Chairperson, Patented Medicine Prices Review Board

The Patented Medicine Prices Review Board is an independent quasi-judicial body established by Parliament in 1987 under the Patent Act which increased patent protection for pharmaceutical products and introduced, for the first time in Canada, direct price regulation of patented drugs. The Patented Medicine Prices Review Board represents a strategic component of the federal government’s policy to balance consumer protection and affordable health care with the trade and industrial development objectives (research & development and investment) of pharmaceutical patent legislation. The Patented Medicine Prices Review Board reports annually to Parliament via the Minister of Health and may be asked to inquire into any matter that the Minister refers to the board and shall report to the Minister in accordance with the terms of reference established by the Minister.

The Chairperson is designated as the chief executive officer and has the authority and responsibility to supervise and direct the work of the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board. He/she exercises direction over the quasi-judicial and operational functions of the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board and acts as deputy head under the Financial Administration Act. The Chairperson also exercises leadership by safeguarding the independence, integrity, reputation, and image of the Board as a quasi-judicial institution in its dealings with the public, stakeholders, and members of the government.

The Members of the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board, including the Chairperson, are responsible collectively for the implementation of the applicable provisions of the Patent Act. Together, they establish the guidelines, rules, by-laws, and other policies of the Board as provided by the Act (section 96) and consult as necessary with stakeholders including ministers of health and representatives of consumer groups, the pharmaceutical industry and others.

Members are appointed by the Chairperson to hearing panels for purposes of hearings under section 83 of the Act, to hear evidence, prepare findings and recommendations and participate in forming the decisions of the Board with respect to excessive prices for patented medicines. Members also issue various Board orders under sections 81, 82, 83 and 88 of the Act.

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 degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study or a combination of equivalent education, job-related training and/or experience in one or more relevant disciplines such as medicine, business or public administration, pharmacy or pharmacology, health policy, law or economics;


• Executive level management experience in a private or public sector organization, including managing human and financial resources;


• Significant board experience, including chairing board meetings and working effectively with senior management in transmitting the strategic direction of the board;


• Experience in dealing with federal or provincial governments, preferably with senior government officials as well as a variety of stakeholders and the public.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and role of the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board and the Patent Act as it applies to the pricing of patented medicines;


• Knowledge of the theories, practices and procedures related to administrative justice, especially related to quasi-judicial bodies;


• Knowledge of the operations of the federal government, including those related to sound management principles, accountability and transparency;


• Knowledge of the patented drug industry and the price trends of patented medicines;


• Knowledge of the operation and conduct of a quasi-judicial tribunal, agency or equivalent;


• Excellent leadership and managerial abilities to ensure the Board conducts its work effectively;


• Ability to develop effective working relationships with departmental officials and stakeholders while maintaining the degree of independence required of a quasi-judicial entity;


• Ability to provide intellectual and strategic leadership to the Board in order to define the vision, objectives and strategies of the organization;


• Ability to analyze all aspects of a case, interpret and apply the relevant criteria with a view to making lawful, fair and equitable decisions;


• Ability to interpret and apply legislation, government policies and directives in a quasi-judicial environment;


• Conflict management and negotiation skills;


• Superior communication skills (written and oral) with the ability to act as spokesperson in dealing with stakeholders, public institutions, governments, the public and other organizations.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Fair and impartial


• Sound judgement and integrity


• High ethical standards


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Tact and discretion

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.


• Must be willing to attend approximately four (4) Board meetings per year and meet monthly with PMPRB’s Executive Committee.


• Must be willing to travel to Ottawa on a regular basis and occasionally to other locations within 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 February 21, 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 Deputy 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.