Commissioner, National Battlefields Commission

Per diem:                                                            Reimbursement of expenses incurred in the discharge of duties

The National Battlefields Commission was established in 1908 under the National Battlefields at Quebec Act to acquire and preserve the great historic battlefields in Québec City and turn them into a national park. The grounds, which group together the Plains of Abraham and the Des Braves Park, constitute one of the most important historic sites in Canada. Commonly called the Plains of Abraham, the site is the largest urban park in Québec and ranks among the prestigious parks in the world. The National Battlefields Commission must reconcile the Plains of Abraham's historic significance with its mission as an urban park. As a federal government agency within the Canadian Heritage Portfolio, the National Battlefields Commission is responsible for preserving this historic Canadian legacy for future generations through the administration, management, conservation and promotion of National Battlefields Park, as well as for managing the funds allocated for this purpose. The National Battlefields Commission offers a wide range of educational and interpretation activities, allowing Canadians to discover or broaden their knowledge about a significant period in the history of the country, and to raise awareness about the richness of this prestigious patrimonial site. The National Battlefields Commission is accountable for its activities to Parliament through the Minister of Canadian Heritage.

The Board of Directors has overall stewardship of the organization and is expected to provide strategic guidance to management and to oversee the activities of the National Battlefields Commission. It has a duty to act in the best interests of the National Battlefields Commission and to exercise care and due diligence.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on the National Battlefields Commission's website.

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 field of study or an acceptable combination of education, job-related training and/or experience;


• Experience serving as a member of a board of directors of a public, private or not-for-profit organization;


• Experience in the development of strategies, objectives, plans and best business practices, as well as in corporate governance; and


• Experience in the field of engineering and project management would be an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate, activities and strategic plan 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 the financial field and the federal government's expectations for accountability and reporting;


• Knowledge of heritage preservation and environmental sustainability;


• Knowledge of the issues related to infrastructure maintenance;


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


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


• Ability to negotiate skillfully as well as influence the opinions and ideas of others, build consensus and gain approval for plans, programs and recommended courses of action;


• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other commissioners and the Commission’s partners and stakeholders;


• Ability to actively participate in debate and discussions among Commission members;


• Ability to recognize and address emerging issues and trends, seize opportunities, and advance ideas and innovation; and


• Ability to recognize issues related to diversity and inclusion.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• 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 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 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).


• Appointees are expected to attend each of the National Battlefields Commission's board meetings held at least 4 times per year in Quebec City.


• Appointees should expect to commit to the position an average of 2 to 3 weeks annually.

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 available here) will begin on March 27, 2023. 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.