Do you want to be more involved with the chapter? Consider engaging with one of our committees.
The Ontario Chapter has 7 standing committees as per our bylaws meant to support chapter operations. Short committee descriptions can be found below along with more details linked to each description, which include previous committee members and description of duties.
Contact the chapter executive if you are interested in participating on any of our committees at info@octws.ca.
The Ontario Chapter has 7 standing committees as per our bylaws meant to support chapter operations. Short committee descriptions can be found below along with more details linked to each description, which include previous committee members and description of duties.
Contact the chapter executive if you are interested in participating on any of our committees at info@octws.ca.
Standing Committees
Conservation Affairs
Within the Ontario Chapter of The Wildlife Society (OCTWS), there exists a need to periodically review and provide feedback on developing and ongoing public policy and associated issues relevant to wildlife conservation and management in Ontario as well as elsewhere in Canada. As such, the OCTWS established the Ontario Conservation Affairs Committee (OCAC) to ensure such issues are given due discourse. The OCAC is responsible for the development and dissemination of science supported information required to inform public policy makers, wildlife professionals, other resource managers, and the public concerning these issues. The OCAC will also solicit and accept feedback from the Canadian Section (CSTWS) and Chapter membership with respect to those issues that warrant the attention of OCTWS, and determine, in consultation with the Chapter Executive, which issues will be considered for analysis.
The role of the OCAC is to:
The role of the OCAC is to:
- Identify and define priority issues surrounding Ontario wildlife management and where applicable, contribute relevant information to decision making processes at both the governmental and auxiliary levels with respect to other organizations that have an influence in wildlife and species management
- Provide scientific, technical, and ethical background information on conservation issues that is consistent with the goals and objectives of the OCTWS, CSTWS, and TWS parent organization
- Offer feedback to the CSTWS on wildlife management and conservation issues of particular importance to CSTWS, such that they can communicate with the parent Society to undertake its mandate sensitive to the needs of the Canadian membership
Education and Information
The education and information committee will aim to act as a networking tool that is especially valuable for young professionals entering a wildlife career and encourage public interest and involvement in wildlife related issues. This committee will focus on the sharing of knowledge both among members, and from the chapter to the general public. The education and information committee will also be responsible for liaising with student chapters and providing opportunities for students to connect with practitioners to learn about real-world careers. To this end, the activities of this committee include maintenance of the chapter website and social media accounts, newsletters, and the organization of web-based seminars, workshops, and training courses. This committee will also be closely involved in the planning of the AGM in the interest of research sharing, student engagement, and recognizing outstanding student achievements.
Membership and Recruitment
The Membership and Recruitment Committee (MRC) is designed to investigate ways to increase membership within the Ontario Chapter of The Wildlife Society (OCTWS), the Canadian Section of The Wildlife Society (CSTWS) and The Wildlife Society (TWS). In addition to increasing membership numbers, the MRC will concentrate on building a membership that better represents the many facets and ethnicities of the wildlife profession.
To accomplish these goals, the MRC has become part of the CSTWS Membership Committee’s national network of provincial chapter membership representatives. In addition, the MRC will work closely with the CSTWS’s Certification Committee, as there is a recognized connection between an increase in TWS certified professionals and a subsequent increase in membership at all TWS levels. As much as possible, the MRC will endeavour to work with any other CSTWS or OCTWS Committees to drive an increase in membership numbers.
To ensure that the MRC works effectively, the committee has been structured with five (5) members i.e. Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Professional Representative, and Student Representative. All must be members of OCTWS.
To keep the OCTWS Executive up to date on developments, the MRC will provide reports in advance of the monthly meetings. This tact will ensure that the Executive is provided with the opportunity for discussion and input. At the Annual General Meeting (AGM), the MRC will provide the Executive with an annual report designed to summarize the year’s accomplishments. This report will also provide a future view of goals for the upcoming year.
To accomplish these goals, the MRC has become part of the CSTWS Membership Committee’s national network of provincial chapter membership representatives. In addition, the MRC will work closely with the CSTWS’s Certification Committee, as there is a recognized connection between an increase in TWS certified professionals and a subsequent increase in membership at all TWS levels. As much as possible, the MRC will endeavour to work with any other CSTWS or OCTWS Committees to drive an increase in membership numbers.
To ensure that the MRC works effectively, the committee has been structured with five (5) members i.e. Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Professional Representative, and Student Representative. All must be members of OCTWS.
To keep the OCTWS Executive up to date on developments, the MRC will provide reports in advance of the monthly meetings. This tact will ensure that the Executive is provided with the opportunity for discussion and input. At the Annual General Meeting (AGM), the MRC will provide the Executive with an annual report designed to summarize the year’s accomplishments. This report will also provide a future view of goals for the upcoming year.
Awards
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Annual General Meeting
The Annual Meeting committee is responsible for leading the planning of the chapter’s annual meeting. The Annual Meeting will include: a business meeting where committee reports are delivered, a review of chapter finances, and election results are announced, at a minimum. In addition, these meetings provide an opportunity to highlight the work of Ontario’s wildlife professionals, including members of the academic, government, non-government, and consulting companies. Normally, these meetings will include presentations highlighting research, plenaries on important wildlife conservation issues in Ontario, and workshops for building relevant skill sets. The Annual Meeting should also provide opportunities for professional development of students and early career professionals. This committee is critical to the success of OCTWS’ annual meetings.
Audit
The Ontario Chapter’s Audit Committee is responsible for the annual review of the financial reporting and disclosure. The function of the audit is to ensure the integrity and transparency of OCTWS financial system(s). At present, the audit is done internally, and not by an external auditing company.
Nominations and Elections
The Ontario Chapter’s Nominating and Elections Committee is annually responsible for soliciting and preparing a slate of candidates (at least 2 per open position) for the executive board. The committee is responsible for arranging the vote (usually electronic) and counting ballots for the election. Normally, Ontario Chapter elections will occur electronically prior to the AGM. The committee will meet approximately 4-6 months prior to the AGM to begin to solicit nominations, present the slate of candidates, and set the election day.