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Subcommittees and Caucuses

Subcommittees and Caucuses play a vital role in the governance of the Association by bringing issues affecting the discipline of sociology and those working within it to the attention of the Executive Committee. They advise on operational best practices, oversee programs, and develop resources that support and benefit the membership.

The Executive Committee may establish or dissolve subcommittees and caucus as needed to support the Association's work. However, membership approval is required for a subcommittee to be granted official standing within the Association and representation on the Executive Committee.

All subcommittees and caucuses are required to operate in accordance with the CSA Bylaws, the policies and procedures outlined in the Association Handbook (this document), and the Operating Standards and Principles on Equity. Each subcommittee and caucus must also prepare an annual report summarizing its activities for submission to the Executive Committee and inclusion in the materials for the Association's Annual General Meeting.

List of Subcommittees and Caucuses

Subcommittees:

Several subcommittees have a long-standing role in supporting the governance, operations, and policy development of the Association. These include the Equity Issues, Public Engagement and Professional Concerns, Research Advisory, and Student Concerns subcommittees.

Structure:

  • All Subcommittee members must be members of the Canadian Sociological Association in good standing.
  • Subcommittee positions are open to CSA membership nomination as part of the election process and will serve 3-year terms.
  • Subcommittees must have minimum of 3 and maximum of 6 serving members (with the exception of the Student Concerns Subcommittee who may have additional members).
    • Vacant positions will be filled by Executive committee appointment until the next election cycle.
    • Additional consultative members may be appointed by the Subcommittee, with the approval of the Executive Committee, to develop policy, participate in programs or initiatives, and take action in special areas or regions, as required.
  • Executive Committee representation
    • The members of the Subcommittee choose the chair (who sits on the Executive Committee).
    • The chair will attend all Executive Committee meetings and vote on motions presented during a meeting or by e-vote between meetings.
    • Two co-chairs are possible but only one vote per subcommittee will be counted.
  • Subcommittee service expectations
    • Representatives from the subcommittee will serve on the Conference Program and Nominations Committees as well as select Award adjudication committees.
    • The subcommittee may organize Conference sessions and/or virtual events.
    • Additional tasks may be assigned based on the activities of the subcommittee.

Caucuses:

Following discussions about service expectations, self-governance, and community building, several subcommittees were restructured as caucuses to better support their mandates while preserving representation within the CSA's governance structure. The membership approved this governance change at the Annual General Meeting on June 22, 2026. The affected groups are: Anti-Islamophobia, Black Caucus, Decolonization, Francophone Affairs, and Justice for Palestine.

If a caucus is unable to fill the minimum 3-person membership requirements to operate, it will be considered in abeyance. As well, they will be subject to dissolution if in abeyance for more than one (1) calendar year. Caucuses may request their own dissolution if they feel their work has been completed and is no longer required within the CSA.

Structure:

  • Only the Caucus chair will be required to be a member of the Canadian Sociological Association in good standing.
    • Other members of the Caucus need not be members of the Canadian Sociological Association unless they participate in CSA activities or serve on CSA committees that require membership.
  • Caucus chairs will be elected by the CSA membership by acclamation.
    • The positions are not open to CSA member nominations.
    • Other members of the Caucus will not hold official positions on the CSA’s governing body and therefore are not subject to the election process.
  • Executive Committee representation
    • Caucus members will designate a chair to sit on the Executive Committee.
    • The chair will attend all Executive Committee meetings and vote on motions presented during the meeting or by e-vote between meetings.
    • Two co-chairs are possible but only one vote per Caucus will be counted.
  • Service expectations
    • Caucuses have the option to assign a representative to the Conference Program and/or Nominations Committees.  Those assigned to these committees must be members of the CSA.
    • Caucuses may organize conference sessions and/or virtual events during the academic year.

Recognizing that Caucus participants may or may not be members of the CSA, additional requirements have been implemented to ensure operational transparency.

  • Those assuming the Caucus Chair positions will be subject to approval by the CSA Executive Committee pending:
    • A summary outlining how the Chairs have been determined by the Caucus members that each year
    • Verification of CSA membership in good standing
  • The Caucus must submit information on the leadership/steering committee of the caucus if applicable each year (names and affiliations).

