Commissioner (Canada), British Columbia Treaty Commission

The British Columbia Treaty Commission and the British Columbia treaty process were established in 1992 by agreement among Canada, British Columbia and the First Nations Summit (the Principals). The Commission is an independent body responsible for overseeing treaty negotiations among the governments of Canada, British Columbia and First Nations in British Columbia. In fulfilling its mandate, the Commission has three roles: facilitation, funding and public information and education.

Canada’s Commissioner works in collaboration with the Chief Commissioner and fellow Commissioners, government officials and First Nations, in a professional and non-partisan manner to advance treaty negotiations in British Columbia.

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 equivalent education, job-related training and/or experience;


• Experience working with First Nations in British Columbia;


• Experience in maintaining effective relationships with, and balancing the interests of multiple stakeholders with divergent views;


• Experience dealing with senior officials in private or public sector organizations;


• Demonstrated experience in decision making with respect to sensitive and complex issues; and


• Experience with negotiation and conflict resolution.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the British Columbia First Nations context and the British Columbia treaty process;


• Knowledge of the Government of Canada’s priorities related to Indigenous peoples;


• Knowledge of the Commission’s mandate, legislative framework and activities;


• Knowledge of sound corporate governance and best practices;


• Knowledge of human resources and financial management practices;


• Ability to exercise a high degree of judgment, tact and diplomacy in dealing with issues that may involve communication of information that could have a significant impact on the image and credibility of the Treaty Commission and the principals;


• Ability to analyze differing opinions and complex situations with a view to recommending courses of action that are reasonable and fair;


• Ability to develop effective working relationships with fellow Commissioners, Indigenous groups and government officials;


• Ability to reconcile varying interests and values; and


• Superior communication skills, both written and oral.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Sound judgment


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Tact and diplomacy


• Open-minded and impartial


• 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.


• 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 seat, you must be available to work 10 – 15 days a month.


• If you are appointed to this seat, you must be willing to travel across Canada, including to remote First Nations communities.

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 January 6, 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 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.