Member - AMENDMENT, Canadian Human Rights Commission

Salary range:                                                    Under review
Per diem:                                                           Fixed by By-Law of the organization - Under Review

**If you have applied between July 28, 2021 and August 16, 2021, you do not need to re-apply to be considered for this position.

The Canadian Human Rights Commission was established by Parliament to administer the Canadian Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination on 13 grounds in the federally-regulated sphere. The Commission is responsible for receiving, investigating and resolving discrimination complaints under the Canadian Human Rights Act, and may refer complaints to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal. The Commission also ensures compliance with the Employment Equity Act, Pay Equity Act and the Accessible Canada Act.

The Commission operates independently from government. In addition to its roles with respect to the administration of the Canadian Human Rights Act, Employment Equity Act, Pay Equity Act and the Accessibility Act, its mandate includes representing the public interest before the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal to advance human rights for all Canadians; raising awareness of human rights issues through research and policy development; and engaging in advocacy, dialogue and action to affect human rights change. The Commission works closely with federally-regulated employers and service providers, individuals, unions, and provincial, territorial and international human rights bodies to foster understanding of human rights and promote the development of institutional cultures that support human rights.

Members of the Commission, under the leadership of the Chief Commissioner, render decisions on human rights complaints that deal with a variety of allegations based on one or more prohibited grounds of discrimination. They also render decisions with respect to employment equity audits. Complaints under the Canadian Human Rights Act may be dealt with in one of the following manners: referred to other conflict resolution processes, referred to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, referred for mandatory conciliation, or dismissed. Commission decisions are reviewable by the Federal Court. Members are required to collaborate with each other in reviewing various documents – including complaint forms, investigation reports, and legal opinions – many of which are complex. Members may also be requested by the Chief Commissioner to provide human rights leadership by participating in stakeholders’ meetings and representing the Commission at public conferences and events.

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 university degree in a relevant field of study, or a combination of equivalent education, job-related training and experience;


• A law degree from a recognized university would be considered an asset;


• Experience in research and writing in the field of social sciences or law;


• Experience in the interpretation and application of legislation, regulations and policies;


• Experience in the human rights field would be considered an asset;


• Experience in alternative dispute resolution would be considered an asset; and


• Education and experience in gender studies and accessibility would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of national and international human rights laws and the mechanisms that exist to implement them;


• Knowledge of the role of the Canadian Human Rights Commission as an administrative decision-making body, including its mandate, mission, vision and values, and the rules that govern its operation;


• Knowledge of human rights issues, social issues, and the principles of natural justice that have potential human rights implications;


• Knowledge of the issues and challenges impacting racialized and diverse Canadians, and particularly the need for appropriate institutional responses;


• Superior communication skills, both oral and written;


• Strong organizational skills;


• Ability to analyze and synthesize complex information from a variety of sources;


• Ability to identify relevant facts and analyze information in order to develop and substantiate decisions;


• Ability to impartially make timely decisions that are transparent, clear, accessible, well-reasoned and justifiable;


• Ability to engage a wide variety of stakeholders through collaboration and consensus-building; and


• Ability to work efficiently and independently, or as part of a team.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• High ethical standards and personal integrity


• Respect, fairness, inclusiveness, and reliability


• Superior interpersonal skills, including collegiality


• Intellectual rigor


• Tact, discretion, and sound judgment

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.

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 August 25, 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.