A complaints and resolution process will also be developed to address concerns raised by the membership or the Executive Committee regarding the Caucus operations for issues including but not limited to:

  • Participation and exclusion
  • Inequitable/undemocratic leadership selection
  • Conflicts of interest between the Caucus mandate and activities
  • Activities contrary to the CSA objectives and policies

The Association has considered the needs and concerns of the membership to create and define these subcommittees and caucuses below.

Learn more about Canadian Sociological Association Governance

Subcommittee and Caucus Mandates

    • Anti-Islamophobia Caucus

      2026-2027 Caucus members

      Leila Benhadjoudja, University of Ottawa (Chair)
      Lucy El-Sherif, McMaster University
      Muna Saleh, Concordia University of Edmonton

      This Caucus (previouly established as a subcommittee in 2023) was proposed by members of the Association to draw attention to Bill 21 in Quebec, passed in 2019 and upheld in 2021, which “bars public school teachers, police officers, judges and government lawyers, among other civil servants in positions of authority, from wearing religious symbols — such as hijabs, crucifixes or turbans — while at work” (Rukavina CBC, Aug 04, 2022). A range of collective action against the Bill on claims of racism, discrimination, and Islamophobia by a coalition of organizations serving minoritized groups effected by the bill has garnered national attention. These efforts have included legal challenges by the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), a national human rights and civil liberties organization, as well as Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) (CBC News, Nov 07, 2022).

      With attention to the context of state-led Islamophobia and racism perpetuated by the Bill 21 and the escalation of Islamophobia in Canada, this caucus is tasked with working with community organizations to address concerns of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim racism. The most urgent task will involve working closely with the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) to ensure the safety and wellbeing of members as they engage with and attend CSA conferences.

      The mandate of the Caucus includes:

      • Bring current and emerging issues of concern dealing with Islamophobia and Anti- Muslim Racism to the attention of the Association

      • Take a decidedly critical intersectional approach to Islamophobia and Anti-Muslim Racism with attention to Gendered Islamophobia and Anti-Black Islamophobia

      • Represent the Association on external committees dealing with Islamophobia and Anti- Muslim Racism issues if relevant with Executive Committee approval

      • Communicate anti-Islamophobic resources to the membership that will serve to make CSA a more inclusive and engaging space for all sociologists

      • Regularly work to amplify and support community efforts of combatting Islamophobia, both in academia and more broadly

      • Incorporate initiatives to resolve systemic racism into the regular business of the Association and annual conferences
    • Black Caucus

      2026-2027 Caucus members

      • Jessica T. Bundy, University of Guelph (Co-Chair)
      • Giselle Thompson, University of Alberta (Co-Chair)
      • Carlo Charles, University of Windsor
      • Rhonda C. George, University of Guelph

      An ad hoc committee was formed by the Executive Committee in 2020 and was ratified as an official subcommittee by the membership at the 2021 Annual General Meeting.

      The mandate of the Caucus includes;

      • Bring current and emerging issues of concern dealing with anti-Black racism to the attention of the Association

      • Represent the Association on external committees dealing with anti-Black racism issues as relevant and with the approval of the Executive Committee

      • Communicate relevant resources to the membership and broader community through the Association

      • Incorporate initiatives to resolve systemic racism into the regular business of the Association and annual conferences

      The Black Caucus has received support from the Federation of the Humanities and Social Sciences' EDID Initiatives Fund towards the hiring of an RA to assist with the administration of Caucus activities.

      FHSS Logo

       

       
    • Decolonization Caucus

      2026-2027 Caucus members

      • Terri-Lynn Fox, Mount Royal University - Co-chair
      • Audrey Medwayosh, University of Alberta - Co-chair
      • John Hansen, University of Saskatchewan
      • Jill Rogers, McMaster University

      An ad hoc committee was formed by the Executive Committee in 2018 and ratified as an official subcommittee by the membership at the 2019 Annual General Meeting and redefined as a Caucus in June 2026. 

