Call for Nominations to the Expert Advisory Committee on Antimicrobial Resistance Risk Assessment

Veterinary Drugs Directorate
Holland Cross Complex
Ground floor, Suite 14
11 Holland Avenue
Address Locator: 3000A
Ottawa, ON K1A OK9

July 2, 2004

Subject: Call for Nominations to the Expert Advisory Committee on Antimicrobial Resistance Risk Assessment

Dear Stakeholder:

As part of Health Canada's Veterinary Drugs Directorate (VDD) efforts to address the issue of antimicrobial resistance associated with the use of antimicrobial agents in food-producing animals, VDD is seeking nominations for members to participate in a new Expert Advisory Committee on Antimicrobial Resistance Risk Assessment. This Committee will provide on-going and timely expert advice to VDD on assessment of the antimicrobial resistance risks attributable to new and existing antimicrobial agents.

A draft of the Expert Advisory Committee's Terms of Reference, which provides details of the make-up, mandate, roles and responsibilities of the Committee, is attached.

The Expert Advisory Committee will include one member representing the public. The lay member is not expected to have professional training in the area of the Committee's expertise, but should be knowledgeable of current and emerging issues relating to public health.

Individuals nominated will be selected for membership on the Committee based on their knowledge or experience in the desired areas of expertise as outlined below. Please note that members of the Committee must be well-known and respected in their area of expertise (e.g. received peer-reviewed grants, published in peer-reviewed publications, served on recognized granting panels). In addition, preference will be given to nominees with broader expertise or experience in one or more of the disciplines listed below and who could contribute to the specifics of antimicrobial resistance risk assessment.

Medical / Scientific expertise:

• Risk Assessment (food safety or microbial risk assessment in particular)
• Microbiology (specifically bacteriology or specialization in antimicrobial resistance)
• Pharmacology
• Veterinary Medicine
• Human Medicine/Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Statistics

Members will be selected on the basis of the following criteria.

1. Potential members must have previous committee experience and be able to function effectively within a group.
2. Preference will be given to members with broader expertise or experience.
3. Members must not have vested interests in the area of the Committee, and must not use the position for their private gain or for that of other persons or organizations.
4. Each new member must be willing to undergo an enhanced security clearance and complete conflict of interest statements. The Policy Guide for the Management of Advisory Committees requires members to make a thorough disclosure of real, potential, or perceived situations of conflict of interest prior to and during their term of service. Such a conflict may limit the member's role in a specific discussion or terminate the membership.
5. Members are expected to represent the public in general, and not any particular association or segment thereof.

Individuals selected for membership on an Expert Advisory Committee will reflect the required expertise, background, and appropriate blend of gender and regional representation. Final selection of members rests with myself through consultation with the Chair of the Committee. Members (5 - 8) will be appointed to serve an initial term of 3 years.

Please submit your nomination(s) by e-mail, fax or correspondence by September 15, 2004, including in your reply the names, contact information and biographies of nominees for the Expert Advisory Committee to:

Ms Dhurata Ikonomi
Public Involvement Officer
Veterinary Drugs Directorate
Health Canada
14-11 Holland Avenue, A.L. 3000A
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K9
Fax: (613) 957-3861
Electronic mail: dhurata_ikonomi@hc-sc.gc.ca

Please provide a brief summary describing how nominees meet the selection criteria described above and include a curriculum vitae.

I appreciate your consideration and contribution to this important step in addressing the issue of antimicrobial resistance as it relates to the use of antimicrobial agents in veterinary medicine and livestock production.

Yours Sincerely,

Diane C. Kirkpatrick
Director General

Links:

Expert Advisory Committee on Antimicrobial Resistance Risk Assessment - Draft Terms of Reference

Criteria and Process for the Selection of Members of the Expert Advisory Committee on Antimicrobial Resistance Risk Assessment