How to apply

The roles, responsibilities and time required vary. Members are typically asked to serve terms ranging from two to five years, and in general, ABC members are expected to:

• be well prepared to attend all board meetings by reading all materials provided
• be familiar with the issues affecting the board
• make well-informed recommendations on board items 
• actively participate in board discussions and business
• contribute real-life experience (own or on behalf of New Brunswickers), to inform the board’s work.

Finding the right ABC fit is important to ensure a positive experience. Consider the following:

• Why do you want to serve on an ABC?
• How much time can you commit?
• What issues in your community concern you? 
• What activities interest you?
• What are you passionate about?
• What are your core values?
• What types of past experiences have you enjoyed? 
• Do you want to build new skills or share current expertise?

Ready to get involved? 

1. Decide if serving on an ABC is right for you
2. Discover what you’re passionate about and what you want to gain from the experience 
3. Find an ABC that aligns with your expectations 
4. Ask questions and do your research

No matter what cause is of interest to you, or what area you want to get involved in, there's an ABC for you!

Community

Consider getting involved with:

• Assessment and Planning Appeal Board
• Human Rights Commission
• NB Wildlife Council
• New Brunswick Arts Board

Education

Consider getting involved with:

• NBCC Board of Directors
• UNB Board of Governors
• New Brunswick Library Board
• Provincial curriculum and evaluation advisory committee

Health and wellness

Consider getting involved with:

• Regional Health Authority Board of Directors
  • Horizon Health Network
  • Vitalité Health Network
• New Brunswick Health and Senior Care Council
• Family Income Security Appeal Board
• Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation

Jobs and innovation

Consider getting involved with:

• Opportunities New Brunswick
• Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification Board
• NB Research and Productivity Council

Many ABC positions are undertaken on a voluntary basis, while others may receive remuneration. Remuneration is based on a number of factors including:

• nature of the service of the ABC
• level of credentials and/or expertise required
• complexity of work 
• ABC decision making authority
• impact of recommendations and/or decisions

Current ABC opportunities are posted to the ABC website. Anyone who wishes to apply to serve on an ABC must submit an expression of interest.

Note: When the box on the application form is checked for consideration of other board opportunities, your application will be added to the ABC résumé repository for three years.

• When the recruitment closes, each application is reviewed.
• The selection of candidates is based on merit. Consideration for ABC membership includes:
  • Required skills and competencies.
  • Composition that reflects the population it serves. 
• Appointments are made by:
  • Order-in-Council (OIC) - approval from the Executive Council (Cabinet) and the Lieutenant-Governor.
  • Ministerial – approval from the Minister responsible for the legislation that establishes the ABC.
• Successful candidates will be contacted by the responsible department.
• All enquiries should be directed to the responsible department.
• Where an appointment is made by an OIC, the names of appointees are published in the Royal Gazette.

Submitting an ABC application:

In submitting your expression of interest, please complete the application or send in your résumé including summary of work history, volunteer service and/or other life experiences relevant to the position of no more than five pages.

Areas you may want to demonstrate, the ability to:

• apply a broad perspective on issues
• work with a team and listen to others, constructively solve problems, make objective and fair decisions and reach consensus in a timely manner
• work professionally with confidential and sensitive information
• communicate effectively in verbally and written forms

As well as:

• any relevant professional designations or specific knowledge or qualifications related to the ABC and/or its focus 
• peer/community recognition of high ethical standards and integrity in professional and personal interactions

Note: Those interested in serving as ABC chairs and co-chairs should have proven abilities in leading groups to solve problems constructively and bring about fair and consensus-based decisions. 

Conflicts of interest arise when there is conflict between the private interests and the official responsibilities of an individual in a position of trust. In other words, situations where an ABC member may derive personal benefits for themselves, friends, or families from actions or decisions made through their ABC involvement. Conflicts of interest can be real or perceived.

For example, ABC members should not:

• directly or indirectly benefit from a transaction where they can influence decisions made by the ABC
• use their position to solicit clients for business purposes 
• accept fees, gifts, gratuities or other benefits which could reasonably be considered to influence their/board decisions
• make use of any privileged information to their personal gain or the gain of others

To ensure ABCs are governed in the public interest, potential appointees are asked to disclose any obligation, commitment, relationship or interest that could conflict or may be perceived to conflict with their duties to or interests of the ABC to which they are seeking appointment.

For additional information, see the conflict of interest section on the ABC application form. 

Personal information collected is done for the purpose of making appointments to various ABCs; and is collected under the respective statutory authority. Questions about this collection should be directed to the ABC Branch of the Executive Council Office at (506) 444-5292 or P.O. Box 6000, Fredericton, NB E3B 5H1.

Should you provide consent to add your information to the corporate résumé database to be considered for another ABC position for which you are qualified, you are agreeing that your personal information will be used or disclosed for the purposes of determining eligibility for appointment to various ABCs.