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Chairperson, VIA Rail Canada Inc.,

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 for the Minister of Transport is to ensure that Canada’s transportation system supports our ambitious economic growth and job creation agenda.

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)

VIA Rail Canada Inc.

VIA Rail Canada Inc. (VIA Rail) is a Crown corporation that operates Canada’s national passenger rail service on behalf of the Government of Canada. Established in 1977, VIA Rail provides a safe, cost-effective and environmentally responsible service from coast to coast in both official languages. The Corporation operates close to 475 trains weekly on 12,500 kilometres of track, connecting over 400 Canadian communities. The Corporation reports to Parliament through the Minister of Transport.

The Chairperson of VIA Rail is responsible for the governance and oversight of VIA Rail’s activities, business performance and strategic policy direction. The Chairperson presides over the activities of the Board of Directors and provides leadership on all aspects of the Board’s work.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on the VIA Rail's website.

Candidates must apply online by December 15, 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.

Per Diem: $410 - $485

Annual Retainer: $10,500 - $12,400

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 degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study, or an acceptable combination of equivalent education, job-related training and/or experience;
  • Significant experience serving as a member of a board of directors for a public or private sector organization or as a senior executive answerable to stakeholders in the public or private sector;
  • Experience in implementing modern corporate governance principles and best practices in a culture of accountability and transparency;
  • Experience in managing human and financial resources;
  • Experience in dealing with senior representatives of different levels of Government and the private sector;
  • Experience in developing and maintaining effective working relationships with business partners and other key stakeholders; and
  • Experience in the transportation sector or business community (preferably rail).

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

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Knowledge of the Corporation’s mandate, mission, strategic priorities, and business activities including the transportation industry, preferably related to the rail sector;
  • Knowledge of the role and responsibilities of the Chairperson, the Board of Directors and the President and Chief Executive Officer including fundamental accountabilities to the Government of Canada as shareholder;
  • Knowledge of the public policy environment facing a Crown corporation, and a general understanding of the legislative environment in which it operates, including the Financial Administration Act;
  • Knowledge of financial and human resources management, and risk management;
  • Knowledge of corporate governance and best practices;
  • Knowledge of strategic corporate planning, monitoring, and evaluation of corporate performance;
  • Ability to develop effective working relationships with the Minister, the Deputy Minister, and the Corporation’s business partners and stakeholders;
  • Ability to anticipate emerging issues and lead organizational change;
  • Ability to foster debate and discussion among Board members to facilitate consensus; and
  • Superior communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders, public institutions, senior government officials and other organizations.

Language Proficiency

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:

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

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

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

  • The successful candidate must be willing to chair a schedule of Board meetings. The Chairperson sits as an ex-officio member with voting rights on all committees of the Board. The Board also meets by teleconference several times per year, as required.

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.

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