The summary financial statements do not contain all the disclosures required by Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations. Reading the summary financial statements and the auditor’s report thereon, therefore, is not a substitute for reading the audited financial statements and the auditor’s report thereon.

This strategic plan was developed by the Board of Directors to incorporate the changing landscape in the medical laboratory environment and the evolution of CSMLS itself.

The CSMLS Strategic Plan focuses on these four key areas to support the continued success of the organization:

A Governance Review was completed in May by an external consultant. There were no significant gaps in governance identified, but there were several recommendations made that could support the CSMLS in achieving excellence in governance practices. The majority of these recommendations have already been actioned or are in progress.

All Board members have completed the target set for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB) training for 2023. This is a continuous journey, and the Board commits to engaging in future training and activities that ensure EDIB is embodied in our policies, practices, and culture.

Our mission includes efforts in advocacy, for this reason, Board members participated in Lobby Days in British Columbia and Ontario to discuss challenges and propose collaborative solutions that positively impact the field.

The Board participated in provincial conferences or continuing education days hosted across six different provinces, from British Columbia to Newfoundland, presented at different post-secondary institutions across Canada to learners in MLA and MLT programs, and led the Lab Wisely Database Committee demonstrating our commitment and action towards laboratory stewardship.

Various Board members led or supported National Medical Laboratory Week celebrations, including a presentation of the Indigo Lab Coat at The Ottawa Hospital General Campus and at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario.

Legislation Committee

Ensures appropriate governance of the CSMLS through review and monitoring of documents such as the bylaws and board policies and procedures.

Some highlights from 2023 include the review of seven policies and procedures, the creation of one new policy, and a comprehensive review of the CSMLS Code of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee met regularly throughout 2023 to ensure sound financial management of the CSMLS through the identification of budgetary needs and review of financial reports. We ended the year with a surplus revenue noted in the Financial Summary.

The CSMLS Board of Directors acts with fiduciary responsibility to ensure the needs of the members are met while maintaining the financial sustainability of the organization.

Educator Committee

A two-way communication forum between the CSMLS and educators from across Canada to collaborate on areas of common interest.

In 2023, this included a table at the Open Forum at LABCON23 to discuss issues and trends in medical laboratory science education, an Educator’s Virtual Event which included sessions on learner’s perspectives and simulation, and a published educator survey that provided evidence regarding the vast variation in educational programs across Canada.

Nominations Committee

The Nominations Committee prepared a slate of candidates for the Quebec and Manitoba/Saskatchewan Director positions. Unfortunately, the Quebec nominee was unable to fulfill the role and the position is currently vacant, with recruitment underway in 2024. Madison Sielski was the successful Manitoba/Saskatchewan candidate.

Grants, Scholarships, and Awards

Staff, Board members, and volunteers worked together to distribute $13,000 in funding to 13 deserving members who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievements, leadership qualities, and commitment to making a positive impact in the laboratory profession. Additionally, six members were awarded the LABCON Leaders of Tomorrow Grant to attend LABCON2024 in St. John’s, NL.

As the National Voice of Canada’s medical laboratory profession, CSMLS represents the needs and concerns of medical laboratory professionals when working with laboratory and health care-related organizations. We continue to partake in discussions to keep staff, collaborators and members safe. Many of these in person meetings are now virtual. Not all those events qualify for the National Voice; however, we have been working with the media, policymakers and collaborators each month. Here is where your voice was heard in 2023.