Member, Patented Medicine Prices Review Board

Established in 1987 by the Patent Act, the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board’s (PMPRB) is an independent quasi-judicial body that protects the interests of Canadian consumers by ensuring that the prices of patented medicines sold in Canada are not excessive.

The Patented Medicine Prices Review Board reports annually to Parliament via the Minister of Health.

The members of the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board are responsible collectively for the implementation of the applicable provisions of the Patent Act. Together, they establish the guidelines, rules, by-laws and other policies of the Board as provided by the Act and consult as necessary with stakeholders, including ministers of health and representatives of consumer groups, the pharmaceutical industry and others.

Members are appointed by the Chairperson to hearing panels for purposes of hearings, to hear evidence, prepare findings and recommendations and participate in forming the decisions of the Board with respect to excessive prices for patented medicines.

Diversity and Official Languages

We are committed to providing a healthy and accessible workplace that supports one’s dignity, self-esteem and the ability to achieve one’s full potential. With this in mind, all appointees will be expected to take steps to promote and maintain a healthy, respectful, inclusive and harassment-free work environment.

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.

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.

Education and Experience

• A degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study or a combination of equivalent education, job-related training and/or experience in one or more relevant disciplines such as medicine, business or public administration, pharmacy or pharmacology, health policy, insurance medicine, medico-legal, pharmacoeconomic, social sciences, law or economics;


• Experience in the interpretation and application of legislation, regulatory frameworks, government policies and directives; and


• Experience in the operation and conduct of a board or administrative decision-maker, quasi-judicial tribunal, agency or equivalent.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and role of the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board and the Patent Act as it applies to the pricing of patented medicines;


• Knowledge of the theories, practices and procedures related to administrative justice, especially related to quasi-judicial bodies;


• Knowledge of the operations of the federal government, including those related to sound management principles, accountability and transparency;


• Knowledge of current and emerging trends related to therapeutic medicines, including knowledge of the price trends of patented medicines;


• Ability to develop effective working relationships with departmental officials and stakeholders while maintaining the degree of independence required of a quasi-judicial entity;


• Ability to provide intellectual and strategic leadership to the Board in order to define the vision, objectives and strategies of the organization;


• Ability to analyze all aspects of a case, interpret and apply the relevant criteria with a view to making lawful, fair and equitable decisions; and


• Superior communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to deal with various stakeholders.
  

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Fairness and impartiality


• Sound judgment and integrity


• High ethical standards


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Tact and discretion

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 Forms and reference material.


• All appointees will be subject to the Conflict 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 Commissioner, 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 behaviors 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 behaviors 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.


• Appointees must be willing to attend approximately four (4) Board meetings per year and meet monthly with the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board’s Executive Committee.


• Appointees must be willing to travel to Ottawa on a regular basis and occasionally to other locations within Canada.


• The time commitment may be influenced by the volume of business that the Board needs to consider, including hearings.

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 (more information here) will begin on April 10, 2023. Candidates should 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 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.