In keeping with the bylaws of the Canadian Academy of Psychiatry and the Law (CAPL), members are invited to submit their candidacy to become a director of the Corporation. Applications for director positions are to be submitted online no later than Jan. 30, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. ET.
CAPL seeks and encourages applications from qualified candidates who reflect the diversity and demography of the psychiatrist population with sensitivity to gender, age, race/ethnicity, Indigeneity, cultural background, language, sexual identity and disability.
Directors serve a two-year term renewable twice for a maximum of six consecutive years. Directors are elected by CAPL members at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) from a slate proposed by the Nominating Committee. Per CAPL’s articles of continuance (transition) to the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, there shall be a minimum of three and a maximum of seven directors. All applicants for director shall:
- Be members in good standing of CAPL as defined in section 3.01 of the bylaws.
- Meet the qualifications listed in section 5.03 of the bylaws.
- Be personally regarded by their peers and CAPL members for integrity, professionalism and leadership.
- Have a balanced perspective of forensic psychiatry in relation to important regional, national and international issues.
- Reflect the ethical values and beliefs of the great majority of CAPL members.
Drs. Elizabeth Coleman, Andrew Kolchak, Maryana Kravtsenyuk and Santoch Rai are each eligible to stand for re-election for an additional director term. Drs. Padraig Darby, Mathieu Dufour and Lisa Ramshaw reach their term limit as directors at the 2026 AGM.
Officers serve a one-year term, renewable twice for a maximum of three consecutive years. Per section 7.01 of the bylaws, officers are appointed by the Board. Appointments occur at the first Board meeting following the AGM. With the exception of the president, vice-president and past-president, who must also be directors, officers need not be directors. However, in all cases, officers must meet the qualifications for directors outlined in section 5.03 of the bylaws (also consult the duties of officers and a description of ideal candidates).
Current officers are:
- President: Lisa Ramshaw
- Vice-President: Mathieu Dufour
- Secretary: Maryana Kravtsenyuk
- Treasurer: Elizabeth Coleman
Drs. Coleman and Kravtsenyuk are eligible for re-appointment for a second one-year term in their current offices (appointment to a different office may require re-election as a director).
To apply, all applicants for director or officer—including existing directors who are eligible for re-election, or officers who are eligible for re-appointment—must submit a brief (250 words maximum) statement of interest along with a recent copy of their CV online no later than 5 p.m. ET on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. Please note that disclosure of competing interests will also be required at the application stage. Nominations sent by email, fax or regular mail will be disqualified.