Director, Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organization

The Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organization (Accessibility Standards Canada) is a departmental corporation within the Department of Employment and Social Development portfolio.

Accessibility Standards Canada was created in 2019 under the Accessible Canada Act, which establishes a framework for the identification, removal and prevention of barriers to accessibility.

Its mandate is to contribute to a Canada without barriers by 2040, by:

• Developing and revising accessibility standards;


• Providing information, products and services about new and revised standards;


• Supporting and conducting research on barriers to accessibility; and


• Sharing best practices for removing and preventing accessibility barriers.

Accessibility Standards Canada is comprised of a Board of directors of not more than eleven directors, including a Chair and a Vice-Chair.

As set out in the Accessible Canada Act, at all times, as far as possible, the majority of directors are persons with disabilities who are representative of the diversity of Canadian society and of the diversity of disabilities faced by Canadians.

Directors are responsible for establishing the organization’s strategic priorities; overseeing the work of the organization; stakeholder engagement and sharing their knowledge and expertise in advising the Chief Executive Officer.

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.

To be considered, please ensure that the information provided in your curriculum vitae and cover letter clearly demonstrate how you meet the following requirements:

Education and Experience

• A degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study or an acceptable combination of education, job-related training and experience;


• Experience within the private, public and/or not-for-profit sector;


• Experience with the disability stakeholder community and/or lived experience;


• Experience in building relationships, promoting partnerships and engaging disability stakeholders, Indigenous organizations or other stakeholder groups, such as government, industry and standards development organizations;


• Experience in the standards development process would be considered an asset; and


• Experience serving as a member of a board of directors in a government, non-profit and/or private sector organization would be considered an asset.

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

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Accessible Canada Act, accessibility policy and program frameworks;


• Knowledge of the mandate and activities of Accessibility Standards Canada;


• Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of Accessibility Standards Canada’s Board of directors and the Chief Executive Officer;


• Knowledge of the Canadian disability stakeholder community and their priorities related to accessibility and inclusion;


• Knowledge of human and financial management;


• Ability to provide corporate vision, leadership and the strategic direction needed for Accessibility Standards Canada to fulfill its mandate;


• Ability to anticipate issues, manage risk and develop strategies to support the delivery of Accessibility Standards Canada’s mandate; and


• Ability to think strategically.

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:

• Adaptability to work effectively with a wide range of groups and individuals from different backgrounds, positions and socio-economic conditions


• High ethical standards and integrity


• Sound judgment


• Tact and diplomacy


• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

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.


• Appointees must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident within the meaning of subsection 2(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. (Statutory)


• Appointees must not be a member of the Senate or House of Commons or a member of a provincial or territorial legislature. (Statutory)


• Appointees must not be employed on a full-time basis in the federal public administration or the public service of a province or territory. (Statutory)


• Appointees may be required to travel across Canada.

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 June 15, 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.