Chairperson, Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board

The Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board (the Board) is an independent adjudicative statutory tribunal, established under the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board Act (FPSLREBA), responsible for administering collective bargaining and grievance adjudication systems for the federal public sector and Parliamentary employees as well as, since June 1, 2016, RCMP members and reservists. It is also responsible for resolving staffing complaints under the Public Service Employment Act related to internal appointments and layoffs in the federal public service. The Board’s commitment to impartially resolving labour relations issues and staffing complaints contributes to a productive and efficient workplace that ultimately benefits all Canadians through the efficient delivery of government programs and services. The Board is accountable to Parliament and reports on its activities through the Minister of Public Services and Procurement.

The Chairperson provides strategic leadership to a quasi-judicial tribunal with quasi-constitutional responsibilities, by directing, supervising and conducting adjudicative, mediative and consultative activities and statutory processes including the making of regulations and the development of applicable legal standards that authoritatively and conclusively determine and resolve federal workplace disputes with regard to human rights, labour relations, grievances, internal appointments and layoffs, health and safety, and pay equity/equitable compensation, and establish standards for the future determination and resolution of such disputes in the federal public sector. Reporting to the Chairperson are two Vice-Chairpersons, 12 full-time and an unspecified number of part-time Members. Also, the Chairperson provides functional direction for all the internal work of Administrative Tribunal Support Service of Canada (ATSSC) employees assigned to support the work of the Board and identifies issues and concerns to the Chief Administrator of ATSSC for appropriate corrective measures.

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, or an acceptable combination of relevant education, job related training and/or experience;


• A law degree would be considered an asset;


• Significant leadership experience at a senior executive level within the private or public sector;


• Experience in or knowledge of labour relations and staffing principles and values;


• Experience in the operation of an adjudicative tribunal;


• Experience in the interpretation and application of legislation within the context of an administrative proceeding; and


• Experience in managing cases and rendering decisions or in presenting cases before an adjudicative tribunal.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

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


• Knowledge of the mandate of the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board, the Federal Public Service Labour Relations Act, the Public Service Employment Act and other related federal legislation governing labour relations in the federal public service and in Parliament;


• Knowledge of employment matters, generally or specific to the public sector;


• Knowledge of legal principles applicable to labour law, including the constitutional law principles (Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms) and human rights;


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


• Ability to lead and manage a public sector tribunal and to define its strategies and objectives;


• Ability to guide the Board in carrying out its mandate in accordance with the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board Act;


• Ability to analyze and interpret the provisions of various statutes, regulations, policies 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 differing opinions and complex situations with a view to making appropriate recommendations; and


• Ability to perform their duties under tight deadlines and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Sound judgement


• Strong ethical standards and integrity


• Impartial


• Tactful


• Good interpersonal skills


• Discretion

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.

1. be a Canadian citizen within the meaning of the Citizenship Act or a permanent resident as defined in subsection 2(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act;(statutory)


2. not hold any other office or employment under the employer;(statutory)


3. not be a member of or hold an office or employment under an employee organization, as defined in subsection 2(1) of the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations Act, that is certified as a bargaining agent;(statutory) and


4. not accept any office or employment, or carry on any activity, that is inconsistent with the person’s duties or functions.(statutory)

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 March 18, 2020. 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.