The CLA Board is composed of volunteers who are passionate about promoting lung health and preventing and manage lung disease in Canada. In general, our board members must be committed to advancing lung health and lung health issues and to our purposes, vision, mission and values. We look for members who have business acumen and an understanding of corporate governance and fiduciary responsibilities.

The preferred but not exclusive attributes of Directors include:

• a commitment to advancing lung health and lung health issues;
• an understanding of CLA’s purposes, vision, mission and values;
• the ability to compromise and build consensus;
• the ability exercise informed judgment;
• the ability exercise think strategically and be innovative;
• the ability to be a voice back to the community;

• an understanding of corporate governance and fiduciary responsibilities; and
• someone who can serve as an active ambassador for the organization, leveraging personal and professional networks to open doors for strategic partnerships, high-value donor/investor relationships and strategic opportunities.

You must meet the qualifying criteria set out in the Canada Not-For-Profit Corporations Act and the CLA bylaws.

Both of my parents were smokers who died of COPD. They tried to quit, but unfortunately, every attempt was unsuccessful. My mother was a passionate volunteer and giving back was engrained in me. I’m confident that CLA can help to eliminate smoking and save lives. Not my parents, but someone’s parents!”

Andrea Power, Board Secretary

The primary function of a CLA Director is to participate with the other CLA Directors in directing the affairs of the Canadian Lung Association, according to governing legislation, by-laws and policy, to effectively achieve the aims and purpose of CLA.

The CLA Board of Directors is responsible for the governance and oversight of the activities and affairs of CLA, including:

• developing and updating CLA’s strategic plan, as well as its vision, mission and values;
• monitoring the implementation of the strategic plan;
• assuming fiscal responsibility and ensuring adequate resourcing and long-term sustainability, including managing the intellectual property of CLA;
• approving the annual budget and monitoring its implementation;
• approving the annual financial statements;
• ensuring compliance with CLA’s articles, bylaws, board policies, operating policies, and federal, provincial and municipal regulations and required filings;
• reviewing annually the insurance coverage of CLA;

• primary oversight of the CEO, including evaluation;
• establishing public policy and position statements on important lung health issues as supported by evidence; and
• conducting board self-evaluation and arranging for succession planning;

Directors of the CLA board serve as volunteers. Board members are not permitted to profit from their role, directly or indirectly.

My commitment to this cause is deeply personal, inspired by my own experience with a lung tumor diagnosis. This drives me to raise awareness and effect meaningful change.

Nora Lacey, Past Chair

Meetings

The Board meets at least four times per year. Meetings are held virtually. At the discretion of the Board, a meeting may be held in person. Special meetings, at the call of the Chair, may also be required.

Committees

A Director must sit on at least one Committee. Committee meetings vary in frequency, depending upon the needs at the time.

Length of term

The term of a director is two years. The maximum number of terms that a director can serve consecutively is three terms of two years each.

If you would like more information about the commitment required, contact the Board Chair.

My commitment to the Canadian Lung Association is deeply personal, given my family’s battle with lung disease and our intergenerational dedication to lung health across Canada. It’s also intimately connected to a love of family, especially two little humans of my own. I’m enthusiastically committed to ensuring that that the lung health of Canada’s youngest generation will endure.”

Margaux McDonald, Board Chair

Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act (S.C. 2009, c. 23)   

The legal duties of Directors of Charities and Not-For-Profits by Terrance S. Carter and Jacqueline M. Demczur 

Ineligible Individuals

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