City of Vancouver Food Policy Council Terms of Reference

Vancouver Food Policy Council Terms of Reference

Policy advice

The Policy Council:

• Provides input to City Council and staff about issues of concern
• Considers any matters which may be referred to the Policy Council by City Council or staff
• May take positions on policy initiatives from other levels of government within the mandate of the Policy Council
• Advises Council and staff on the Vancouver Food Strategy as it is developed, implemented and updated

Collaboration

The Policy Council:

• Works co-operatively with other agencies whose activities affect constituent communities, including initiating and developing relevant projects
• Acts as a resource for staff doing public involvement processes and civic events

Awareness and outreach

The Policy Council:

• Exchanges information with the constituent communities and the general public about relevant programs and issues of interest
• Engages in outreach to disseminate information and encourage participation from constituent communities
• Supports groups developing projects to enhance the food system

Planning and reporting

The Policy Council:

• Produces an annual work plan with specific objectives by no later than April of each year, in consultation with City Council and staff liaisons, for distribution to City Council and civic departments for information
• Submits an annual report to City Council describing its accomplishments for the year, including reference to each objective set out in the work plan and any arising issues to which the Policy Council has responded

Meeting frequency

• The Policy Council meets at least four times a year, but not more than 10 times a year. It does not meet in August.
• Currently, the Policy Council meets on either the second or third Wednesday of each month at 6:00pm in the Town Hall Room, Main Floor, City Hall.
• Members of the public are welcome to attend the meetings.

Time commitment

• Outside of meetings, members should expect to spend at least 2 hours on email and other correspondence, report writing, and inspection rides. Preparation time for all meetings is required.

Attendance requirement

• Members may miss no more than four consecutive meetings without obtaining leave of absence from the Policy Council. Membership will be terminated following the fourth such absence.

taken from http://vancouver.ca/your-government/vancouver-food-policy-council.aspx, March 3rd, 2017.

Note: Vancouver Food Policy Council is embedded within the local government, and therefore the terms of reference have been included within the scope of this database.