President (Chief Executive Officer), Canadian Tourism Commission

If you applied between November 9, 2018 and September 11, 2019 you do not need to re-apply to be considered for this position.

Destination Canada is Canada’s national tourism marketing organization. It is responsible for marketing Canada as a premier four-season tourism destination where travellers can enjoy extraordinary experiences. Working in collaboration with the Canadian tourism industry and the provinces and the territories, Destination Canada serves as a consistent voice for Canada in the international tourism marketplace. As tourism is a fast growing sector that employs nearly two million Canadians, Destination Canada has an important role to play in harnessing the full economic potential of this key sector of our economy; by growing tourism export revenue for Canada, supporting the creation of jobs and increasing Canada’s global competitiveness within the travel and tourism sector. Its mandate is to sustain a vibrant and profitable Canadian tourism industry; market Canada as a desirable tourism destination; support a cooperative relationship between the private sector and the governments of Canada, the provinces and the territories with respect to Canadian tourism; and provide information about Canadian tourism to the private sector and to the governments of Canada, the provinces and the territories.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President & CEO is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organization, managing its day-to-day operations, and providing advice to the Chair and Board of Directors on carrying out their responsibilities under the Canadian Tourism Commission Act, Financial Administration Act, and other relevant legislation. The President & CEO will also promote Canada to Canadians and lead tourism marketing partnerships particularly with provincial, territorial governments, and the private and not-for-profit sectors to execute innovative Canadian marketing campaigns, and to ensure the necessary strategies are in place to help maximize the economic benefits generated by the tourism industry.

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 or experience;


• Significant executive-level management experience in a private or public sector organization, including managing financial and human resources and contributing to strategic planning exercises for an organization to achieve its mandate and identified priorities;


• Experience reporting to, and/or working with, a board of directors and in maintaining productive relationships with senior-level stakeholders in the public, private or not-for-profit sectors;


• Experience leading and/or supporting transitions or transformational change in an organization;


• Experience in implementing modern corporate governance principles and best practices in a culture of accountability and transparency; and


• Experience working in the Canadian tourism sector would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate, legislative framework and activities of Destination Canada and of the Government of Canada’s priorities related to the tourism sector;


• Knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing the Canadian and international tourism sectors;


• Knowledge of marketing practices and trends and the ability to anticipate emerging issues and lead organizational change;


• Knowledge of business practices and entrepreneurship;


• Knowledge of community and economic development;


• Ability to balance the interests of multiple stakeholders with divergent views, and synthesize diverse viewpoints and opinions into strategic advice;


• Ability to contribute effectively to strategic and corporate planning;


• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with the Board of Directors, senior management, senior government officials, and Destination Canada’s stakeholders and partners; and


• Superior communication skills, both written and oral.

Language Requirements

Preference will be given to applicants who are proficient in both official languages.

• 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.


• If you are appointed to this position, you must reside in or be willing to relocate to the Vancouver area or to a location within a reasonable commuting distance.


• If you are appointed to this position, you must be willing to travel across Canada and internationally.

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 March 11, 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.