Archived Opportunities

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Commissioners, National Battlefields Commission,

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 will use 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 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 Canadian Heritage is to implement the government's plan to strengthen our cultural and creative industries.

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

Commissioner (part-time position)

National Battlefields Commission

The National Battlefields Commission was established in 1908 under the National Battlefields at Quebec Act to acquire and preserve the great historic battlefields in Québec City, and turn them into a national park. The grounds, which group together the Plains of Abraham and the Des Braves Park, constitute one of the most important historic sites in Canada. Commonly called the Plains of Abraham, the site is the largest urban park in Québec and ranks among the prestigious parks in the world. The National Battlefields Commission must reconcile the Plains of Abraham's historic significance with its mission as an urban park. As a federal government agency within the Canadian Heritage Portfolio, the National Battlefields Commission is responsible for preserving this historic Canadian legacy for future generations through the administration, management, conservation and promotion of National Battlefields Park, as well as for managing the funds allocated for this purpose. The National Battlefields Commission offers a wide range of educational and interpretation activities, allowing Canadians to discover or broaden their knowledge about a significant period in the history of the country, and to raise awareness about the richness of this prestigious patrimonial site. The National Battlefields Commission is accountable for its activities to Parliament through the Minister of Canadian Heritage.

The Board of Directors has overall stewardship of the organization and is expected to provide strategic guidance to management and to oversee the activities of the National Battlefields Commission. It has a duty to act in the best interests of the National Battlefields Commission and to exercise care and due diligence.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on the National Battlefields Commission's website.

Candidates must apply online by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on September 12, 2017, via the Governor in Council Appointments website. Your cover letter should be addressed to the Deputy Director of Selection Processes, Privy Council Office, and should be sent only through the on line application. If you applied between March 31 and June 5, 2017, you do not need to re-apply to be considered for this position.

Official Languages and Diversity

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency and diversity in assessing candidates for these positions. 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 one of these positions, please provide examples from your career that clearly demonstrate how you meet the following requirements in your application:

Education and Experience

• A degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study (accounting, communications, engineering, history, law or archeology) or an acceptable combination of education, job-related training and/or experience;
• Experience serving as a member of a board of directors, preferably in the public or private sector;
• Experience in managing human resources and in performance management and evaluation at the senior executive level;
• Experience in the development of strategies, objectives, plans and best business practices and in corporate governance; and
• Experience in the communications or media sector, including digital innovation, would be considered an asset.

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

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate, mission and activities of the Commission (as well as the legislative framework within which it operates;
• Knowledge of the current challenges and opportunities for Canadian cultural institutions;
• Knowledge of strategic planning and risk management principles and practices would be considered an asset;
• Knowledge in the areas of information technology, technological evolution related to digital, or the supporting environment of national creative content would be considered an asset;
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other Board members and the Board's partners and stakeholders;
• Ability to actively participate in debate and discussions among Board members; and
• Ability to recognize and address emerging issues and trends, to seize opportunities, and to advance ideas and innovation.

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:

• High ethical standards and integrity
• Tact and diplomacy
• Sound judgment
• Superior interpersonal skills
• Collegiality

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

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

• You are expected to attend each of the National Battlefields Commission's board meetings held approximately 6 to 8 times per year in Quebec City.
• You should expect to commit to the position an average of 2 to 3 weeks annually.
• No member of the Commission shall have, nor shall the secretary have, any contract with the Commission, or be pecuniarily interested, directly or indirectly, in any contract or work with regard to which any portion of the moneys at the credit of the Commission is being or is to be expended (statutory).

If you are appointed to one of these positions:

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.