Chairperson, Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal

The Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal (Tribunal) is a quasi-judicial body that provides impartial reviews of administrative monetary penalties issued to any person by federal agencies in relation to agriculture and agri-food. The Tribunal operates in a court-like fashion to hear cases brought forward by person(s) who have been charged under the Agriculture and Agri-Food Administrative Monetary Penalties Act.

The Tribunal plays a key role in ensuring a fair and efficient administrative monetary penalty system. The Tribunal’s vision is to safeguard the integrity of the administrative monetary penalties system used by federal agencies to ensure compliance with agriculture and agri- food statues. It seeks to balance the rights of Canadians receiving such penalties with the responsibilities of federal regulators who issue the penalties to protect human, animal, and plant health so as to enhance the vibrancy and sustainability of Canadian agriculture.

The Tribunal uses support and facilities provided and managed by the Administrative Tribunals Support Service of Canada.

The Chairperson of the Tribunal holds the office full-time, adjudicates cases before the Tribunal and apportions work among the Tribunal’s members. There are currently three part-time members.

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

• Bachelor of law degree from a recognized post- secondary institution;


• A lawyer of at least ten years standing at the bar of any province or a notary of at least ten years standing at the Chambre des notaires du Québec;


• Demonstrated professional experience related to the agriculture and  agri-food sector;

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


• Experience in a quasi-judicial environment; and/or


• Executive level management experience in a private or public sector organization, including managing human and financial resources.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the agriculture and agri-food sector;


• Knowledge of the legislation and rules of procedure related to the Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal's practice and mandate, including the Health of Animals Act, the Plant Protection Act, the Agriculture and Agri-Food Administrative Monetary Penalties Act and the Safe Food for Canadians Act;


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


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


• Ability to conduct a fair, timely accessible and efficient quasi-judicial  hearing,  including virtually;


• Ability to identify requirements and utilize resources efficiently, transparently and accountability;


• Ability to provide vision and leadership; to motivate members and to appropriately and effectively manage the performance and productivity of members within  an adjudicative administrative tribunal;


• Ability to work collaboratively and to effectively model productive and cooperative working relationships between Governor in Council-appointed Members and the public service staff of the Administrative Tribunals Support Service of Canada to achieve shared outcomes;  and


• Superior communication skills, both orally and in writing.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Impartiality


• Sound judgment and integrity


• High ethical standards and fairness


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Tact and diplomacy

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 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 May 17, 2022. 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.