Director, Marine Atlantic Inc.

Marine Atlantic Inc. is a Crown corporation headquartered in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. The mandate of Marine Atlantic Inc. is to provide a safe, environmentally responsible, and quality ferry service between the Island of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in a reliable, courteous and cost-effective manner. The Corporation provides both year-round and seasonal ferry services. The ferry service is a vital link to connect the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador with mainland Canada for both passengers and freight.

The Board of Directors is generally responsible for the oversight of the business affairs of Marine Atlantic, establishing the corporation’s strategic direction, safeguarding of the corporation’s resources, and monitoring of corporate performance and reporting to the Crown.

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 serving as a member of a board of directors for a public or private sector organization or as a senior executive answerable to stakeholders in the public or private sector;


• Experience in dealing with senior representatives of government or the private sector; and


• Experience in one or more of the following areas would be considered an asset: finance, accounting, human resources and pension management.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of Marine Atlantic Inc.'s mandate, mission, strategic priorities, and business activities and a general understanding of the legislative environment in which it operates;


• Knowledge of the role and responsibilities of a board member and the management team, including fundamental accountabilities to the Government of Canada as shareholder;


• Knowledge of the public policy environment facing a Crown corporation;


• Knowledge of human resources management and financial management, strategic corporate planning, monitoring, and evaluation of corporate performance;


• Knowledge of corporate governance including good governance principles and best practices;


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


• Ability to anticipate emerging issues;


• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other Board members, the management team and the Board's partners and stakeholders; and


• Superior communications skills, both oral and written, and the ability to manage communications with a variety of stakeholders.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Sound judgment


• High ethical standards and integrity


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Tact and diplomacy


• Strategic thinker

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 officer or employee of Marine Atlantic Inc. or any of its affiliates, other than the chief executive officer, shall be a director of Marine Atlantic Inc. (Statutory).


• Four regularly scheduled Board meetings per year, once a quarter in March, June, September and December and one annual strategy session and annual public meeting. Video and conference call meetings are required from time to time. Meetings are rotate amongst various locations in which MAI operates i.e. Port aux Basques, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador and North Sydney. On average, Directors are expected to commit approximately 10-12 days in meetings plus travel and preparation time.


• Directors are required to comply with Marine Atlantic’s Board of Directors Conflict of Interest Guidelines and Code of Conduct for Directors.


• A preference may be given to candidates who reside in Newfoundland and Labrador and/or Nova Scotia.

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 (more information here) will begin on March 3, 2021. Candidates should apply online via the Governor in Council Appointments website, by email at messages@pco-bcp.gc.ca or by phone at 1-613-291-6663. 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.