Reliable, quality water supplies for a sustainable economy

To learn more about the Alberta Water for Life Strategy, go to http://www.waterforlife.gov.ab.ca. Information about the Alberta Water Council can be found at: http://www.waterforlife.gov.ab.ca/awc/index.html.

Roles and Responsibilities of Alberta Water Council Directors

  • Participate actively in Alberta Water Council meeting which will occur approximately 4-5 times/year;
  • Work with and communicate regularly to the Alberta Environmental Network Water Caucus membership to represent the views of this constituency, and to keep each other informed about Council business;
  • Take an active role in the work of the Council by participating in project teams, working groups and committees, championing an activity and otherwise promoting awareness of the Council and its priorities as opportunities arise;
  • Supports and adheres to the Alberta Water Council’s ground rules and principles of consensus decision making;
  • Preparation of reports to the AEN Water Caucus following AWC meetings.

Time Commitment

The AWC meets 4-5 times per year for a period of 1-2 days including travel and/or field trips. For every meeting, the representative will also dedicate approximately 1 day of preparation time including reading advance materials. Periodically, the AWC meetings are two days long and are held in different part of the province.

Roles and Responsibilities of Alberta Water Council Alternates

  • Assumes the roles and responsibilities of the AWC director in the absence of the Director;
  • Works with and communicates regularly the AWC director to represent the views of their stakeholder constituency, and to keep each other informed about Council business;
  • Takes an active role in the work of the Council by participating in project teams, working groups and committees, championing an activity and otherwise promoting awareness of the Council and its priorities as opportunities arise;
  • Supports and adheres to the Alberta Water Council’s ground rules and principles of consensus decision making;
  • Attend at least one Council meeting annually;
  • Preparation of reports to the AEN Water Caucus following AWC meetings.

Time Commitment

The AWC meets 4-5 times per year but alternates are only expected to attend when the primary representative cannot attend. We estimate that an alternate is likely to attend anywhere between 1-2 meetings per year. For every meeting, the representative will dedicate two days - one day preparation time and a second to attend the AWC meeting. Periodically, the AWC meetings are two days long and are held in different part of the province.

Additional Time Commitments

Typically, both AWC directors and their alternates will participate on working groups and Project Teams set up by the AWC focused on specific issues such as wetlands, water conservation/efficiency, and policy. The work plans and timelines for working groups and Project Teams are determined by the AWC. Honoraria and travel reimbursement is also provided to participants on these teams.

For more information, go to http://www.waterforlife.gov.ab.ca/awc/project_teams.html.

AWC working groups and project teams are not restricted to AWC members or their alternates. We also expect the AEN delegate to fully participate on the AEN Water Caucus generally consisting of 4-5 conference calls/year plus two face to face meetings at the AEN cross-caucus spring (Edmonton) and fall (Calgary) meetings. We estimate this commitment to be a total commitment of 3 days/year. In addition, the member must generally track AWC activities communicating regularly with the AEN Water Caucus and Chair.

Honoraria/Travel Compensation

AWC members receive a standard honorarium for participation on the AWC as well as reimbursement for all travel costs. Conference calls are free for all Water Caucus members and AEN will cover some travel costs to cross-caucus meetings depending on need.

Selection Criteria

 

Applicants should also have the following attributes:

  • Be knowledgeable about water, watershed function and sector use.
  • The AEN encourages applicants familiar with other environmental issues such as land use, forestry, agriculture, energy development etc. to consider applying for these three positions as there is a natural linkage between these issues and watershed protection.
  • Can represent the interests of their sector while working creatively and constructively with others towards a common goal.
  • Can effectively communicate the work of the Council to others in their sector.
  • Can allocate the time required to complete the work of the Council.
  • Respect the opinions and experience of other members of Council.
  • Bring a wider perspective to Council than just that of their organization, or their sector.
  • Respect the Council protocol for communicating with the media and other bodies.
  • Have a demonstrated commitment to the environmental protection of Alberta’s watersheds.

Action

Please reply to the AEN office ([email protected]) by November 30, 2006, providing:

  • your contact information (including address, email, and phone number);
  • the name of the AEN member-group in-good-standing which you will represent;
  • a description of your background and abilities, particularly those relevant to the selection criteria (1-2 pages).