Superintendent of Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy

The Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy Canada (OSB) is a Branch of the Small Business, Tourism and Marketplace Services Sector at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.

The OSB contributes to a fair and efficient marketplace by protecting the integrity of the bankruptcy and insolvency system for the benefit of investors, lenders, consumers and the public interest.

The insolvency system is one of the pillars supporting Canadian credit markets, which relies on two main statutes, the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (BIA) and the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA). The BIA provides a legislative framework to address both consumer and commercial insolvency situations, and the CCAA provides for the reorganization of insolvent commercial debtors under the court’s supervision. By having a national regulatory framework that is consistent, open, transparent, honest and capable of resolving creditor/debtor disputes effectively, the marketplace has the stability necessary for stakeholders to predict credit risks accordingly.

The role of the Superintendent under the BIA is to oversee the administration of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (the Act) and supervise the proper administration of all insolvency matters.

This role entails ensuring compliance with the legislation, initiating investigations as well as seeking prosecution of wrongdoers who have violated BIA provisions and/or the Criminal Code including trustees, debtors, creditors, receivers and others. The Superintendent is also responsible for the licensing of private sector trustees (monitors), addressing harm to an estate resulting from professional conduct, or to cancel or suspend or place conditions on a licence for trustees by holding quasi-judicial hearings.

The Superintendent’s mandate also includes keeping and maintaining publicly accessible records of licences issued to trustees and quasi-judicial proceedings, all insolvency proceedings under the BIA and restructuring proceedings under the CCAA.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy 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

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


• A law degree would be considered an asset;


• Leadership experience at a senior executive level, including the management of human and financial resources;


• Experience in leading an organization and responding to rapidly changing environments and technologies and stakeholder expectations;


• Experience in the development and administration of legislative and regulatory frameworks, including their policies and practices;


• Experience in engaging and establishing collaborative partnerships and negotiating with representatives from the private sector and from provincial and federal governments;


• Experience in the development and communication of strategic advice to senior officials;


• Experience in providing leadership immersed in diverse viewpoints while making impartial decisions; and


• Leadership experience in a judicial or quasi-judicial context and/or experience reporting to a board would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the procedures and practices involved in conducting an adjudicative hearing;


• Knowledge of the legislative and regulatory frameworks underpinning the Canadian bankruptcy and insolvency system, including the structure and issues of the insolvency and bankruptcy industry;


• Knowledge of key Government of Canada priorities with respect to creating a fair, effective and efficient marketplace, and the role, responsibilities and policies of the OSB;


• Ability to lead an organization in a way that fosters collaboration among stakeholders, achieves the strategic objectives of the OSB and delivers high quality service in a cost-effective manner;


• Ability to recognize and anticipate trends in the marketplace, including technology and client expectations, in order to ensure the continuing relevance of OSB programs;


• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with senior government officials including the Deputy Ministers, the Ministers and their offices;


• Ability to act as a spokesperson for the OSB in dealing with stakeholders, the media, public institutions, governments and other organizations;


• Excellent leadership, managerial and motivational skills; and


• Superior communication skills, both written and oral.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Sound judgment


• Impact/influence


• High ethical standards and integrity


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Tact and diplomacy

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.


• You may not continue as, or become, a director or officer in a corporation or an organization (statutory).


• If you are appointed to this position, you must reside in or be willing to relocate to the National Capital Region, or to a location within a reasonable commuting distance.


• If you are appointed to this position, you must willing to travel across Canada and internationally.

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 June 4, 2018. 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.