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Vice-Chairperson, Canadian Human Rights Tribunal,

Appointment Opportunity

We know that our country is stronger — and our government more effective — when decision-makers reflect Canada’s diversity. The Government of Canada has implemented an appointment process that is transparent and merit-based, strives for gender parity, and ensures that Indigenous peoples and minority groups are properly represented in positions of leadership. We 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 Justice and Attorney General of Canada is to ensure our legislation meets the highest standards of equity, fairness and respect for the rule of law.

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

Vice-Chairperson (Full-time position)

Canadian Human Rights Tribunal

The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal is a quasi-judicial administrative tribunal mandated by the Canadian Human Rights Act to inquire into complaints of discrimination in the federally regulated sphere (federal government institutions and Crown corporations, First Nation governments, banks, airlines, broadcasters, interprovincial transportation and communications undertakings).The Tribunal decides whether a person or organization has engaged in a discriminatory practice under the Act.

The purpose of the Canadian Human Rights Act is to protect individuals from discrimination. It states that all Canadians have the right to equality, equal opportunity, fair treatment, and an environment free of discrimination. It prohibits discriminatory practices based on one or more of the following 13 prohibited grounds: race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, disability or conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted or in respect of which a record suspension has been ordered. The legislation identifies specific discriminatory practices in the fields of employment, the provision of goods and services, and the provision of residential and commercial accommodation.

Canadian Human Rights Tribunal Members are also empowered to preside over review tribunals constituted pursuant to the Employment Equity Act.

The Vice-chairperson supports the Tribunal Chairperson and performs the functions of the Chairperson, if the Chairperson is absent or unable to act or the office of Chairperson is vacant; adjudicates more complex, high profile or precedent setting human rights complaints; under the direction of the Chairperson: a) Provides a fundamental contribution to the development of the Tribunal’s policies and procedures for human rights adjudications; b) Participates in the development of comprehensive and specialized training programs that are developed for members, to ensure that the best possible adjudication services are provided to Canadians; and c) Participates in the development of recommendations to the Minister with respect to possible amendments to the legislation relating to the Tribunal, in order to improve the quality of services provided to Canadians, and with respect to the qualifications and skills required for future appointees to the Tribunal.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal's website.

Candidates must apply online by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on June 27, 2018, via the Governor in Council website. Your cover letter should be addressed to the Deputy Director of Selection Processes, Senior Personnel Secretariat, Privy Council Office, and should be sent only through the online application.

Salary Range: $174,700 - $205,500 (GCQ-6)

Position Location: National Capital Region

Official Languages and Diversity

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency and diversity in assessing applicants. 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 applicants who are members of one or more of the following groups: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of a visible minority group.

To be considered, please ensure that the information provided in your curriculum vitae and cover letter clearly demonstrates how you meet the following requirements:

Education and Experience

  • Must be a member in good standing of the bar of a province or the Chambre des notaires du Québec for at least ten years (statutory).
  • Experience, expertise and interest in, and sensitivity to human rights (statutory) ;
  • Significant and recent work experience in gathering information, assessing information and making decisions related to sensitive and complex issues;
  • Recent experience in the interpretation and application of legislation or regulations;
  • Recent experience drafting written submissions or decisions;
  • Experience in a quasi-judicial environment would be considered an asset.
  • Experience leading facilitative mediations would be considered an asset.

If you move on to the next stage of the selection process, the following criteria will be assessed

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Knowledge of the mandate and role of the Tribunal and its members;
  • Knowledge of anti-discrimination law, including the Canadian Human Rights Act and Employment Equity Act;
  • Knowledge of the legal principles of administrative justice, especially the principles of natural justice and the legal principles in relation to quasi-judicial bodies and the Tribunal;
  • Knowledge of the law of evidence and administrative tribunal procedures;
  • Ability to think conceptually and process complex and large volumes of information to make decisions;
  • Ability to identify relevant facts and analyze information to make and write tribunal decisions;
  • Ability to impartially make timely decisions that are transparent, clear, well-reasoned and justifiable;
  • Superior communication skills, both oral and written;
  • Ability to work efficiently and independently, or as part of a team;
  • Ability to coach and mentor other Members in managing proceedings expeditiously and in accordance with the CHRA;
  • Ability to exercise authority and neutrality in managing an efficient hearing process, while ensuring that each party is given a full and fair opportunity to present its case;
  • Ability to listen to, understand, and respond to parties appearing before the CHRT, including by demonstrating patience and compassion; and
  • Ability to use a computer all for communication, research and word processing (Microsoft Word), and to learn new information systems.

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 confirm that you meet the above selection criteria and that you possess the following Personal Attributes:

  • Sound judgement and integrity
  • High ethical standards and fairness
  • Impartiality
  • 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:

  • Experience, expertise and interest in, and sensitivity to, human rights (statutory).
  • Must devote the whole of his or her time to the performance of the duties (statutory).
  • Must work from the Headquarters office of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal.
  • Must reside in the National Capital Region, as described in the schedule to the National Capital Act, or within forty kilometers of that Region (statutory).
  • Must be willing to travel across Canada to attend mediations and hearings.
  • Must be willing and able to hold office during good behaviour for terms of not more than seven years.
  • Appointees must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders throughout their appointment as a term and condition of employment. The guidelines are available on the Governor in Council Appointments website, under Forms and reference material.
  • All appointees will be subject to the Conflict of Interest Act. Public office holders appointed on a full-time basis must also submit to the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, within 60 days of appointment, a confidential report in which they disclose all of their assets, liabilities and outside activities. 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.

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