Chairperson, Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organization

Updated / New Information

**An appointment to this position will only be made should the legislation to create the Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organization be approved by Parliament and receive Royal Assent.

Please note new, updated information on accessibility, below.

With the introduction of the proposed Accessible Canada Act, the Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organization would be a departmental corporation within the Department of Employment and Social Development portfolio. A Board of Directors would be responsible for setting the strategic direction for the Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organization and advising the Chief Executive Officer on matters relating to the departmental corporation’s mandate.

Under the proposed Accessible Canada Act, the Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organization’s work would comprise:

• the development and revision of accessibility standards; 


• the recommendation of standards to the Minister responsible for Accessibility for potential adoption into regulations;


• the provision of information, products and services in relation to the accessibility standards that it has developed or revised;


• the promotion, support and conduct of research into the identification and removal of barriers and the prevention of new barriers; and


• the dissemination of information, including information about best practices, in relation to the identification and removal of barriers and the prevention of new barriers.

A Board of Directors, consisting of up to 11 directors, including a Chairperson and a Vice-Chairperson, would be responsible for setting the strategic direction for the Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organization and advising the Chief Executive Officer on matters relating to the mandate.

As set out in the proposed Accessible Canada Act, at all times, as far as possible, the majority of the directors would be persons with disabilities. Furthermore, the Board of Directors would be representative of the diversity of Canadian society and the diversity of disabilities faced by Canadians.

The Chair would:

• preside over meeting of the Board of Directors;


• ensure the effectiveness of the Board in the formulation and implementation of a long-term strategy and vision for the Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organization;


• lead the Board’s work in the development of its by-laws;


• set and manage the Board’s agenda; direct the apportionment of responsibilities to Board members for any sub-committees or panels;


• participate in the selection process for members of advisory committees to the Board; and


• perform any other duties assigned by the Board.

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.

To be considered, please ensure that the information provided in your curriculum vitae and cover letter clearly demonstrate how you meet the following requirements:

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 experience;


• Experience in the disability stakeholder community and/or lived experience is an asset;


• Recent* and significant** experience serving on boards of directors of major public, private and/or not-for-profit sector corporations, preferably as chairperson;


• Experience at the senior management level within the private, public or not-for profit sector;


• Experience in interacting with senior government or senior not-for-profit sector officials; and


• Experience with modern corporate governance practices, and risk oversight and risk management.

* Recent is defined as experience gained within the last five (5) years.

**Significant experience is understood to mean the depth and breadth of experience normally associated with having performed a broad range of complex activities related to this task, which are normally acquired over a period of at least three (3) years.

If you move on to the next stage of the selection process, the following criteria will be assessed:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the proposed Accessible Canada Act, accessibility policy and emerging issues and program frameworks;


• Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of a Chairperson, board of directors and Chief Executive Officer;


• Knowledge of human and financial management;


• Ability to set priorities and support the corporate vision needed to fulfil the Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organizations mandate and objectives; and


• Ability to understand the impact of the differing needs and agenda of multiple stakeholders.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

If you move on to the next stage of the selection process, we will contact your references to confirm that you meet the above selection criteria and that you possess the following Personal Attributes:

• strategic thinking


• adaptability to work effectively with a wide range of groups and individuals from different backgrounds, positions and socio-economic conditions


• high ethical standards and integrity


• sound judgment


• tact and diplomacy


• superior interpersonal skills

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.
  


• If you are appointed to this position, the minimum time commitment required would be approximately thirty-three (33) days per year. Additional time may be required for travel.


• If you are appointed to this position, you must be available to attend approximately four (4) two-day (2) long board meetings and approximately six (6) half-day teleconferences per year. Advance materials would be provided one week prior to the meetings and you would be required to review and prepare accordingly.


• If you are appointed to this position, you would be required from time to time to attend additional meetings and events with stakeholders and others.


• If you are appointed to this position, you must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident within the meaning of subsection 2(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. (Statutory).


• A person is not eligible to be a member of the board of directors of the Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organization if the person is a member of the Senate or House of Commons or a member of a provincial or territorial legislature, or is employed on a full-time basis in the federal public administration or the public service of a province or territory. (Statutory)

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 April 29, 2019. Candidates can apply online via the Governor in Council Appointments website, by email at messages@pco-bcp.gc.ca or by phone at 1-613-948-6538. 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 as part of the application.

Instructions on how to apply for an appointment opportunity can be found on the Governor in Council Appointments website.

UPDATE:
We are committed to ensuring the accessibility of our online Application Tracking System (ATS). However, if you are having difficulty accessing any content on the application site, please contact us.