Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons, Canada Industrial Relations Board

The Canada Industrial Relations Board is an independent, representational quasi-judicial tribunal that is responsible for the interpretation and administration of the provisions of Part I and II of the Canada Labour Code and Part II of the Status of the Artist Act that require hearing and determination. Effective 2019, the CIRB will adopt the powers, duties and functions of appeals officers (Part II), referees and adjudicators (Part III), and adjudicators (Wage Earner Protection Program Act) as per Budget Implementation Act, 2017. The Canada Labour Code applies to the federally regulated private sector and governs the acquisition and termination of collective bargaining rights by unions, the orderly management of the collective bargaining process and the adjudication of unfair labour practice complaints. The Status of the Artist Act applies to independent artists and producers under federal jurisdiction.

The Chairperson of the Canada Industrial Relations Board supervises and directs the work of the Board, including assigning matters that the Board is seized of, determining panels and managing the Board’s internal affairs. The Vice-Chairpersons supports the Chairperson. The Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons are responsible for conducting and directing adjudicative and mediation processes that authoritatively and conclusively resolve industrial relations disputes and contribute to and promote effective industrial relations in works, undertakings and businesses that fall within the authority of the Parliament of Canada by interpreting and applying the Canada Labour Code and other relevant legal and industrial relations standards.

Salary Range:
Chairperson: $242,700 to $285,500 (GCQ-08)
Vice-Chairpersons: $183,600 to $216,000 (GCQ-06)

Diversity and Official Languages

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.

Education and Experience

• A degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study, or an acceptable combination of equivalent education, training and/or job-related experience;
  


• A degree in law would be considered an asset;
  


• Leadership experience within the private or public sector;
  


• Experience and expertise in the field of industrial relations (required by the Canada Labour Code);
  


• Experience in the interpretation and application of labour and employment legislation;
  


• Experience in mediating disputes between employees and employers; and
  


• Experience in rendering decisions or in presenting cases before an adjudicative tribunal would be considered an asset.
  

• Significant experience in the above-mentioned areas;
  


• Management experience, preferably at the senior executive level, within the private or public sector, including managing financial and human resources; and
  


• Significant experience on a quasi-judicial tribunal, preferably as a Chairperson, would be considered an asset.
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Canada Labour Code and applicable regulations as well as related legislation at the federal and provincial levels;
  


• Broad and in-depth understanding of labour-management relations;
  


• Knowledge of the practices and principles underlying collective bargaining, mediation and alternative dispute resolution;
  


• Knowledge of the industrial sectors subject to the Canada Labour Code and the environment within which employers and trade unions operate;
  


• Knowledge of the procedures and practices involved in conducting an administrative hearing and the legal principles involved, particularly as they relate to evidence, legal interpretation and natural justice;
  


• Ability to interpret the provisions of relevant statutes, regulations and other documents in an adjudicative context, and to assess the relevance of precedents in order to render decisions that are fair and equitable;
  


• Ability to analyze extensive amounts of varied and complex information, differing opinions and complex situations;
  


• Ability to effectively conduct administrative hearings and to render timely decisions, while anticipating their short- and long-term consequences;
  


• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, including the ability to write clear and well-reasoned decisions; and
  


• Ability to develop effective working relationships and build consensus.
  

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred

• High ethical standards
  


• Sound judgment and integrity
  


• Superior interpersonal skills
  


• Tact and discretion
  


• Impartiality
  

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

• 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 the Forms and reference material.
  


• All appointees are subject to the Conflicts 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 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.
  


• Appointees must uphold the highest standards of probity and are expected to demonstrate behaviours in the workplace that afford respect, equality and dignity, to everyone they interact with at work at all times. The Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector outlines the values and expected behaviours for public servants, including valuing diversity and creating workplaces free from harassment and discrimination. Governor in Council appointees are expected to uphold and respect these values and principles in a positive and active manner.
  


• The members of the Board must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents within the meaning of subsection 2(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. (statutory)
  


• The Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons must have experience and expertise in industrial relations. (statutory)
  


• The full-time members of the Board must reside in the National Capital Region as described in the schedule to the National Capital Act or within the distance from the National Capital Region that is determined by the Governor in Council. (statutory)
  


• The full-time members of the Board must not hold any other employment or office in respect of which they receive any remuneration. (statutory)
  


• If you are appointed to either position, you must be willing to travel regularly to attend hearings and various other meetings in all parts of Canada and internationally.
  

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

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

How to Apply

Review of applications will begin on February 25, 2019. Candidates must apply online via the Governor in Council Appointments website. Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their applications by this date. After this date, your application will be retained and may be considered up until an appointment to the position is made. 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.

Instructions on how to apply for an appointment opportunity can be found on the Governor in Council Appointments website.