Call for Delegates: Members & Alternates, Alberta Water Council

Position: 
Members & Alternates
Initiative: 
Alberta Water Council
Application Deadline: 
15 Feb 2010

The Alberta Environmental Network has received a delegate selection request for two representatives and two alternates to participate as members on the Alberta Water Council for a two-year term beginning April 2010.

The Alberta Water Council has been tasked with tracking implementation of the Alberta Water for Life strategy, a province-wide approach to the protection of watersheds in Alberta.  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 Members

  • 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 and committees, championing an activity and otherwise promoting awareness of the Council and its priorities as opportunities arise.
  • Support and adhere to the Alberta Water Council’s ground rules and principles of consensus decision making
  • Prepare reports to the AEN Water Caucus following AWC meetings.

Roles and Responsibilities of Alberta Water Council Alternate Members

  • Assume the roles and responsibilities of the primary AWC member in the absence of the Member
  • Work with and communicate regularly the primary AWC member to represent the views of their stakeholder 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 and committees, championing an activity and otherwise promoting awareness of the Council and its priorities as opportunities arise
  • Support and adhere to the Alberta Water Council’s ground rules and principles of consensus decision making
  • Attend at least one Council meeting annually.
  • Prepare 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 Member 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.

Typically, both AWC Members and their Alternates will participate on 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 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. Note: AWC working groups and project teams are not restricted to AWC members or their alternates.

AEN delegates are expected 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. 

Expenses & Honoraria: 

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.
Application Instructions: 
Please reply to the AEN office ([email protected]) by February 15, 2010 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)

Candidates will be notified of their nominations in early March 2010.

Issues: