Ombudsman, Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime

The Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime is an independent resource for victims of crime in Canada.

The mandate of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime relates exclusively to matters of federal jurisdiction. The Ombudsman’s responsibilities include:

• Facilitating access to existing federal programs and services by providing victims of crime with information and referrals;


• Enhancing awareness among criminal justice personnel and policy makers of the needs and concerns of victims, including by promoting the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights and the principles set out in the Canadian Statement of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime;


• Identifying emerging issues and exploring systemic issues that impact negatively on victims of crime;


• Proposing solutions that promote the interests of victims of crime, particularly those who are vulnerable or marginalized, that are consistent with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms; and


• Addressing complaints of victims about compliance with the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights and provisions of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act that apply to victims of offenders under federal supervision, in accordance with the internal complaints mechanisms of the relevant federal departments and agencies.

Diversity and Official Languages

We are committed to providing a healthy and accessible workplace that supports one’s dignity, self-esteem and the ability to work on one’s full potential. With this in mind, all appointees will be expected to take steps to promote and maintain a healthy, respectful, inclusive and harassment-free work environment.

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.

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.

Education and Experience

• A degree from a recognized university in a relevant discipline such as  law, psychology, criminology, victimology, social work, public administration, or sociology, or a combination of equivalent education, job-related training and experience;


• Significant experience in managing financial and human resources at the senior executive level;


• Significant experience working in or with the Canadian criminal justice system, including the correctional system or victim advocacy;


• Experience implementing modern corporate governance principles and best practices;


• Experience in the management of a complaints function, a review function or an investigative function; and


• Experience developing and fostering productive partnerships.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate of the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime;


• Knowledge of the Canadian criminal justice system and the respective responsibilities of the federal, provincial and territorial governments;


• Knowledge of corrections and Parole Board of Canada policies, as well as of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights, the Criminal Code and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms;


• Knowledge of prosecutions of Criminal Code offences in the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut and the services provided by Crown Witness Coordinators in these regions;


• Knowledge of the federal assistance available to Canadian victims of crime;


• Strong leadership and managerial skills;


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


• Ability to apply analytical, interpretive and evaluative thinking to sensitive and complex situations; and


• Ability to anticipate the short and long-term consequences of his/her strategies.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Integrity, discretion and strong professional ethics


• Excellent judgment


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Impartiality and fairness


• Flexibility and resilience

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 Forms and reference material.


• All appointees will be subject to the Conflict 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 Commissioner, 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.


• If you are appointed to this position, you must reside in or be willing to relocate to the National Capital Region, 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 (more information here) will begin on March 9, 2022. 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 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.