Member, Northwest Territories, Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada

Under the Historic Sites and Monuments Act, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC) has the statutory responsibility to advise the Government of Canada, through the Minister responsible for Parks Canada, on the commemoration of nationally significant aspects of Canada’s past, including the designation of national historic sites, persons, and events. Under the Heritage Railway Stations Protection Act and the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act, the Board also advises the Minister on the designation of heritage railway stations and heritage lighthouses respectively.

Board members represent their province or territory in relation to the following responsibilities:

1. participate in Full Board meetings held twice a year and ‘as and when required’ in relation to the Board’s committees;


2. communicate the HSMBC position on specific heritage issues at public meetings, interviews with media, and in communications with groups and individuals;


3. serve as Master of Ceremonies at HSMBC commemorative plaque unveiling ceremonies and represent the HSMBC at other events when requested to do so; and


4. monitor heritage issues or initiatives within their province or territory and provide advice to Parks Canada officials and the HSMBC on such matters as required. Board members are also required to read and analyze large volumes of research material in preparation of the Full Board and Committee meetings.

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

• Post-graduate degree in history, anthropology, sociology, built heritage conservation, geography, Canadian Indigenous studies, or a field related to the commemoration of Canada’s multi-cultural and multi-ethnic history, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Equivalent experience could include for example participating in the preservation, retention, maintenance and knowledge production / transfer of specific Indigenous cultural practices and traditions;


• Experience in practical applications of knowledge and research methodology. This could include for example being a knowledge keeper in your community;


• Experience in board and/or committee work; and


• Experience in public speaking.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and activities of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada;


• Knowledge of research methodology in history, anthropology, sociology, built heritage conservation, Indigenous studies, historical or cultural geography, or another related specialized field;


• Knowledge of Canada’s multi-cultural and multi-ethnic history, and the history and historical trends and major heritage issues and/or cultural practices that shape the province or territory represented;


• Ability to place provincial/territorial/Indigenous issues of interest into a national perspective;


• Ability to provide advice to senior government officials and boards;


• Ability to read, synthesize and analyze large volumes of research material in a short period of time;


• Ability to read in both official languages is an asset. Knowledge of other languages, including Indigenous languages, is an asset;


• Knowledge and experience in anti-racism, is an asset; and


• Ability to act as the HSMBC’s spokesperson in dealing with the media and a wide range of stakeholders (e.g. at commemorative plaque unveiling ceremonies or other community events).

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Excellent oral communications skills


• Open-minded and impartial


• Excellent judgment and discretion


• Respectful and inclusive


• Collaborative

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.


• A person is not eligible to be appointed or to continue as a representative for a province or territory, unless that person resides in that province or territory (section 4.2, Historic Sites and Monuments Act).


• Willingness to travel across Canada, as required.


• Willingness to commit up to 40 days per year to HSMBC business.

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 September 18, 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.