      The mandate of the Caucus includes;

      • Bring current and emerging issues of concern dealing with reconciliation, decolonization and settler colonialism to the attention of the Association

      • Represent the Association on external committees dealing with reconciliation issues as relevant and with the approval of the Executive Committee

      • Communicate relevant resources to the membership and broader community through the Association

      • Incorporate reconciliation initiatives into the regular business of the Association and annual conferences

      Recent Resource - Indigenous Sociology Research Guide, 2nd Edition 2025
    • Equity Issues Subcommittee

      2026-2027 Subcommittee members

      Pouya Morshedi, Memorial University (Chair)
      Jessica Braimoh, York University
      Tuğçe Ellialtı-Köse, University of Guelph
      Foroogh Mohammadi, Acadia University
      Dean Ray, York University

      The Equity Issues Subcommittee provides leadership and guidance on matters related to equity and social justice by monitoring emerging issues, advising the Association, facilitating communication and collaboration, and supporting initiatives that advance equitable practices across the Association's activities.

      The mandate of this Subcommittee;

      • Bring current and emerging issues of concern dealing with equity and injustice to the attention of the association and members

      • Communicate relevant resources to the membership and broader community through the Association

      • Assign members to other Association committees (Awards, Conference Program, Nominations, etc) 

      • Organize special sessions on Equity issues at the annual conference and/or as part of the Association webinar series
    • Francophone Affairs Caucus

      2026-2027 Caucus members

      Guillaume Durou, University of Alberta - Président

      Abdoul-Malik Ahmad, Université de l'Ontario français
      Amal Madibbo, University of Toronto
      Capucine Coustère, Université Laval
      Charles Berthelet, Université du Québec à Montréal
      Christine Beaudoin, Université de l'Ontario français
      Claudel Lamoureux Duquette, Université de Montréal
      Gabrielle Duval, Carleton University
      Laisa Pivert, Université Laval
      Rajae Anys, Université du Québec à Montréal
      Shirin Shahrokni, York University

      In 2022, the Executive Committee and membership approved this subcommittee/caucus in an effort to improve engagement with Francophone sociologists and promote greater visibility of French-language sociological work within the Canadian Sociological Association.

      The mandate of the Caucus includes:

      • Bring to the attention to current and emerging issues of concerns faced by French-speaking faculty, students, graduates and postdoctoral researchers

      • To support the Association in the promotion and enhancement of sociological research conducted in French as well as Association activities that take place in French

      • Incorporate French-language initiatives into the regular business of the Association and annual conferences

      • Organize and oversee the promotion and adjudication of the Prix d’excellence en sociologie de langue française

      • Represent the Association on external committees dealing with French-speaking sociologists, sociological studies in French, and sociological research conducted in French with the approval of the Executive Committee
    • Justice for Palestine Caucus

      2026-2027 Subcommittee members

      Sonia D’Angelo, York University (Co-chair)
      Alla Konnikov, Concordia University of Edmonton (Co-chair)

      In 2024, the Executive Committee and membership approved this subcommittee to serve as a dedicated platform for comprehensive research, dialogue, and advocacy, focusing on acts of scholasticide, genocide, and systemic violence in Palestine.

      Newly defined as a Caucus in June 2026, they will continue to address the systematic destruction of educational institutions and cultural heritage, which undermines the intellectual and cultural foundations of Palestinian society. The caucus will work to prevent atrocities and support affected Palestinian scholars and students. The caucus will also explore the complexities of Palestinian liberation and Israel’s ongoing settler-colonial practices, aiming to promote justice, peace, and human rights. Through these efforts, the caucus will enhance the Canadian sociological community's role in global human rights advocacy, informed policy-making, and educational initiatives, thereby fostering social justice and the protection of cultural heritage in Palestine.

      The mandate of the Caucus includes:

      • Mobilizing knowledge and resources for the membership to address scholasticide, settler-colonialism, and Zionist occupation in Palestine

      • Fostering collaboration and partnerships with academic institutions, organizations, and community groups dedicated to addressing scholasticide in Palestine, including, but not limited to, reporting on initiatives aimed at strengthening the scholastic and pedagogical rights and opportunities for Palestinian scholars and students

      • Strengthening links with and supporting Palestinian scholars and students

      • Advancing support for the academic freedom of all sociologists and sociology students targeted for their scholarship and activism in support of the Palestinian struggle

