Notice: Nomination call for members – Scientific Advisory Committee on Mental Health Disorders

March 8, 2024
Our file number: 24-101558 - 539

Health Canada is seeking nominations for members for the Scientific Advisory Committee on Mental Health Disorders (SAC-MHD). The Committee will provide scientific, medical and clinical advice pertaining to the evaluation and treatment of various mental health disorder to the Pharmaceutical Drugs Directorate (PDD). The engagement of experts possessing clinical expertise in these areas, and who represent the Canadian medical landscape, enhances transparency and provides an opportunity for external guidance. This external input plays a vital role in supplying valuable clinical context that informs the regulatory drug review processes. While the Committee offers advice and recommendations to Health Canada, it is essential to note that the decision-making authority ultimately rests with Health Canada. This collaborative approach ensures a well-informed and balanced evaluation of medical interventions for mental health disorders.

The Committee's Terms of Reference is attached. Tentatively, the first meeting of the Committee is expected to be held in the summer of 2024.

Health Canada is looking for expertise in the areas of psychiatry.

Members will be selected based on the required expertise, the individual's breadth of experience and his or her familiarity with committee work. Consideration will also be given to the candidate's ability to balance scientific rigor with practical considerations, regulatory requirements and international perspectives. Health Canada strives to maintain a balance of gender, geographical /regional and linguistic representation in its selection of members.

Committee members will be appointed by the Director General of the Pharmaceutical Drugs Directorate following a review of all nominations by a Health Canada selection committee. The appointed members will have to undergo government security clearance and provide a declaration of their Affiliations and Interests. As a condition of membership, a summary of this information will be prepared, and once approved by the member, it will be posted to Health Canada's website. Members must participate as volunteers in order to be eligible for indemnification.

For additional information, please consult the Health Canada Policy on External Advisory Bodies (2022) which is used as the guiding document for all advisory bodies.

Please provide by April 2, 2024, the names and contact information of nominees who satisfy the selection criteria outlined above to:

Larissa Lefebvre
Office of Clinical Trials
Pharmaceutical Drugs Directorate
Health Canada
Email: larissa.lefebvre@hc-sc.gc.ca
Please note that nominees may self nominate.