About the Cowichan Valley Division of Family Practice

1.1 General Membership (Jan 2026)

In order to be eligible for membership in the Cowichan Valley Division of Family Practice, a candidate must be a licensed family physician who practices in the CVDFP catchment area (extending south to Mill Bay/Shawnigan Lake, north to Ladysmith, west to Lake Cowichan, and east to Penelakut Island), in either a part time, full time, or locum capacity, and who identifies Cowichan as their primary Division of Family Practice.

1.2 Associate Membership (Jan 2026)

In order to be eligible for an associate membership in the Cowichan Valley Division of Family Practice, a candidate must be one of the following: a family medicine resident, a retired family doctor, a family doctor residing but not practicing within the CVDFP catchment area, or a nurse practitioner. Candidates must either reside or practice in the CVDFP catchment area, and cannot be otherwise eligible as a General Member. Pursuant to bylaw 3.1, associate members are entitled to the same rights as a general member, with the following exceptions: associate members cannot make, second or vote on formal motions at general meetings. Additionally, as associate members are not included in Division funding level calculations, there may be specific instances where they cannot be remunerated for particular activities, and/or may be ineligible for certain funding streams.

1.3 Board Membership (Mar 2026)

In order to be eligible to serve on the board of the Cowichan Valley Division of Family Practice, a candidate must be a CVDFP member in good standing or a member of the general community with relevant background. Candidates must reside in and, ideally, work or have worked in the CVDFP catchment area. Notwithstanding the above, pursuant to bylaw 7.2, the board must always include at least three directors who are general members. Also, pursuant to section 41 of the Societies Act, less than 50% of the board are permitted to receive payment from CVDFP for work other than being a director.

1.4 Retiring Members

A physician who ceases to meet General Membership eligibility requirements by retiring from active practice during the course of their 5 year membership term will be permitted to continue participating in and contributing to the division’s endeavours as an Associate Member, as defined above.

1.5 Loss of Membership Eligibility

With the exception of retiring physicians, a member who otherwise ceases to meet membership eligibility requirements in the course of their 5 year membership term shall be considered to have ceased to be a member of the division. Accordingly, such individuals shall no longer receive division communications or other membership benefits.

1.6 Primary Membership and Leadership Roles (Mar 2026)

Although physicians are permitted to hold membership in multiple Divisions of Family Practice, any CVDFP member serving in a leadership role within the organization must have designated Cowichan as their primary Division, with the exception of broader community members who have been elected to the board of directors and who are not be eligible for CVDFP membership. All Candidates must reside in and, ideally, work or have worked in the CVDFP catchment area.