      • Reporting on the state of educational initiatives in Canadian universities on anti-Palestinian racism, genocide, and de-colonization

      • Bringing current and emerging issues of concern dealing with anti-Palestinian racism and scholasticide to the attention of the Association

      • Working in ways that complement and connect with other anti-racist struggles, including (but not limited to) struggles against Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, anti-Black racism, and Canadian settler colonialism
    • Public Engagement and Professional Concerns Subcommittee

      2026-2027 Subcommittee members

      Tom Buchanan, Mount Royal University (Co-Chair)
      Andrey Kasimov, Toronto Metropolitan University (Co-Chair)
      Elahe Nezhadhossein, University of New Brunswick, Saint John
      Cindy Sinclair, University of Toronto

      The previous Policy, Ethics, and Professional Concerns Subcommittee has been redefined (September 2024) to improve engagement with non-academic sociologists and those working in non-profit, corporate, or government sectors as well as promote public sociology. It will also continue to bring attention to concerns arising from working or studying in sociology.

      The mandate of this Subcommittee includes;

      • Collaborate with non-academic publics to promote public sociology

      • Support the work of public- and community-engaged sociologists

      • Engage in outreach with the membership about issues they face working or studying in the discipline of sociology and communicating these issues to the EC to help set priorities for the work of the CSA

      • Assign members to other Association committees (e.g. Awards, Conference Program, Nominations, etc)

      • Knowledge sharing through virtual events, website resources, and Conference sessions
    • Research Advisory Subcommittee

      2026-2027 Subcommittee members

      Timothy Kang, University of Saskatchewan (Chair)
      Mohita Bhatia, Saint Mary's University
      Fauzia Husain, Queen's University
      Aryan Karimi, University of British Columbia

      The Research Subcommittee promotes research excellence and knowledge mobilization by identifying issues relevant to the Association, informing research policy and priorities, supporting collaboration across committees, and facilitating the sharing of research through conferences, webinars, and online resources.

      The mandate of this subcommittee includes;

      • Convey issues regarding research and data as relevant to the Association

      • Recommend an Association position on proposals for social science research priorities from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada

      • Assign members to other Association committees (e.g. Awards, Conference Program, Nominations, etc)

      • Knowledge sharing through virtual events, website resources, and Conference sessions
    • Student Concerns Subcommittee

      2026-2027 Subcommittee members

      Nicole McNair, McMaster University (Chair)
      Md. Nazmul Arefin, University of Alberta
      Janaya Davis, Athabasca University
      Sara Hormozinejad, University of Toronto
      Emma Nelson, Dalhousie University

      This Subcommittee has an extensive mandate as well as programs and initiatives to benefit students which comprise approximately 50% of the Association’s membership. Revisions were therefore implemented (February 2026) to the structure of the Subcommittee’s positions to include multiple perspectives, improve the ability to recruit members, and to ensure that the workload is manageable. The expanded list of positions listed below provide a maximum allowance of members on the Student Concerns Subcommittee in any given year, with the understanding that some positions may not be filled. It is recommended to have at minimum, six (6) positions filled in any given year.

      The members of the subcommittee choose the Chair who sits on the Executive Committee. 

      Regional Representatives:
      1) Pacific Region (BC)
      2) Prairie Region (AB, SK, MB)
      3) Central Region (ON, QC)
      4) Atlantic Region (NB, NL, NS, PEI)
      5) Northern Region (YT, NT, NU, provincial North)
      6) Communications Representative

      Subcommittee and Caucus Representatives:
      7) Black Student Representative
      8) Decolonization Student Representative
      9) Equity Concerns Student Representative
      10) Francophone Student Representative
      11) International Student Representative - (non-Canadian studying in Canada)
      12) International Student Representative - (Canadian studying outside of Canada)

      Learn more about these positions

      The mandate of the subcommittee includes;

      • Identify priorities with respect to issues affecting students

      • Advise on student funding programs and assist with adjudication

      • Stimulate and facilitate communication among and between students, faculty, and professionals

      • Representation on Association initiatives supporting students

      • Membership on the Conference and Nominations Committees

      • Knowledge sharing through virtual events, website resources, and Conference sessions

      Learn more about the activities of this subcommittee