Chief Commissioner - AMENDMENT, Canadian Grain Commission

**If you have applied between May 29, 2020 and June 26, 2020, you do not need to re-apply to be considered for this position.

The Canadian Grain Commission is a federal government agency that reports to Parliament through the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. As set out in the Canada Grain Act, the Canadian Grain Commission’s mandate is to, in the interests of producers, establish and maintain standards of quality for Canadian grain and regulate grain handling in Canada to ensure a dependable commodity for domestic and export markets. In accordance to the Canada Grain Act, the Canadian Grain Commission is led by an executive of three Commissioners that sets the organization’s direction, establishes policy, and administers and enforces the Canada Grain Act.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on its website.

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 in maintaining effective relationships with, and balancing the interests of, multiple stakeholders with divergent views;


• Significant experience in decision making with respect to sensitive and complex issues;


• Significant management experience at the senior executive level in private or public sector organizations;


• Experience in a private or public sector organization with diverse technical and regulatory responsibility would be considered an asset; and


• Experience in the production and handling of grain, as well as experience in dealing with the transportation, marketing, and processing of grain would be considered assets.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• An understanding of the business, economic, and operational challenges and opportunities facing the Canadian and international grain industry;


• Knowledge of the Commission’s mandate, legislative framework, and activities;


• Knowledge of sound governance and management principles in a private or public organization;


• A good understanding of the structure, roles, and functions of the producer and of the public and private organizations involved in Canada’s grain industry;


• Leadership and management skills to work with the Commission to establish its vision and priorities in order to achieve attain the Commission’s mandate and realize its strategic direction;


• Ability to anticipate emerging issues and to develop strategies to solve problems quickly and seize opportunities;


• Ability to reconcile varying interests and values; and


• Superior communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with senior government officials and with organizations on a national and international level.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Strategic and innovative leader


• Sound judgement


• High ethical standards and integrity


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Tact and diplomacy

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.


• As per provisions of the Canada Grain Act, a person is not eligible to be appointed or to continue as a commissioner if, directly or indirectly, as owner, shareholder, director, officer, partner or otherwise, that person is engaged in commercial dealings in grain or the carriage of grain or has a pecuniary or other interest in grain or the carriage of grain, other than as a producer of grain (statutory).


• A Commissioner shall devote the whole of his/her time to the performance of his duties under this Act (statutory).


• The successful candidate must reside in, or be willing to relocate to Winnipeg, Manitoba, or to a location within reasonable commuting distance.


• The candidate must be willing and able to travel extensively domestically and abroad at short notice.

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 July 14, 2020. Candidates must 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.