OLA At-Large Positions
Governance Policies and Procedures
Policy Number: GO6.5 | Policy Type: Board Officer’s Roles and Accountability | Approval Date: Nov 2023 | Last Revised: April 2026 | Scheduled Review: Every 3 Years (2028)
Introduction
[In conjunction with Operational By-Law 2, Articles 6.03]
Position Summary
Responsible in partnership with the other Board members for leading the association through the implementation of the strategic plan by performing fiduciary, strategic and policy responsibilities. The At-Large Members sit for the purpose of bringing priority voices to the Board table, based on initiatives and priorities of the current Strategic Plan. The specific terms and explanation of importance will be part of each Strategic Plan and direct future Boards throughout the Strategic Plan cycle.
Purpose
The At-Large Members work closely with the full complement of the Board, assisting in the planning and action of the Association. The At-Large Member priorities are selected by the Board at the time of the passing of the Strategic Plan, or following, in areas of priority within that plan, and for the purpose of bringing specific voices to the table which may otherwise not be present through the Council representation.
Mandate of At-Large Member(s) and Term of Activities
- Complete the duties of Director as outlined in by-law and G3.3 OLA Board Member-Director.
- Bring a voice specific to the purpose of the position in order to ensure these priority messages are heard by the Board during discussion and deliberation.
- As in the Director description, it is the responsibility of all Directors to vote and make final decisions which will ultimately be in the best interest of the Association as a whole.
Board Priority Positions
- Based on the Strategic Plan the Board identified:
- An Indigenous voice to speak to decolonizing the association and working within Truth and Reconciliation (2023)
- A member to speak to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion perspectives (2023).
- A member to bring an Advocacy perspective to the board (2025)
- These Priorities are to have include a voice in OLA Board leadership, debates, and decision-making pertaining to Strategic Priorities.
- In lieu of a Strategic Priority identified by the Board in 2023, an At Large Member may be open to all OLA members in good standing for a two-year period prior to nomination.
Responsibilities
For responsibilities of Board Members see G3.3 Board Member- Directors.
For responsibilities of At Large positions see Appendix A Job Description
Election
These members have a three-year (3) term which is staggered. In the first year of any Strategic Plan the Board may phase out current priorities and replace with new priorities in the next election. The Board may also designate the term of each positions of 1, 2 or 3 years in the first election of a Strategic Plan in order to continue the staggering of positions. In every following year the position will be a three-year term. In the event of a vacancy, the position will be filled by election for the balance of the term, unless the position is less than four months remaining in the term, in which case it will be elected for the balance of the term, plus the three years.
Reference
Operational By-Law 2
G3.3 Board Member-Directors
Revised: April 2026
Date for Review: 2028; Every 3 Years
