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Chairperson, Canada Infrastructure Bank,
Appointment Opportunity (anticipatory)
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 Infrastructure and Communities is to begin to rebuild Canada for the 21st Century.
The Government of Canada is currently seeking applications from diverse and talented Canadians from across the country who are interested in the following position:
Chairperson (part-time position)
The Canada Infrastructure Bank
The new Canada Infrastructure Bank is being established to initiate and invest in large revenue-generating infrastructure projects that provide public benefits and contribute to the long-term sustainability of infrastructure across Canada. The Bank will be empowered to invest up to $35 billion into projects where the Bank's participation will serve as a catalyst for additional private investment into infrastructure in Canada. The Bank will also act as a center of expertise on infrastructure transactions involving private sector investment and provide advice to all levels of government in that context. In addition, the Bank will lead a data initiative to improve knowledge on the state of municipal and provincial infrastructure, as a basis for informing investment decisions and establishing priorities.
The Bank will operate as a Crown corporation, at arms-length from government, but will be accountable for investing prudently within the context of government policy priorities.
As the first Chairperson you will be responsible for overseeing the Corporation's activities, providing strategic policy direction for the Bank and presiding over the activities of the Board of Directors. The Chairperson will also report to Parliament through the responsible Minister.
The Board of Directors of the Bank will be composed of the Chairperson and 8 to 11 other Directors. Once established, the Board will contribute to the search for Chief Executive Officers and recommend their compensation, set and oversee the implementation of corporate objectives and strategic directions, monitor corporate and management performance, review financial objectives and results, analyze key dimensions such as security, safety, environment and risk management, ensure that the principal risks are identified, mitigated and managed for the Bank's portfolio and maintain strong and effective stakeholder communications.
Given the Bank will be a new organization, a substantial time commitment (a minimum of 35 days annually) is expected of directors for participation in meetings, preparation for meetings and travel. Additional time commitment is expected from any director acting as the Chair of the Board (approximately 75 days annually) or as Chair of a Committee. During the inaugural year, the time commitment is more likely: directors – 50 days; Chair – 100 days. All directors are expected to continuously strengthen their understanding of investment management, infrastructure development and other related skills.
Further details about the organization and its activities can be found in the 2016 Fall Economic Statement, on the Infrastructure Canada website and in Budget 2017.
Candidates must apply online by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 23, 2017, via the Governor in Council Appointments 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 online application.
An appointment to the position will only be made once the legislation to create the Canada Infrastructure Bank has been approved by Parliament and receives Royal Assent.
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 Canadians, 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 university degree from a recognized institution in a business-related discipline (e.g. business, finance, economics, law) or a comparable background of education and experience;
- Extensive experience as an executive leading an organization with significant size and scale, operating within a complex governance structure;
- Experience serving on Boards of Directors of major public and/or private institutions (experience serving as a chairperson would be considered a significant advantage);
- Experience in corporate governance including oversight of management's implementation of best practices, talent management, and determining the organization's risk tolerance and risk management plan;
- Experience at the executive level in dealing with various levels of government and the financial sector; and
- Experience as a past board member or chairperson involved in the building of a new organization would be considered an asset.
If you are selected for an interview, the following criteria will be assessed:
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of corporate governance principles and best practices as applied to the Government of Canada's governance framework for Crown corporations;
- Extensive knowledge of evolving corporate and Board governance principles and practices, as well as the fiscal and risk management requirements of an investment organization or one where physical infrastructure is a significant part of its portfolio;
- Knowledge of the Canadian infrastructure landscape and the roles of the federal, provincial-territorial and municipal governments;
- Knowledge of current issues and challenges associated with deploying private sector financing to support major infrastructure projects;
- Strong leadership and executive-level skills to foster open debate and discussions among board members, facilitate consensus, manage conflicts and synthesize multiple viewpoints into a sound decision making process;
- Ability to set priorities and support the corporate vision needed to fulfill the Bank's mandate and attain its objectives;
- Ability to establish senior level relationships in the Canadian and global infrastructure sector and all levels of government in Canada;
- Ability to balance the commercial orientation of the organization with public policy responsibilities; and
- Superior communication skills, both written and oral, and an ability to manage the Corporation's communications with a wide range of stakeholders with potentially competing interests.
Language Requirements
Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.
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:
- Trust and accountability
- Informed judgment, tact and discretion
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Independence
- High ethical standards and integrity
Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment
In your application, it will be important that you confirm you meet the following requirements:
- You are not less than eighteen years of age
- You do not have the status of bankrupt
- You are not employed in the public service of Canada or by a provincial, municipal or local authority
- You are not a member of the Senate or House of Commons or a member of the legislature of a province
- You are willing to travel across Canada to participate in Board meetings
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 website, 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.