The Board of Directors recently conducted a survey to gather member feedback on the Objects and Business of the Association (the "Objects"), which define the ACMG's purpose under the Alberta Societies Act. Any changes to these require approval by a special resolution, which must receive at least 75% support from members voting.
The primary objectives of the survey were to determine whether the phrase "protect the public interest" should remain in the Objects and whether the current Objects continue to reflect the ACMG's core purpose. The survey also included illustrative wording that could potentially replace the current public interest statement. It did not propose revised wording for the remaining clauses within the Objects.
The survey received 170 responses and 60 written comments, representing approximately 11% of the total ACMG membership, with a higher participation rate among the membership categories that are now eligible to vote following the recent bylaw changes.
Overall, the Board believes the results provide sufficient support to justify further investigation, education, and member engagement. The survey should be viewed as directional rather than conclusive. It does not approve any final wording or commit the Board to bringing forward a special resolution.
Among the membership groups that are now eligible to vote (MG, AG, SG, RG, HG), the results were as follows:
- 74.8% supported exploring a future proposal to remove the phrase "protecting the public interest" and update the Objects
- 16.8% indicated they required additional information before taking a position
- 8.4% opposed such a proposal
When asked specifically about removing the phrase "protect the public interest":
- 69.2% supported its removal
- 18.9% indicated they needed more information
- 11.9% preferred to retain the existing wording.
When asked whether removing the phrase would be acceptable, 79.0% of respondents from the expanded voting groups indicated that it would be.
The illustrative replacement wording also received positive feedback, with 79.7% of respondents indicating it reflected the ACMG's purpose either very well or somewhat well. It is important to note that this wording was presented only as an example to gauge member reaction and is not proposed final language.
Next Steps:
At its meeting on August 4, the Board agreed to the following process:
- Establish a working group to further examine the issue
- Engage a subject matter expert, if appropriate
- Hold member engagement sessions to listen to perspectives, answer questions, and discuss potential options
The working group has been asked to provide recommendations to the Board by March 1, 2027. Following that review, the Board will determine whether to bring forward a special resolution for consideration at the 2027 Annual General Meeting.
The Board also decided to defer development of the ACMG's next strategic plan until this work is complete. The Objects directly influence the ACMG's mission statement and long-term strategic direction, and the Board believes these foundational elements should be resolved before undertaking strategic planning.
Members who are interested in participating in the working group are invited to contact the ACMG Board of Directors by August 31, 2026.