HDRN Canada’s Public Advisory Council seeks new members from the territories
HDRN Canada is seeking new members for its Public Advisory Council, a volunteer body that advises the network on matters of public interest related to health data. For this round of recruitment, the PAC is seeking members living in one of Canada’s territories, in order to achieve broad geographical representation.
“Community engagement in decisions about health data is a strategic priority for HDRN Canada because it is essential to earning public trust and creating robust health systems,” said Bill Pratt, chair of the 16-person council. “Members of the public can help inform the work of HDRN Canada through the PAC, which strives to increase public influence on health data systems across the country.” Pratt continued: “Without input from the people who are impacted by the gathering, sharing and use of health data, we can’t possibly create effective, sustainable and equitable health care systems.”
Community engagement in decisions about health data is a strategic priority for HDRN Canada because it is essential to earning public trust and creating robust health systems.~ Bill Pratt, PAC Chair
Guided by HDRN Canada’s strategic goal of strengthening data use to improve equity, the Public Advisory Council incorporates principles of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA) in all of its work, including the recruitment process. According to Pratt, the PAC has a mandate to include at least two Indigenous members and three members with French as a first language. The commitment to IDEA extends to geographical representation, due to the variety of experiences and perspectives that arise in are are unique to different parts of the country. “That’s why we are inviting people of all ages, gender identities, occupations, cultures and experiences who live in Canada’s territories to apply for a three-year term,” Pratt explained.
The PAC meets at least five times a year with most meetings conducted virtually, in English and French. “We also meet once a year in-person, which helps us get to know each other a bit better and share ideas in a relaxed, informal setting,” said Pratt. “PAC members are also invited to attend and participate in HDRN Canada’s annual public forum, Health Data for All of Us, which is a great way to learn about emergent and burning issues in the health data landscape.”
General responsibilities of PAC members include consulting on how HDRN Canada can best communicate about health data with the public, and advising on the network’s short-, medium- and long-term priorities. Members of the PAC receive an honorarium for participating in meetings, reviewing materials, and liaising with various communities and organizations. For more information on compensation, membership and other details, check out the PAC Terms of Reference and recruitment call.
To apply to become a member of HDRN Canada’s Public Advisory Council, complete this form by July 30, 2025. If you have questions or would like to submit your application in a different format (e.g., video or MS word form), please email Jannath Naveed at jannath.naveed@hdrn.ca.