Member, Standards Council of Canada

Established in 1970 as a federal Crown corporation, the Standards Council of Canada is Canada’s voice on standards and accreditation on the national and international stage. It works closely with a vast network of partners to promote the development of effective and efficient standards that protect the health, safety and well-being of Canadians while helping businesses prosper. As Canada’s leading accreditation organization, the Standards Council of Canada creates market confidence at home and abroad by ensuring that conformity assessment bodies meet the highest national and international standards. It advances Canada’s interest on the international scene as a member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) by connecting thousands of people to global networks and resources, opening a world of possibilities for Canadians and businesses.

A 13-member governing council, consisting of representatives from the federal, provincial and territorial governments and a range of public and private interests, including consumer representatives, governs the Standards Council of Canada.

The primary role of Council members is to provide organizational stewardship and governance leadership by setting the Standards Council of Canada’s strategic direction, overseeing the development and implementation of the organization’s corporate plan, providing relevant policy direction, and periodically reviewing the Standards Council of Canada’s legislated mandate to ensure the organization’s continuing relevance.

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 work on 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 an acceptable combination of education, job-related training or experience;


• Experience serving as a member of a board of directors for a public or private sector organization, or as a senior executive answerable to stakeholders in the public or private sector;


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


• Experience in international relations and/or working with international organizations would be considered an asset; and


• Experience in dealing with complex policy issues in relation to standardization would also be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Standards Council of Canada’s mandate, business activities and governing legislation, including the Standards Council of Canada Act;


• Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the Chairperson, the Council and the Executive Director;


• Knowledge of the federal government and public policy environments;


• Knowledge of global trends related to standardization would be considered an asset;


• Ability to contribute effectively to strategic and corporate planning;


• Ability to anticipate emerging issues;


• Ability to develop effective working relationships with other Board members and stakeholders; and


• Superior communication skills, both written and oral.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Superior interpersonal skills


• Sound judgement


• High ethical standards and integrity


• Tact and diplomacy


• Initiative

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 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 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.


• No officer or employee of the Standards Council of Canada or any of its affiliates, other than the Chief Executive Officer, shall be a director of the Standards Council of Canada (statutory).


• Appointees must be available for approximately 10 days per year for Board and related activities and travel.


• Appointees must be willing to travel across Canada, as required.

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 available here) will begin on April 17, 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.