Overall CMA election guiding principles
The CMA:
- collaborates with the provincial and territorial medical associations (PTMAs) in the nominations process
- does not demonstrate preference or bias toward candidates and works closely with associated PTMAs to ensure this practice is supported
- expects all candidates to maintain collegiality, respect and decorum during the electoral process
- partners with an expert in election procedures and best practices, to manage its electronic elections platform and ensure it is accessible, efficient, auditable and secure
CMA promotion of the electoral process
The CMA will promote the electoral process and provide members with candidate information through various channels including, but not limited to, the following:
- publication of all electoral timelines and candidate information on cma.ca
- direct emails to eligible CMA voters, including reminders announcing the timelines for the elections and providing access to information related to all candidates
- publicity in various media outlets as deemed appropriate
Campaign guidelines for candidates
Candidates are responsible for their own campaigns, including maintaining the integrity and spirit of the electoral process. It is the candidate’s responsibility to understand and observe the campaign guidelines below, and to ensure anyone involved in promoting their candidacy does the same.
Promotion of candidates
- Candidates must not include the CMA logo or other third-party logos on election campaign materials.
- Candidates must use the appropriate title, provided by the CMA, for the position they are seeking, for example “CMA president-elect.”
- Candidates must respect all election period timelines when carrying out their campaign activities.
Use of social media
- Candidates are personally responsible for developing their social media competencies and platforms. The CMA is not responsible for developing candidate websites or providing training on how to use social media tools.
- The CMA may use its various social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) to promote the electoral process only. The CMA will not retweet, repost or comment on candidate posts, or member support posts, on social media.
- For the president-elect nominee elections only, the CMA may use a social media platform to facilitate questions and answers from all CMA members with the purpose of helping them understand each candidate’s platform.
Funding
- Election best practice guidelines say it’s appropriate to permit individual candidates to raise reasonable funds for election campaigns. No tax receipts can be provided, and candidates will have to ensure compliance with accounting best practices.
- The CMA will not provide funding to candidates.
- The CMA recommends that PTMAs and CMA affiliates do not provide separate individual funding to candidates for campaign-related activities.
Membership voting data
- The CMA and PTMAs do not share membership lists with candidates.
- The CMA maintains voter anonymity, credential security and the full auditability of the elections through its electoral provider.