Chief Commissioner, First Nations Tax Commission

The First Nations Tax Commission administers and regulates the taxation regime under the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, including approving local revenue laws, developing sample laws, resolving disputes, developing and delivering accredited training, reconciling First Nations government and taxpayer interests, promoting understanding of real property tax systems of First Nations, and assisting First Nations in the exercise of their jurisdiction over real property taxation. In addition, pursuant to a Memorandum of Understanding with the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, the First Nations Tax Commission carries out advisory functions in support of the Minister’s powers under section 83 of the Indian Act.

The Chief Commissioner of the First Nations Tax Commission provides executive leadership, strategic operational and policy directions for the Commission, ensuring that it fulfils its legal and regulatory mandate under the Act. The Chief Commissioner leads the development of the forward vision for the expansion of First Nations taxation, jurisdiction and fiscal relations. To this end, among other duties, the Chief Commissioner formulates and advances a robust structure, decision making model and management infrastructure to support and foster First Nations real property tax regimes; as the senior member of the Commission, leads the development and application of efficient and effective approaches and processes for the timely approval of First Nations local revenue laws, creation of standards and procedures for those laws, resolves complaints through informal and formal means, and foster and promote real property tax regimes that are fair and equitable that provide maximum benefit for First Nations and their taxpayers.

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;
  


• Experience as head, Chief Executive Officer or senior executive on a board of directors or in a public or private sector organization with multiple stakeholders;
  


• Experience in leading decision-making with respect to sensitive and complex issues;
  


• Track record of delivering on financial, operational and strategic objectives;
  


• Experience in overseeing the implementation or administration of tax regimes, including tax assessment or rate-setting;
  


• Experience in overseeing the development and implementation of conflict prevention and resolution strategies and approaches;
  


• Experience in overseeing community relations and stakeholder engagement;
  


• Demonstrated financial and human resources acumen (budgets, risk management, internal control, human resources management, fiscal management, financing, lending or accounting); and
  


• Experience in one or more of the following would be considered an asset: making presentations to First Nations, Members of Parliament or Senators; dealing with different levels of government, preferably with senior government officials; leading the development of legislative or regulatory proposals; leading the development of training programs; First Nations administration, economic and land development or negotiations with local governments.
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of key public policy issues affecting First Nations;
  


• Knowledge of the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, including the role and mandate of the First Nations Tax Commission;
  


• Knowledge of First Nations taxation systems including the interests and concern of residential, commercial or utility taxpayers or the interests and concerns of First Nations with respect to property tax regimes;
  


• Knowledge of First Nations governments, cultures, societies and economies;
  


• Ability to work in close collaboration with elected officials, private and public sector representatives, and the public in partnership with Indigenous stakeholders; and
  


• Superior communication skills, both written and oral, and the ability to act as a national spokesperson and manage communications with a variety of stakeholders.
  

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Conceptual and innovative thinking
  


• Leadership
  


• Flexibility
  


• Impact and influence
  


• Sound judgment
  


• High ethical standards and integrity
  


• Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills
  


• 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, you must reside in or are willing to relocate to Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc, British Columbia or to a location within reasonable commuting distance of the Commission’s head office which is located on the reserve lands of the Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc Band or any other location that the Governor in Council determines.
  


• If you are appointed, you must be available and willing to travel within Canada on a regular basis and for extended periods.
  


• Preference will be given to applicants who are members of a First Nation.
  

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 January 25, 2019. 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.