Chairperson, Canadian Human Rights Tribunal

The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (the “Tribunal” or “CHRT”) is an adjudicative body that hears complaints of discrimination referred by the Canadian Human Rights Commission and determines whether the impugned activities violate the Canadian Human Rights Act (the “Act” or “CHRA”). The purpose of the CHRA is to protect individuals from discrimination and to promote the opportunity for individuals to make for themselves the lives that they are able and wish to have, and to have their needs accommodated, consistent with their duties and obligations as members of society. The Tribunal is also mandated to decide cases brought under the Employment Equity Act.  Finally, the CHRT has been granted mandates under the Pay Equity Act and the Accessible Canada Act.

The Tribunal carries out its CHRA mandate through public hearings of complaints of discrimination based on the grounds enumerated in the Act which are: race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, disability and conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted or in respect of which a record suspension has been ordered. The Tribunal’s jurisdiction covers matters that come within the legislative authority of the Parliament of Canada, including federal government departments, agencies and Crown corporations, as well as Indigenous governments, banks, interprovincial transportation and telecommunications undertakings, and other federally regulated employers and providers of goods, services, facilities and accommodation.

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, understand and write in 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

• Must have a law degree from a recognized university;


• Be a member in good standing of the Bar of a province or territory or the Chambre des notaires du Québec for at least ten (10) years;


• Experience, expertise and interest in, as well as sensitivity to, human rights;


• Experience in managing human and financial resources at the senior executive level, in a private- or public-sector organization;


• Clear experience in the interpretation and application of legislation, as well as proven decision-making experience with respect to sensitive issues; and


• Experience as a statutory decision-maker or Chairperson or Vice-chairperson of an adjudicative tribunal would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the overall structure of the federal government;


• Knowledge of the federally regulated private sector;


• Familiarity with litigation processes, including alternative dispute resolution models;


• Understanding of the operation of an adjudicative tribunal, including the rules that govern its operations;


• Understanding of human rights law including the Canadian Human Rights Act, the Employment Equity Act and other related legislation, as well as knowledge of public law, including administrative and constitutional law;


• Knowledge of the issues and challenges arising from the diversity of Canadian society, particularly the need for appropriate institutional responses, in addition to knowledge of the national and international human rights environment and its structures;


• Excellent abilities to lead and manage the Tribunal in carrying out its mission in accordance with the Canadian Human Rights Act, the Employment Equity Act and other enabling legislation;


• Ability to represent the Tribunal using their excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing, to support ongoing activities at both national and international conferences;


• Ability to act as a spokesperson in dealing with stakeholders, media, public institutions, governments, other organizations and the public; and


• Ability to analyze and evaluate complex and voluminous evidence, as well as interpret and apply constitutional principles, relevant statutes, regulations and policies, in order to make sound decisions, while at the same time anticipating their short- and long-term consequences.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• High ethical standards and integrity;


• Intellectual and strategic leadership abilities that would be applicable to the Tribunal and its staff;


• Superior interpersonal and communication skills;


• Impartiality, judgment and tact

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 Chairperson and Vice-chairperson must be members in good standing of the bar of a province or the Chambre des notaires du Québec for at least ten years and at least two of the other members of the Tribunal must be members in good standing of the bar of a province or the Chambre des notaires du Québec. (statutory)


• If you are appointed to this position, you must reside in or be willing to relocate to the National Capital Region, or to within forty kilometres of that region. (statutory)


• If you are appointed to this position, you must be willing to travel across Canada and internationally when travel opportunities resume.

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.

How to Apply

Review of applications (more information here) will begin on April 6, 2021. Candidates should 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.