AGM Recap: Introducing the 2025–26 Board and Approved Bylaw Updates

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Welcoming the 2025–2026 RCA Board of Directors

The 2025 RCA Annual General Meeting took place on October 22 at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. During the AGM, members elected the new 2025–2026 RCA Board of Directors.

We’re pleased to share that Mortimer Capriles, Cathy Heron, Andrew Horsman, Clayton Miller, Mehr Nikoo, Shawn Samborsky, and Andrew Telfer will be returning to the Board this term. Their continued leadership and expertise will help guide RCA’s mission to advance circular economy action across Alberta.

Joining them are two new Directors — Jay Sanderson, founder of Backroads Reclamation and a national leader in circular infrastructure, and Ernest Ugwa, a Senior Engagement Specialist with the Government of Alberta, recognized for his experience in policy and stakeholder collaboration.

Together, this accomplished team will continue building momentum toward a more sustainable, circular Alberta.

You can view the 2024–2025 Annual Report, Financial Statements, and other AGM documents on our website: www.recycle.ab.ca/agm-2025/

Bylaw Updates Approved at the AGM

As part of the 2024 AGM, the Board committed to undertaking a full review of the RCA bylaws prior to the 2025 AGM. This review was completed, and members approved the updated bylaws at the AGM. The revisions align with the goals of the 2030 Strategic Plan and are designed to strengthen governance, support effective decision-making, and ensure strong leadership moving forward.

Key Changes Include:  

  • Reducing the size of the Board from 13 to 9 Directors. A smaller Board will allow for more effective discussions, stronger engagement from each Director, and more efficient decision-making.  
  • Introducing a blended nomination process. The Board will have the flexibility to present a slate of nominees to the membership, alongside the traditional open nomination and election process. Once fully transitioned, the Board will consist of 5 Directors presented by the Board and 4 Directors elected directly by the membership. This model balances continuity and stability with open participation, ensuring strong leadership while maintaining member voice.  

Notable Structural / Organizational Changes:  

  • Liaisons: In the past, some non-voting Board seats were offered as liaison positions for partner organizations and selected municipal representatives. These roles were never formally included in the Bylaws, and moving forward the RCA will not reserve seats in this way but, instead, may consider key partners and municipalities as presented names for nominations each year. All members are encouraged to run for the Board, take part in our new collaborative working groups launching soon or to stay connected with the Board via other events and regular RCA communications. The Board believes this approach creates more meaningful opportunities for members to contribute their expertise, ensures all directors are chosen by the membership, and makes the best use of everyone’s time and resources.  
  • Governance Flexibility: Several detailed policy and procedural items that previously cluttered the bylaws will be moved into Board-level policies or operational procedures. This change keeps the bylaws clear and focused on governance, while allowing the Board to update policies more easily and respond quickly as circumstances change.   
  • Clarity & Consistency: The updated bylaws provide clearer definitions, use consistent terminology, and outline the specific responsibilities of Board Officers. This ensures everyone has a shared understanding of roles and expectations, reducing confusion and strengthening accountability.  
  • Best Practices Alignment: With guidance from a lawyer specializing in non-profits, the updated bylaws have been written to align with sector best practices and the requirements of Alberta’s Societies Act. Key improvements include adjusting the size of the Board of Directors, establishing standing committees, moving governance policies to the Board level, and strengthening financial oversight (e.g., giving the Board responsibility for selecting the annual financial reviewer).  
  • Inclusivity & Future-Proofing: The bylaws now include flexible provisions for meeting attendance and voting methods, making it easier for more members to participate. Updates also provide the option for the Board to pursue gaming-related funding in the future, should it be in the best interest of the organization.