Director (Federal), Nanaimo Port Authority

The Nanaimo Port Authority is a Canadian Port Authority, established under the Canada Marine Act and Letters Patent. The Port Authority mandate is to be the Vancouver Island port connecting the island to the world via the Salish Sea, providing the safe and sustainable movement of people and goods while delivering economic growth that benefits Canada, British Columbia and the Island.

The board of directors is comprised of representatives appointed by the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and representatives of the Port Authority users. The Board is broadly responsible for setting the strategic direction for, and overseeing the conduct and operations of the port authority. The Board appoints the Port Authority’s chief executive officer, monitors management’s performance, ensures internal controls are in place to manage risks associated with the port authority’s business, and oversees the port authority’s finances and accuracy of financial reporting.

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

• Graduation with a degree from a recognized university or acceptable combination of equivalent education, training and job related experience;


• Experience serving as a member of a board of directors for a public, private or not-for-profit organization, or as a senior executive answerable to stakeholders in the public or private sector;


• Experience in the transportation sector or business community (preferably marine) would be considered an asset;


• Preference may be given to candidates with international trade experience; and


• Experience in one or more of the following areas would be considered an asset: business, community service, financial, legal and governance, marine trade, marine transportation, port operation, construction, project management, public administration, Indigenous relations, and risk management.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and business activities of the Nanaimo Port Authority and a good understanding of the legislative environment in which it operates;


• Knowledge of the local Indigenous context and capacity to develop and maintain effective working relationships with local Indigenous groups;


• Knowledge of the role and responsibilities of a Board Director, the CEO and the Port Authority management team;


• Knowledge of effective governance and risk management principles, both at the board and organizational levels;


• Knowledge of human resources management and financial literacy;


• Ability to anticipate emerging issues and lead organizational change;


• Ability to develop effective working relationships with other board members, the Port Authority’s business partners and stakeholders; and


• Superior communication skills, both written and oral.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Sound judgment


• High ethical standards and integrity


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Tact and diplomacy


• Strategic thinking

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 Canada Marine Act stipulates that the following individuals may not be directors of the Nanaimo Port Authority (statutory):
  
  
  
  1. an individual who is a mayor, councillor, officer or employee of a municipality mentioned in the letters patent;
  
  
  2. an individual who is a member of the legislature of a province, or an officer or employee of the public service or of a Crown corporation of a province, mentioned in the letters patent;
  
  
  3. a Senator or a member of the House of Commons;
  
  
  4. an officer or employee of the federal public administration, a federal Crown corporation or a port authority;
  
  
  5. an individual who is not a resident Canadian, as defined in subsection 2(1) of the Canada Business Corporations Act;
  
  
  6. an individual who is a director, officer or employee of a person who is a user of the port;
  
  
  7. an individual who is under eighteen years of age;
  
  
  8. an individual who has been declared mentally incompetent by a court in Canada or elsewhere; or
  
  
  9. an undischarged bankrupt.
  
  
  
  


• You reside in Nanaimo or within reasonable travelling distance from Nanaimo.


• The successful candidate must be willing to participate in a schedule of board of directors meetings as stipulated by the Nanaimo Port Authority, as well as any requirements for participation in sub-committees, annual general meetings or other such duties as may be required.


• The Board of Directors meets up to twelve times per year. Board meetings are typically 4-6 hours in length. Directors are also expected to sit on at least two board committees. Committees meet up to four times a year. Committee meetings are typically 2 hours in length. In addition, Directors are expected to attend multiple community and Port related events throughout the year.

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 30, 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.