HDRN Canada’s Public Advisory Council seeks new members
Interested in ensuring that health data are used for public benefit? Want to learn more about contemporary topics in health data and join a network of diverse colleagues from across the country? HDRN Canada is seeking new members for its Public Advisory Council (PAC), a volunteer body that advises the network on matters of public interest related to health data.
“We’re inviting all those who are interested to apply, but we are especially encouraging people who live in Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut to submit an application. It’s important to have broad geographical representation to ensure we hear the stories and perspectives of people from coast to coast to coast,” said Bill Pratt, chair of the 16-person council.
“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,” Pratt explained. “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.” He 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. “The PAC has a mandate to include at least two Indigenous members and three members with French as a first language and we welcom people of all ages, gender identities, occupations, cultures and experiences to apply for a three-year term,” added Pratt.
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,” he said. “PAC members are also invited to participate in HDRN Canada’s annual public forum, Health Data for All of Us, which is a great way to learn about the challenges and opportunities for health data use.”
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 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 April 30, 2026. If you have questions or would like to submit your application in a different format, please email Jannath Naveed at jannath.naveed@hdrn.ca.