Member, Canadian Human Rights Tribunal

The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal is an administrative tribunal mandated by the Canadian Human Rights Act to inquire into complaints of discrimination in the federally regulated sphere (federal government institutions and Crown corporations, First Nation governments, banks, airlines, broadcasters, interprovincial transportation and communications undertakings). The Tribunal decides whether a person or organization has engaged in a discriminatory practice under the Act. The purpose of the Canadian Human Rights Act is to protect individuals from discrimination. It states that all Canadians have the right to equality, equal opportunity, fair treatment, and an environment free of discrimination. It prohibits discriminatory practices based on one or more of the following 13 prohibited grounds: race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, disability or conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted or in respect of which a record suspension has been ordered. The legislation identifies specific discriminatory practices in the fields of employment, the provision of goods and services, and the provision of residential and commercial accommodation.

Canadian Human Rights Tribunal Members adjudicate complaints that have been referred for inquiry by the Canadian Human Rights Commission. Members are required to impartially preside over hearings across Canada that are conducted virtually, in hybrid form, or in person, and to give all parties a full and ample opportunity to appear, present evidence, and make representations. At the conclusion of the inquiry, Members decide whether a discriminatory practice has occurred, and if so, they determine an appropriate remedy. Canadian Human Rights Tribunal Members are also empowered to preside over proceedings pursuant to the Employment Equity Act, the Pay Equity Act and the Accessible Canada Act. They may also participate in alternative dispute resolution and conduct mediations on occasion. Full time Members must devote the whole of their time to the performance of the duties while Part-time members must be prepared to devote dedicated time to the work of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, and to be available for all member meetings, trainings and other mandatory professional development sessions.

Diversity and Official Languages

We are committed to providing a healthy and accessible workplace that supports one’s dignity, self-esteem and the ability to work on one’s full potential. With this in mind, all appointees will be expected to take steps to promote and maintain a healthy, respectful, inclusive and harassment-free work environment.

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.

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.

Education and Experience

• A degree from a recognized university or an acceptable combination of equivalent education, training and job-related experience;


• Must be a member in good standing of the bar of a province or the Chambre des notaires du Québec;


• Experience, expertise and interest in and sensitivity to human rights (statutory);


• Significant and recent work experience in assessing information, reviewing submissions and making decisions related to sensitive and complex issues;


• Recent experience in the interpretation and application of legislation or regulations;


• Recent experience drafting written submissions or decisions;


• Experience as a decision-maker in an administrative tribunal environment would be considered an asset; and


• Experience leading facilitative mediations would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and role of the Tribunal and its members;


• Knowledge of anti-discrimination law, including the Canadian Human Rights Act, the Employment Equity Act, the Pay Equity Act and the Accessible Canada Act;


• Knowledge of the legal principles of administrative justice, especially the principles of natural justice and the legal principles in relation to administrative tribunals;


• Knowledge of the law of evidence and administrative tribunal procedures;


• Knowledge of methods for measuring and correcting gender-based inequities in compensation would be considered an asset;


• Knowledge of unionized and non-unionized work environments would be considered an asset;


• Ability to identify relevant facts and analyze information, think conceptually and process complex and large volumes of information to make and write decisions;


• Ability to impartially make timely decisions that are transparent, clear, in plain language, well-reasoned and justifiable;


• Superior communication skills, both oral and written, and ability to communicate in plain language;


• Ability to work efficiently and independently, or as part of a team;


• Ability to exercise authority and neutrality in managing an efficient hearing process, including case managing complex, multi-party matters, while ensuring that each party is given a full and fair opportunity to present its case;


• Ability to use alternative dispute resolution and conduct mediations; and


• Ability to use a computer for all communication, research and word processing (Microsoft Word), to conduct hearings virtually (MS Teams/Zoom), work with an electronic case management system, and to learn new information systems.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Sound judgment and integrity


• High ethical standards and fairness


• Impartiality


• 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 Conflict 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.


• Full-time Members must devote the whole of their time to the performance of the duties (statutory).


• If you are appointed to this position, you must be willing to travel across Canada to attend mediations and hearings.


• Appointments are to be made having regard to the need for regional representation in the membership of the Tribunal (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 (more information available here) will begin on October 13, 2022. 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 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.