Governing Council Committees

The Governing Council has created six committees, each with specific terms of reference. Members serve three-year terms. GC Committees meet on average three to four times per year. From time to time, membership on these committees may include people who are not members of the Governing Council. CIHR's President is an ex officio member of all Standing Committees.

Executive Committee
The Executive Committee ensures that CIHR business flows in an orderly fashion and that Governing Council decisions are implemented.

Nominating and Governance Committee
The Nominating and Governance Committee (N&GC) oversees the competency-based process for recruitment of members for Governing Council, Standing Committees and the Institute Advisory Boards in keeping with succession planning best practices. N&GC is also responsible for the development, maintenance and implementation of governance policies and initiatives. Such measures, in keeping with current best practices, facilitate and improve Council's effectiveness.

Standing Committee on Ethics
The Standing Committee on Ethics identifies and provides advice on emerging ethical, legal and socio-cultural issues in health and health research

Standing Committee on Finance and Planning
The Standing Committee on Finance and Planning provides direction and oversight of CIHR's financial, budgeting and strategic planning activities.

CIHR Audit Committee
The mandate of the Audit Committee is to provide active oversight of core areas of risk, control and accountability at CIHR. The Audit Committee ensures that the President and the Governing Council have independent and objective advice, guidance, and assurance on, the adequacy of CIHR's control and accountability processes.

Stem Cell Oversight Committee
The Stem Cell Oversight Committee reviews research applications for human pluripotent stem cells and other ethically sensitive human stem cell research to ensure that they are in accordance with CIHR's Stem Cell Guidelines.