Chairperson, Canadian Race Relations Foundation

The Canadian Race Relations Foundation is Canada's leading organization dedicated to the elimination of racism and the promotion of harmonious race relations. The work of the Foundation is premised on the desire to create and nurture an inclusive society based on equity, social harmony, mutual respect and human dignity. Its underlying principle in addressing racism and racial discrimination emphasizes positive race relations and the promotion of shared Canadian values of human rights and democratic institutions. It strives to coordinate and cooperate with all sectors of society, and develop partnerships with relevant agencies and organizations at the local, provincial and national levels.

The Foundation was created in 1996 in accordance with the Japanese Canadian Redress Agreement. The Japanese Canadian community contributed $12 million of the Agreement, which was matched with an equal amount by the Government of Canada to provide the Foundation with a one-time endowment fund of $24 million. The Foundation operates on income generated by investing the endowment fund and donations. The Canadian Race Relations Foundation is accountable for its activities to Parliament through the Minister of Canadian Heritage.

The Board has the overall stewardship of the Corporation and is expected to provide strategic guidance to management and to oversee the activities of the Corporation. It has a duty to act in the best interests of the Corporation, and to exercise care and due diligence. The Board is also responsible to evaluate the performance of the Executive Director on an annual basis. The majority of the Board’s work is performed through its active working committees.

The Chairperson is responsible for the proper conduct of Board meetings in such a way that the Corporation carries out its mandate and objectives effectively, ensures good value for the funding provided by taxpayers, remains viable and holds management accountable for its performance.

The Canadian Race Relations Foundation promotes dignity and self-esteem by taking measures conducive to creating a respectful workplace free from harassment.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on the Canadian Race Relations Foundation'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

• A degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study or an acceptable combination of education, job-related training and/or experience;
  


• Significant experience serving as a member of a board of directors of a public, private ornon-profit organization, preferably as Chairperson;
  


• Experience at the senior management level within the private or public sector;
  


• Experience in the development of strategies, objectives, plans and best business practices and in corporate governance;
  


• Experience in dealing with the federal government, preferably with senior government officials, and in developing and maintaining effective working relationships with business partners and other key stakeholders would be considered an asset;
  


• Experience with issues of racialized groups or communities and youth; and
  


• Experience in fundraising activities and developing self-generated revenues.
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and activities of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation as well as the legislative framework within which it operates;


• Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the Chairperson, the Board, and the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of a Crown corporation, including the fundamental accountabilities to all Canadians;


• Knowledge of sound governance principles, strategic planning, and the monitoring and evaluation of performance, and financially literate with knowledge of the federal government’s expectations regarding accountability and reporting;


• Knowledge of the federal government’s diversity and inclusion policy priorities and how these relate to the Canadian Race Relations Foundation would be considered an asset;


• Knowledge in the following areas would be considered an asset: race relations, youth engagement and multiculturalism;


• Knowledge of Canada’s national race relations landscape;


• Ability to lead strategic discussions, foster courteous and productive debate among Board members, and manage conflicts should they arise;


• Ability to negotiate skillfully as well as influence the opinions and ideas of others, and gain approval for plans, programs and recommended courses of action;


• Ability to anticipate emerging issues and trends in race relations, and develop strategies to enable the Board to seize opportunities;


• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with the Canadian Race Relations Foundation’s senior management, the Minister of Canadian Heritage, her office, the Deputy Minister of Canadian Heritage, and with stakeholders and partners; and


• Superior communication skills, both written and oral.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• A passion and commitment for community involvement
  


• Sound judgment, integrity, and impartiality
  


• High ethical standards
  


• Superior interpersonal and communication skills
  


• Diplomacy, tact, confidentiality and discretion
  


• Foster a safe and healthy workplace free from harassment
  

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.


• Persons appointed to the Board must have knowledge or experience that will assist the Foundation in fulfilling its purpose (statutory).
  


• The Board generally meets at least three times per year.
  


• The average annual time commitment, excluding committee work, is ten weeks and the successful candidate must be available for Board and Committee activities as well as travel.
  


• The Chairperson chairs the Executive Committee and is an ex-officio member of at least five other committees of the Board resulting in an average annual time commitment of up to an additional 90 days.
  


• The successful candidate may be required to appear before Parliamentary Committees including, among others, the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage.
  


• The successful candidate will be expected to maintain and promote a healthy, respectful, and harassment-free work environment.
  

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

Review of applications will begin on August 13, 2018. Candidates must apply online via the Governor in Council Appointments website. 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.