Although it is often called the Parliament of Canadian medicine, one speaker said somewhat disparagingly that it more closely resembles the Senate in its response time. The CMA's governing authority is General Council, which meets once a year. Approximately 235 voting delegates are members, chosen primarily by the 12 divisions according to population. Each of the 38 affiliate societies also has a vote. Between General Councils, work is carried out by a 26-member Board of Directors.
Many physicians consider the large board unwieldy and too politically driven.
He said the other wing should be added by giving voice to educational and professional issues through the affiliate societies. Other physicians supported formalized interaction with the affiliate societies, particularly because this would bring added expertise to the CMA councils and committees where policy is developed. There was also interest in increasing the profile of young physicians, students and women. This is an extremely important issue and we should let the committee know what we think. Similar sentiment was expressed during the information session.