Member, Public Service Pension Advisory Committee

The Public Service Pension Advisory Committee (PSPAC) is mandated to advise and assist the President of the Treasury Board on matters arising in connection with the operation of the Public Service Superannuation Act. Specifically, the Committee reviews matters respecting the administration, design and funding of the benefits provided under the Public Service Superannuation Act and makes recommendations to the President of the Treasury Board about those matters; reviews any other pension-related matters that the President of the Treasury Board may refer to it; and recommends to the President of the Treasury Board candidates for appointment to the Nominating Committee of the Public Sector Pension Investment Board.

There are generally five scheduled committee meetings during the year. Committee meetings usually last between one and three hours but may extend, on occasion, to full-day meetings. Meetings are typically held in Ottawa with participants from outside the National Capital Region joining by teleconference. The maximum estimated time commitment for members of the Public Service Pension Advisory Committee is five (5) days per year including meeting preparation. As required, travel arrangements are reimbursed pursuant to the Government of Canada travel and hospitality guidelines

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on its website. 

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

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


• Experience serving as a member of executive-level board, committee, or advisory body for a public, private or not-for-profit organization, or as a senior executive answerable to stakeholders in the public or private sector;


• Experience in a leadership position in one of the following areas: pensions, finance;


• Experience in assessing candidates for board membership in financially successful companies with operations inside and/or outside Canada would be considered an asset;


• Experience on executive-level boards, committees, or advisory bodies with joint employer-employee representation or multiple stakeholders with competing interests would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the public environment in which the federal government and its pension plans operate;


• Ability to foster a respectful and trusting environment where sound advice is valued, and encourage the expression of diverse opinions and perspectives while fostering collegiality;


• Ability to focus on key considerations at the strategic level and promote sound decision making;


• Knowledge of pension principles and pension plan design or of areas associated with the management and administration of the pension plan (e.g., program administration and delivery, policy development; governance; finance) would be considered an asset.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Excellent communication skills;


• Excellent interpersonal skills;


• Sound judgment;


• Tact;


• High ethical standards and integrity.

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.

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 June 2, 2021. 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.