Volunteering on municipal boards and committees

The Municipal Clerk’s Office is not currently recruiting volunteers for the Boards, Committees, or Commissions.   Current opportunities will be posted on this page during periods of active recruitment.

Municipal boards, committees, and commissions consist of councillors, residents and industry representatives. These groups provide recommendations to Regional Council, community council or standing committees, and serve as an important part of the decision-making process. During periods of active recruitment, we seek board, committee and commission members that are reflective and inclusive of residents from the Halifax Regional Municipality.

For questions about the application process, concerns about computer or internet access, or to request other accommodations to the recruitment process, please contact the Municipal Clerk's Office by email serve@halifax.ca or call 902-490-4210.

How to apply

Step one: Determine eligibility
To serve on a municipal board or committee you must be 18 years or older, and a resident of the municipality. Some boards may require their members to be Canadian citizens.  Please note: Employees of the Halifax Regional Municipality are not eligible to serve on municipal boards, committees, or commissions.

Step two: Check for opportunities 
All vacancies are posted on this page. When there aren’t positions available, read up on boards and committees to find out which you would like to volunteer for in the future.

Step three: Complete and send your application 
Ready to apply? Submit your application online during an advertised recruitment period. You will receive confirmation that your application has been received.  Please use the standard application form unless applying for the Youth Advisory Committee. 

Step four: The council selection process
Your application is reviewed and presented confidentially to committee or council. The selection process may involve an interview with relevant staff and members of council.

Step five: Make a difference
You will be notified of the status of your application once the appointment has been made. Staff will be in contact with appointees to provide meeting materials and facilitate any onboarding required.

For more information on eligibility, qualifications, and the selection process, review the Public Appointment Policy, read the frequently asked questions below or contact the Office of the Municipal Clerk. See a visual summary of the application process. 

Frequently asked questions

What type of information should I include in my application?

Applications should include any information about you that is relevant to the board or committee you’re applying for. This could include why you’re interested in the particular board or committee, relevant knowledge or interest, and previous committee experience. 

Standard application form
Youth Advisory Committee application form

Regional Council recognizes that the municipality is best served by boards, committees and commissions whose membership reflects the diverse communities they serve. We encourage applications from African Nova Scotians, racially visible persons, women, persons with disabilities, persons of the 2SLGBTQAI+ community, and Indigenous persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify.

How often are board and committee meetings?

Boards and committees typically meet once a month.

How can I learn more information about the boards and committees I’m interested in applying for?

Before starting the application process, it’s recommended that you learn about the board or committee you’re interested in. Information about each board and committee is available on our website, including terms of reference, meeting schedules, minutes, agendas, and reports. Reviewing these documents will give you details on the role and the typical work performed by the board or committee.

How much work is required to be on a municipal board or committee?

This depends on the individual board or committee and the type of work that group is involved with at the given time. Boards and committees may go through time periods where the amount of work they deal with will fluctuate. For any given meeting, you should expect to review the agenda and any related reports and documents prior to attending a meeting.

What does a municipal board or committee do?

Municipal boards and committees are groups consisting of councillors, citizens, and industry representatives that provide advice and recommendations to Regional Council, community council, or standing committees on certain matters. Each has a specific area of focus and terms of reference that guide the work it does.

What happens to my application if I’m not successful?

Unsuccessful applications are kept on file by the Office of the Municipal Clerk for the term of the board or committee. If volunteer opportunities become available during that term, applicants whose information is on file will be asked if they wish to have their name brought forward for consideration.

Read what former volunteers have to say about their experience.

Volunteering Opportunities

The Municipal Clerk’s Office is not currently recruiting volunteers for the Boards, Committees, or Commissions.   Current opportunities will be posted on this page during periods of active recruitment.