Chairperson - AMENDMENT, Canadian Tourism Commission

Destination Canada (Canadian Tourism Commission) is Canada’s national tourism marketing organization. It is responsible for marketing Canada as a premier four-season tourism destination where travellers can enjoy extraordinary experiences. Working in collaboration with the Canadian tourism industry, provinces and territories, municipalities, Indigenous and individual communities, Destination Canada serves as a voice for Canada in the domestic and international tourism marketplace.

Tourism is one of the hardest hit sectors affected by the spread of COVID-19 over this last year. As the government supports this key sector’s re-emergence and recovery, Destination Canada’s role will be critical in harnessing the full economic potential that tourism has to contribute to our economy in a post pandemic world.

The work will focus on growing tourism export revenue for Canada, supporting the creation of jobs and increasing Canada’s global competitiveness within the travel and tourism sector. Its mandate is to sustain a vibrant and profitable Canadian tourism industry; market Canada as a desirable tourism destination for domestic and international travellers; support a cooperative relationship between the private sector and the governments of Canada, provinces and territories, municipalities, Indigenous and individual communities with respect to Canadian tourism; and provide information about Canadian tourism to the private sector and to the governments of Canada, the provinces and the territories.

Destination Canada is governed by a Board of Directors that is reflective of best practices in modern corporate governance. Under the direction of the Chair, the Board ensures that appropriate systems of governance, leadership and stewardship are in place to enable Destination Canada’s management to lead the organization effectively. Examples of specific Board functions include:

• Establishing the organization’s corporate objectives;


• Monitoring corporate performance and evaluating results;


• Ensuring effective strategic risk management;


• Providing financial oversight;


• Monitoring the Chief Executive Officer’s (CEO’s) performance;


• Overseeing succession planning of the CEO; and


• Reviewing and approving major decisions affecting the organization.

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 in a relevant field of study, or an acceptable combination of equivalent education, job-related training or experience;


• Experience serving as a member of a board of directors (preferably in a leadership role) for a public or private sector organization, or as a senior executive answerable to stakeholders in the public, private, non-profit or social enterprise sectors;


• Experience in managing complex issues, marketing, implementing modern corporate governance principles and best practices in a culture of accountability and transparency;


• Experience in managing human and financial resources; and


• Experience working as an entrepreneur or an executive in the Canadian tourism sector or for a large domestic or international tourism enterprise would be considered a highly desirable asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Canadian and international tourism sectors;


• Knowledge of marketing practices and trends;


• Knowledge of destination development practices and trends;


• Knowledge of the Government of Canada’s priorities related to the tourism sector; including impacts of major crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic on domestic and global tourism;


• Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the Chairperson, the Board, and the Chief Executive Officer;


• Ability to effectively lead strategic and corporate planning;


• Ability to anticipate emerging issues and lead organizational change;


• Ability to develop effective working relationships with other Board members, government officials, senior executives, and stakeholders;


• Ability to effectively foster debate and discussions among Board members, facilitate consensus and manage conflicts, should they arise; and


• Superior oral and written communication, and listening skills in both official languages.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Sound judgment


• High ethical standards and integrity


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Tact and diplomacy


• Strategic and innovative thinker

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.


• If you are appointed to one of these positions, you must be willing to travel across Canada, as required when travel opportunities resume.


• You must be available for approximately 20-25 days per year for Board-related activities and travel, when travel opportunities resume.


• You must be willing to participate in Board and committee meetings in-person and via video or teleconference as required.


• Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.

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 26, 2021. 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 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.