The following are highlights from Council’s meeting held on May 1, 2025.
Bylaw amendments approved
Council approved changes to the ACP Bylaws regarding elections. Council districts for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians have been rescinded. Previously, one pharmacist in each of five districts (Edmonton, Calgary, northern Alberta, central Alberta, and southern Alberta), one pharmacy technician from northern Alberta, and one pharmacy technician from southern Alberta were elected to Council by their peers.
Moving forward, regulated members from anywhere in Alberta may apply for nomination when a seat on Council (within their respective profession) becomes available for election, regardless of where the regulated member lives or practises. This change will take effect in the next Council election in 2026. Council members elected prior to July 1, 2025, will remain in their position for the balance of their term. Council will still consist of five elected pharmacists, two elected pharmacy technicians, and seven public members appointed by the Minister of Health.
In addition, the Council election cycle has been amended. Beginning in 2026, Council elections will conclude in May to allow newly elected Council members to attend the June Council meeting as observers. This serves as an ideal opportunity for a preliminary introduction of new Council members to their roles and responsibilities.
Regulated members had the opportunity to provide feedback about the above changes during a consultation in October 2024.
Proposed Bylaw amendments
After review of Council’s governance structure, Council is proposing to amend the ACP Bylaws to dissolve the Executive Committee and eliminate the Council member position of “executive member-at-large.” The Executive Committee comprises of the president, president-elect, past-president, executive member-at-large, and the registrar (non-voting member). The Executive Committee is responsible for setting the agenda for Council meetings, appointing committees and/or committee members, and other duties that Council may direct.
Under the proposed bylaw amendments, the Executive Committee’s core responsibilities would be incorporated in Council’s governance policies or the Terms of Reference for the newly created Governance Committee or Nominating Committee.
Regulated members: watch your inbox for information about our consultation so you may review the proposed bylaw amendments and provide your feedback.
President-elect named for 2025-26 Council year
Council elected pharmacist Murtaza Hassanali to be ACP’s president-elect for a one-year term effective July 1, 2025. Murtaza is entering his third year on Council. Murtaza is a pharmacy owner and licensee who has been practising in Alberta for nearly two decades. He is an active preceptor for both University of Alberta students and internationally educated pharmacist graduates (IEPGs) and has also been involved in pharmaceutical research and software development.
