Commissioner for Employers, Canada Employment Insurance Commission

The Canada Employment Insurance Commission (CEIC) is an entity under the umbrella of the Department of Employment and Social Development.

The CEIC plays a key role in overseeing the Employment Insurance (EI) program and is mandated with annually monitoring and assessing the EI program. It is also responsible for ensuring financial transparency and rate setting for EI.

The CEIC consists of four members, representing the interests of workers, employers and government. The Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson are respectively the Deputy Minister and Associate Deputy Minister of ESDC. The Deputy Minister and the Associate Deputy Minister represent the interests of government while the Commissioner for Employers and the Commissioner for Workers represent the interests of employers and workers, respectively.

The Commissioner for Employers is responsible for representing the views and positions of organizations and individuals that are clients of, or affected by, ESDC programs and services, particularly EI. By consulting stakeholders, the Commissioner is able to convey their concerns and positions regarding administration of legislation, policy development and program delivery.

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;


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


• Experience working with and providing advice to senior-level government officials, stakeholders and the business community;


• Demonstrated decision-making experience with respect to sensitive issues;


• Experience in developing, maintaining and managing successful stakeholder relationships and complex partnerships; and


• Experience in the interpretation and application of legislation, government policies and directives in a quasi-judicial environment would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the issues and concerns facing employers in both the private and public sectors;


• A good understanding of the Canadian labour market and labour market policies;


• Knowledge of the public policy environment, processes and best practices;


• Knowledge of the Employment Insurance Act and the Canada Employment Insurance Commission’s mandate, its legislative framework and activities, including the federal regulatory process would be considered an asset;


• Knowledge of the operations of the federal government, including those related to sound management principles, accountability and transparency would be considered an asset;


• Ability to build and nurture effective and collaborative relationships; including with private-sector organizations and individuals that are clients of, or affected by, ESDC programs and services, particularly with regard to Employment Insurance;


• Ability to represent the concerns and positions of employers at Commission meetings and informal discussions regarding the administration of legislation, policy development and implementation, and program delivery;


• Ability to analyze legislative policy, program and service delivery proposals to determine the impact the proposals will have upon the employer community in Canada;


• Informs decision-making with sound understanding of context, data and evidence; and


• 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.

• Sound judgement and tact


• High ethical standards and integrity


• Impartiality


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Values and provides authentic, evidence-based advice in the interest of Canadians

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.

• If you are appointed to this position, you must devote the whole of your time to the performance of the duties and functions of the office of commissioner and shall not accept or hold any office or employment or carry on any activity inconsistent with your duties and functions. (statutory)

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 will begin on August 19, 2020. Candidates must 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.