Member, National Advisory Council on Poverty

The Government of Canada's Poverty Reduction Act (2019) sets an official poverty measure (Canada's Official Poverty Line), concrete poverty reduction targets and establishes the National Advisory Council on Poverty (hereinafter referred to as the Council).

The Council is mandated to:

1. provide advice to the Minister on poverty reduction in Canada, including with respect to programs, funding and activities that support poverty reduction;


2. undertake consultations with the public, including the academic community and other experts, Indigenous people and persons with lived experience in poverty;


3. within six months after the end of each fiscal year, submit a report to the Minister




1. on the progress being made in meeting the targets referred to in Section 6 (Poverty Reduction Act) and the progress being made in poverty reduction measured by, among other things, the metrics set out in the schedule (Poverty Reduction Act), and


2. on the advice that the Council provided to the Minister under paragraph (a) during the fiscal year; and


4. undertake any activity specified by the Minister.

Members work collaboratively with the Chairperson and Member (Children’s Issues) to support the production of the annual report for the Minister. They may undertake public engagement with various groups under the direction of the Chairperson. Informed by lived experience, public engagement and/or research and policy analysis, members also contribute to the Council’s provision of expert advice to the Minister in relation to programs, funding and activities that contribute to poverty reduction. There are six (6) to eight (8) member positions on the Council, including at least one (1) member with lived experience of poverty.

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 achieve 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 people, 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.

To be considered, please ensure that the information provided in your curriculum vitae and cover letter clearly demonstrate how you meet the following requirements. A narrative describing your experience living in poverty may be submitted in lieu of a curriculum vitae.

Education and Experience

• A degree from a recognized university or a diploma from a recognized college, or an acceptable combination of relevant education, job-related training and/or experience, or experience living or having lived in poverty;


• Experience in a field related to poverty reduction; and


• Experience as a service provider for organizations that support vulnerable populations or as an advocate, academic or other expert on poverty issues.

If you move on to the next stage of the selection process, the following criteria will be assessed:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of government or non-government programs and services that help to reduce poverty and of issues related to groups more likely to be living in poverty;


• Analytical skills;


• Ability to establish and maintain productive and collaborative relationships with diverse groups;


• Ability to undertake public engagement with various groups, including Indigenous people, persons living in poverty or with lived experience of poverty, the academic community and other experts;


• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team; and


• Ability to participate in discussions, including willingness to share ideas and opinions.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

If you move on to the next stage of the selection process, we will contact your references to confirm that you meet the above selection criteria and that you possess the following Personal Attributes:

• High ethical standards and integrity


• Sound judgement


• Collaborative


• Encourages and embodies the values of inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility and anti-racism

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 Forms and reference material.


• All appointees will be 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 Commissioner, 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 behaviors 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 behaviors 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 this position, you must be willing to travel across Canada for meetings, consultations and public engagements.


• If you are appointed part-time, you must be available for approximately fifteen (15) to twenty (20) days of work per year.

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 14, 2023. Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their application by this date, along with a resume or a narrative describing your experience living in poverty and cover letter addressed to the Director of Selection Processes, Senior Personnel Secretariat, Privy Council Office. Applications will continue to be accepted after this date and may be considered up until an appointment to the position is made.
Candidates should apply online via the Governor in Council Appointments website. To learn more about the application process, please visit how to apply for an appointment opportunity on the Governor in Council Appointments website.