Chairperson, Canada Council for the Arts

The Canada Council for the Arts is Canada’s national public arts funder, with a mandate “to foster and promote the study and enjoyment of, and the production of works in, the arts.” A federal Crown corporation created through an Act of Parliament in 1957, the Council reports to Parliament through the Minister of Canadian Heritage. It receives funding from Parliament and its annual budget is supplemented by endowment income, donations and bequests.

The Council is governed by an 11-member Board. As stewards of the organization, members of the Board are responsible for the ongoing governance of the organization. More specifically, the Board must oversee the conduct of the Canada Council’s business, supervise management and ensure that all major issues that affect the organization are given proper consideration. The Board is also responsible to evaluate the performance of the Chief Executive Officer on an annual basis.

The Chairperson is responsible for the proper conduct of the Board meetings in such a way that the Corporation carries out its mandate and objectives effectively, ensures good value for public funds, and holds management accountable for its performance.

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, job-related training and/or experience;


• Experience on a Board of Directors/Trustees of a public, private or not-for-profit sector organization, preferably as Chairperson;


• Experience at the senior executive level within the private or public sector;


• Experience with modern corporate governance practices;


• Experience in risk oversight and risk management;


• Experience in dealing with the federal government, preferably with senior government officials; and


• Experience working or volunteering with organizations in the arts and cultural sector.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and mission of the Canada Council for the Arts (Council), its business activities, strategic priorities and public policy issues, as well as its governing legislation;


• Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the Chairperson, the Board, and the Director/Chief Executive Officer;


• Knowledge of the arts and culture sectors of Canada, and their unique regional dimensions;


• Knowledge of sound governance principles, strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation of performance;


• Financial literacy and knowledge of the federal government’s expectations with regard to accountability and reporting;


• Ability to lead strategic discussions, foster debate among Council members, facilitate consensus and manage conflicts;


• Ability to anticipate emerging issues and develop strategies to enable the Council to seize opportunities and solve problems;


• Ability to develop effective working relationships with the organization’s management, the Minister of Canadian Heritage and his Office, the Deputy Minister of Canadian Heritage, and the key stakeholders and partners of the Council; and


• Superior communication skills, both written and oral.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Dynamic advocate for the arts


• High ethical standards and integrity


• Tact and diplomacy


• Sound judgment


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Collegiality

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.


• You are expected to chair each Board meeting held at least four times per year in Ottawa.


• You should be available for conference calls when required.


• Your average annual time commitment, excluding committee work, is four weeks.

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 28, 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.