Volunteering on municipal boards and committees is important—are you interested? Apply online to serve on a board or committee in 5 easy steps [PDF].
The Municipal Clerk’s Office is currently recruiting for Boards and Committees. Check available opportunities.
Questions? Contact the Municipal Clerk’s Office at serve@halifax.ca or 902-490-4210.
Interested in serving as a volunteer on a Halifax Regional Municipality board, committee or commission? Read what current volunteers have to say about their experience.
The five steps to volunteering on a municipal board or committee
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.
Step two: Check for opportunities
All vacancies are posted at the bottom of 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.
Hard-copy application forms are also available for pick up at the Office of the Municipal Clerk. You can submit your completed form by mail, fax, drop off, or scan and email.
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 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.
Frequently asked questions about volunteering on a board or committee
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.
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 online, 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.