Deputy Registrar, Supreme Court of Canada

The Supreme Court of Canada is Canada’s final court of appeal. It serves Canadians by deciding legal issues of public importance, thereby contributing to the development of all branches of law applicable within Canada. The independence of the Court, the quality of its work and the esteem in which it is held both in Canada and abroad contribute significantly as foundations for a secure, strong and democratic country founded on the Rule of Law. In accordance with the Supreme Court Act, the Supreme Court of Canada consists of nine judges, including the Chief Justice of Canada. The Supreme Court of Canada is an important national institution that is positioned at the pinnacle of the judicial branch of Canada’s government.

The Office of the Registrar of the Supreme Court of Canada is the administrative arm of the Supreme Court of Canada.  The Registrar answers directly to the Chief Justice, and is responsible for the management of the Court, exercises the quasi-judicial powers conferred by the Supreme Court Act and the Rules of the Supreme Court of Canada.  The Registrar's management responsibilities include the administration of the Judges Act for the judges of the Court, the appointment and supervision of Court staff, management of the Library and the Registry, and publication of the Canada Supreme Court Reports. The Deputy Registrar exercises and performs such of the powers and duties of the Registrar as are assigned to the Deputy Registrar by the Registrar, and may exercise and perform all the powers and duties of the Registrar in the event that the Registrar is absent or unable to act or the office of Registrar is vacant.

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 law degree from a recognized university and membership in the Bar of one of the provinces or territories of Canada;


• Significant administration/management experience, at the senior executive level, including experience in financial/budget management of an institution or organization of similar size, human resources, and information technology;


• Experience in negotiating and achieving consensus on complex legal issues among a variety of stakeholders with competing demands and objectives;


• Demonstrated decision-making experience with respect to sensitive administrative issues;


• Significant experience in developing and maintaining partnerships and interacting with stakeholders within and outside the Public Service would be considered an asset;


• Experience in leading major transformation initiatives would be considered an asset; and


• Recent and extensive experience in providing legal and strategic advice on complex and sensitive matters, with experience in a judicial context as an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate, role and responsibilities of the Supreme Court of Canada;


• Knowledge of the Supreme Court Act and Rules of the Supreme Court of Canada, as well as the legislative and regulatory framework and mandate established by the Judges Act and its regulations;


• Knowledge of the operations of the federal government and Cabinet processes, including the role of central agencies in relation to arms-length organizations;


• Knowledge of the functions and responsibilities of a “Deputy Head” of a department for the purposes of the Federal Accountability Act, the Public Service Employment Act and related statutes and regulations;


• Knowledge of the Supreme Court of Canada’s public relations needs, diplomatic protocols and matters of protocol relating to the Chief Justice of Canada;


• Knowledge of the administration and operations of courts in Canada;


• Ability to analyze differing opinions and complex situations and respond strategically and reasonably, with a view to making fair and equitable recommendations;


• Ability to concurrently manage a wide range of subject matters and to make sound and well-informed decisions in a timely fashion;


• Ability to exercise transparency, probity and accountability in the management of resources;


• Ability to mediate between the demands of judicial and institutional independence and the structure and accountability of public service administration;


• Ability to promote external relations with provincial and international counterparts to improve the administration of justice and its understanding; and


• Ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, in a clear and logical manner.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Tact, diplomacy, integrity and discretion


• Strong visionary leader with sound judgment


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Objectivity


• Sensitivity to the legal and constitutional context of the judiciary and the courts

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.


• To be appointed Deputy Registrar you must be a barrister or advocate of at least five years standing (statutory).


• The Deputy Registrar has an office in the City of Ottawa and must reside in the National Capital Region described in the schedule to the National Capital Act or within forty kilometers thereof (statutory).


• The Deputy Registrar must be willing to travel in Canada and abroad to attend meetings.


• The Deputy Registrar must be willing to work for extended periods of time when 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 May 24, 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.