Members, Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada

Under the Historic Sites and Monuments Act, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC) has the statutory responsibility to advise the Government of Canada, through the Minister responsible for Parks Canada, on the commemoration of nationally significant aspects of Canada’s past, including the designation of national historic sites, persons, and events. Under the Heritage Railway Stations Protection Act and the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act, the Board also advises the Minister on the designation of heritage railway stations and heritage lighthouses respectively.

Board members represent their province or territory in relation to the following responsibilities: 1) participates in Full Board meetings held twice a year and ‘as and when required’ in relation to the Board’s committees; 2) communicates the HSMBC position on specific heritage issues at public meetings, interviews with media, and in communications with groups and individuals; 3) serves as Master of Ceremonies at HSMBC commemorative plaque unveiling ceremonies and represents the HSMBC at other events when requested to do so; and, 4) monitors heritage issues or initiatives within their province or territory and provides advice to Parks Canada officials and the HSMBC on such matters as required. Board members are also required to read and analyze large volumes of research material in preparation of the Full Board and Committee meetings.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada's 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

• Post-graduate degree in history, anthropology, sociology, built heritage conservation, geography, Canadian Indigenous studies, or a field related to the commemoration of Canada’s history, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.


• Experience in practical applications of knowledge and research methodology.


• Experience in board and/or committee work.


• Experience in public speaking and chairing meetings.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and activities of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada as well as the legislative framework within which it operates.


• Knowledge of research methodology in history, anthropology, sociology, built heritage conservation, Indigenous studies, historical or cultural geography, or other related specialized field.


• Knowledge of Canadian history in general, and the history and historical trends that have shaped the province or territory represented.


• Knowledge of major heritage issues or initiatives in the province or territory represented.


• Ability to place provincial/territorial items of interest into a national perspective.


• Ability to provide advice to senior government officials and boards.


• Ability to read, synthesize and analyze large volumes of research material in a short period of time.


• Ability to read in both official languages is strongly preferred. Knowledge of other languages, including Canadian Indigenous languages, is an asset.


• Ability to communicate sensitive positions on heritage issues and act as the HSMBC’s spokesperson in dealing with the media and a wide range of stakeholders.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Excellent writing and oral communications skills


• Strong analytical skills


• Open-minded and impartial


• Excellent judgment and discretion


• Collaborative

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.

• A person is not eligible to be appointed or to continue as a representative for a province or territory, unless that person resides in that province or territory (section 4.2, Historic Sites and Monuments Act).


• You are willing to travel across Canada, as required.


• You are willing to commit up to 40 days per year to HSMBC business.

A link to this notice will be placed in the Canada Gazette to assist the Governor in Council in identifying qualified candidates for this positions. It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment. A roster of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar opportunities.

How to Apply

Candidates must apply online by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on September 14, 2018, via the Governor in Council Appointments website. Candidates must indicate the province or territory they are applying to represent. If you have previously applied for these positions, please note that your application has been retained and there is no need to reapply. Your cover letter should be addressed to the Deputy Director of Selection Processes, Senior Personnel, Privy Council Office, and should be sent only through the on-line application.