Vice-Chairperson, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission is an administrative tribunal, established under the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Act, which regulates and supervises Canadian broadcasting and telecommunications in the public interest, as well as enhances the privacy and safety of Canadians. In addition, the Commission has responsibilities under Canada’s anti-spam legislation, which addresses the sending of commercial electronic messages (for example, spam), among other things. The Commission’s role is thus to maintain a delicate balance in the public interest between the cultural, social and economic goals of its governing legislation on broadcasting and telecommunications. Access to network infrastructure has never been more important and new network technologies and shifts in competition present broad opportunities and challenges. There is also a further expanded mandate in the digital sphere presently under consideration in Parliament. This is an exciting time of change as the regulator evolves with the needs of Canadians and the creative and communication sectors, and changing technology. The Commission is accountable for its activities to Parliament through the Minister of Canadian Heritage.

With the exception of decision-making responsibilities, the two Vice-Chairpersons report to the Chairperson. The incumbents are responsible for assisting the Chairperson in providing effective leadership to the Commission, assuming responsibility for either broadcasting or telecommunications issues respectively, and for providing support to the management of the administrative tribunal.

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


• Extensive experience in providing organizational direction and leadership, including through change management;


• Proven senior level decision-making experience with respect to sensitive and complex issues;


• Experience in developing, maintaining and managing successful stakeholder relationships and partnerships within and outside an organization;


• Experience in the broadcasting, telecommunications or digital media industries;


• Experience with the operation and conduct of an administrative tribunal, regulatory organization or an organization of equivalent size and complexity would be an asset; and


• Experience formulating regulatory policy would be an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate, mission and activities of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, as well as the legislative framework within which it operates and the responsibilities of leading a public sector tribunal;


• Knowledge of the regulatory and technological environments in which the broadcasting, telecommunications and digital media sectors operate in Canada and abroad;


• Knowledge of international, social and economic trends; technological evolution related to digital networks and digital media; the role of government in the formulation of public policies; and their links with the legislative mandate of the Commission;


• With respect to the Vice-Chairperson Broadcasting: Knowledge of the evolution in the consumption of information and entertainment by diverse audiences and the supporting environment of national creative content;


• With respect to the Vice-Chairperson Telecommunications: knowledge of digital competition and consumer protection issues;


• Knowledge of the practices and procedures involved in conducting a public hearing and the legal principles involved, particularly as they relate to evidence, legal interpretation, procedural fairness and natural justice, would be an asset;


• Knowledge of broad issues related to media convergence would be an asset;


• Knowledge of telecommunications economics, competition and business strategy, or industrial organization in networked sectors would be an asset;


• Financial literacy and knowledge of the federal government's expectations with regard to accountability and reporting would be an asset;


• Ability to assist the Chairperson in carrying out his/her mandate in accordance with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Act;


• Ability to interpret the provisions of various statutes, regulations, policies and other documents;


• Ability to render fair, equitable and timely decisions and recommendations, while anticipating their short- and long-term consequences, in a rapidly evolving environment;


• Ability to conduct fair and efficient public hearings and consultations;


• Ability to develop respectful and effective working relationships, and build consensus; and


• Superior communication skills, both written and oral, and the ability to represent the Commission, when required, with a wide range of stakeholders.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• High ethical standards, integrity and impartiality


• Commitment to Canadian culture


• Tact and diplomacy


• Sound judgement


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Collegiality

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 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 as a member of the Commission if the person is not a Canadian citizen ordinarily resident in Canada or if directly or indirectly, as owner, shareholder, director, officer, partner or otherwise, the person: a) is engaged in a telecommunications undertaking; or b) has any pecuniary or proprietary interest in: i) a telecommunications undertaking; or ii) the manufacture or distribution of telecommunication apparatus, except where the distribution is incidental to the general merchandising of goods by wholesale or retail. Should a person have such an interest in a telecommunications undertaking, they must absolutely dispose of their interest within three months of appointment (statutory).


• A member must devote the whole of their time to the performance of their duties (statutory).


• A member must reside in or be willing to relocate to the National Capital Region, or to a location within reasonable commuting distance of the specified area of employment (statutory).


• A member must be willing to travel across Canada, as 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 here) will begin on June 28, 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.