Member - AMENDMENT, Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada

Position information, Education and Experience criteria, including Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Eligibility factors have been modified as of January 31st, 2023.

The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada is mandated to provide advice to the Minister responsible for the Parks Canada Agency on the designation of places, persons and events that have marked and shaped Canada’ history.

As a Board member representing your province or territory, you will be asked to:

• take part in the evaluation process and make recommendations to the Minister who has the authority to designate sites, events or persons of national historic significance;


• advise the Minister on the Heritage Railway Stations Program, the National Program for the Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers and the Heritage Lighthouses of Canada Program;


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


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


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


• monitor heritage issues or initiatives within your province or territory and provide advice to Parks Canada officials and the Board on such matters as required.

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

• Candidates must meet one of the following two qualifications:
  
  
  
  • Degree from a recognized university in a field relevant to the duties of the Board;
  
  
  • OR experience as Knowledge Keeper, Elder or Cultural Advisor in an Indigenous community.
  
  
  
  


• A post-graduate degree from a recognized university in a field relevant to the duties of the Board, would be considered an asset;


• Experience in practical applications of knowledge or community involvement in heritage conservation, historical commemoration or other field relevant to the duties of the Board; and


• Experience in board or committee work or consensus-based decision-making.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and activities of the Board;


• Knowledge of:
  
  
  
  • Canada’s history;
  
  
  • OR cultural practices that shape the province or territory represented.
  
  
  
  


• Knowledge and experience in anti-racism, would be considered an asset;


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


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


• Ability to apply sound judgment and provide thoughtful advice.

Language Requirements

Ability to read in both official languages is an asset. Knowledge of Indigenous languages is an asset.

• 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 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.


• 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). (Statutory)


• Willingness to travel across Canada, as required.


• Willingness to commit up to 35 days per year to Board business.


• Applications from all provinces and territories are accepted. Candidates residing in provinces and territories with vacancies or upcoming vacancies will be screened on a priority basis: Ontario, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta. Candidates from other provinces and territories may be added to a roster of qualified candidates for future vacancies.

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 16, 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.