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Member, Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal,

Appointment Opportunity

We know that our country is stronger — and our government more effective — when decision-makers reflect Canada’s diversity. Moving forward, the Government of Canada will use an appointment process that is transparent and merit-based, strives for gender parity, and ensures that Indigenous Canadians and minority groups are properly represented in positions of leadership. We will continue to search for Canadians who reflect the values that we all embrace: inclusion, honesty, fiscal prudence, and generosity of spirit. Together, we will build a government as diverse as Canada.

The overarching goal of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food is to support the agricultural sector in a way that allows it to be a leader in job creation and innovation.

The Government of Canada is currently seeking applications from diverse and talented Canadians from across the country who are interested in the following position:

Member (part-time position)

Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal

The Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal is a quasi-judicial body that provides impartial reviews of administrative monetary penalties issued to any person by federal agencies in relation to agriculture and agri-food. The Tribunal operates in a court-like fashion to hear cases brought forward by person(s) who have been charged under the Administrative Monetary Penalties Act, for bringing animal or plant products into the country without permission or where a producer, transporter or handler of animals or plants in Canada fails to meet set standards for humane transport, animal identification and disease prevention.

In this regard, the Tribunal plays a key role in ensuring a fair and efficient administrative monetary penalty system. The Tribunal’s vision is to safeguard the integrity of the administrative monetary penalties system used by federal agencies to ensure compliance with agriculture and agri-food statutes. It seeks to balance the rights of Canadians receiving such penalties with the responsibilities of federal regulators who issue the penalties to protect human, animal and plant health so as to enhance the vibrancy and sustainability of Canadian agriculture.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on the Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal's website.

Candidates must apply online by November 28, 2016 via the Governor in Council website. Your cover letter should be addressed to the Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet (Senior Personnel), Privy Council Office, and should be sent only through the on-line application.

Official Languages and Diversity

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency and diversity in assessing candidates for this position. You are therefore encouraged to include in your online profile your ability to speak and understand your second official language. Preference may be given to candidates who are members of one or more of the following groups: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities.

To be considered for this position, please provide examples from your career that clearly demonstrate how you meet the following requirements in your application:

Education and Experience

• A barrister or advocate of at least ten years standing at the bar of any province or a notary of at least ten years standing at the Chambre des notaires du Québec;
• Demonstrated professional experience related to the agriculture and agri-food sector;
• Experience in the interpretation and application of legislation, government policies and directives;
• Experience in a quasi-judicial environment, would be an asset; and
• Experience in the operation and conduct of a quasi-judicial tribunal, an agency or equivalent, would be an asset.

If you are selected for an interview, the following criteria will be assessed:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the agriculture and agri-food sector;
• Knowledge of the legislation and rules of procedure related to the Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal’s practice and mandate, including the Health of Animals Act, the Plant Protection Act, the Agriculture and Agri-Food Administrative Monetary Penalties Act and the Canada Agricultural Products Act;
• Knowledge of the theories, practices and procedures related to administrative justice, especially related to quasi-judicial bodies;
• Ability to analyze all aspects of a case, interpret and apply the relevant criteria with a view to making lawful, fair, timely and equitable decisions;
• Ability to conduct a fair, timely and efficient quasi-judicial hearing; and
• Superior communication skills, both orally and in writing.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred. Proficiency in French is essential.

If you move on to the next stage of the selection process, we will contact your references to verify how you have demonstrated the Experience requirements and the following Personal Attributes in your current and recently held positions:

• Impartiality
• Sound judgement and integrity
• High ethical standards and fairness
• Superior interpersonal skills
• Tact and diplomacy

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

In your application, it will be important that you confirm you meet the following requirements:

• A person is not eligible to be appointed a member of the Tribunal unless the person is knowledgeable about or has experience related to agriculture or agri-food and the Chairperson of the Tribunal and at least one other member of the Tribunal must, in addition, be a barrister or advocate of at least ten years standing at the bar of any province or a notary of at least ten years standing at the Chambre des notaires du Québec (statutory).
• A member of the Tribunal may not be a person employed in the federal public administration (statutory).
• A member of the Tribunal shall not accept or hold any office or employment that is inconsistent with the member’s duties or take part in any matter before the Tribunal in which the member has an interest (statutory).

If you are appointed to this position:

You must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders throughout your appointment as a term and condition of employment. The guidelines are available on the Governor in Council Appointments Web site, under Forms and Reference Material.

You will be subject to the Conflict of Interest Act. For more information, please visit the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner’s website.

A link to this notice will be placed in the Canada Gazette to assist the Governor in Council in identifying qualified candidates for this position. It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment.

A roster of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar opportunities.