Taxpayers’ Ombudsman, Office of the Taxpayers' Ombudsman

The Office of the Taxpayers’ Ombudsman was established to uphold taxpayer service rights in the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, provide an impartial review of unresolved service complaints from taxpayers, and examine systemic issues pertaining to service-related matters.

The Taxpayers' Ombudsman is a special advisor to the Minister of National Revenue. The mandate of the Taxpayers’ Ombudsman is to assist, advise and inform the Minister about any matter relating to services provided to a taxpayer or benefit recipient by the Canada Revenue Agency.

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 or an acceptable combination of equivalent education, training and job-related experience;


• Experience in resolving service-related issues;


• Experience in managing a team, preferably at the executive level, in a public or private sector organization;


• Experience in the management of financial and human resources;


• Experience dealing with sensitive issues; and


• Experience in building effective collaborative partnerships with senior government officials and stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Canada Revenue Agency Taxpayer Bill of Rights and service redress mechanisms;


• Knowledge of the Canadian tax system, programs, policies and legislation administered by the Canada Revenue Agency;


• Knowledge of the machinery of government and government priorities;


• Knowledge of the Conflict of Interest Act and Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders;


• Ability to render fair, equitable, and timely decisions, while anticipating their short and long-term consequences;


• Ability to develop comprehensive communication strategies, including outreach and networking activities;


• Ability to apply analytical, interpretative, and evaluative thinking to situations;


• Ability to develop and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with senior government officials and stakeholders; and


• Superior communications skills, both written and oral.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages is required.

• Objective, impartial and fair, with sound judgement


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Integrity and strong professional ethics


• Tact and discretion


• Flexible and resilient

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.


• The position is located in Ottawa, Ontario. Candidates who are not located in Ottawa, Ontario, or within a reasonable commuting distance, will be considered for working remotely.


• If you are appointed to this position, you must willing to travel within Canada and, as required, 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 April 8, 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.