Secretary, National Battlefields Commission

The National Battlefields Commission was established in 1908 through the National Battlefields at Quebec Act. It is the caretaker of Battlefields Park (the Park) in Quebec City and preserves its legacy for public benefit. The Park consists of the Plains of Abraham (commemorating the 1759 Battle of Quebec) and Des Braves Park (commemorating the 1760 Battle of Sainte-Foy). It is one of the largest and most prestigious urban parks in the world and a major tourist attraction, receiving around four million visitors each year. The National Battlefields Commission focuses on activities that support the historic, cultural, recreational, natural and scientific aspects of the Park. The Commission manages 23 buildings, including the Plains of Abraham Museum, administrative offices, service buildings and public facilities; 4 monuments and 3 terraces; and a road network totalling 12.5 kilometres.

As the Head of the Agency, the Secretary provides leadership and guidance to the organization in the formulation of its strategic direction and ensures the Commission carries out its mandate and objectives effectively.

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 relevant education, job-related training and/or experience;


• Significant leadership and management experience at the senior executive level in a public or private organization, including managing human and financial resources;


• Experience in strategic management, organizational change and management techniques which promote good governance and improve organization performance;


• Experience in reporting to, serving and engaging a board;


• Experience in the development and implementation of strategies, objectives and plans;


• Experience in managing complex partnerships and stakeholder relationships;


• Experience in dealing with senior government officials in the federal, provincial and municipal governments; and


• Experience in the communications, social media, and media sector, such as the distribution of creative and digital content, would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and activities of the National Battlefields Commission as well as the legislative framework and the urban environment within which it operates;


• Knowledge of the federal government’s priorities and how they relate to the National Battlefields Commission;


• Knowledge of heritage preservation and environmental sustainability;


• Knowledge of real asset management in the Canadian cultural domain would be considered an asset;


• Knowledge of issues specific to Québec City would be considered an asset;


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


• Ability to lead and manage a public institution, and provide vision and strategic direction needed to ensure the National Battlefields Commission is able to carry out its mandate and achieve its objectives;


• Ability to identify, analyze and define priorities and strategies;


• Ability to focus the energies and talents of the organization’s employees and motivate them to achieve corporate objectives;


• Ability to lead and develop effective working relationships with key stakeholders in Québec City and with three levels of government to facilitate collaboration in the planning and development of the National Battlefields Commission’s activities and programs;


• 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 National Battlefields Commission; and


• Superior communication skills, both written and oral and ability to act as the Commission’s spokesperson in dealing with the Government, the media, and a wide range of stakeholders.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Strategic, innovative and engaging leader


• Motivated by challenge and change


• 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.


• 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 this position, you must reside in or be willing to relocate to Québec City, or to a location within a reasonable commuting distance.

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 19, 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.