Chairperson, Laurentian Pilotage Authority

Laurentian Pilotage Authority (the Authority) is a federal Crown corporation based in Montreal, Quebec. The Authority responsible for establishing, operating, maintaining and administering marine pilotage and related services in the waters of the Laurentian region, in particular the St. Lawrence River and the Saguenay River. Its mission is to ensure navigation safety by providing efficient and cost-effective marine pilotage services at a reasonable cost, while maintaining financial self-sufficiency, in cooperation with pilots and the shipping industry.

The responsibilities of the board of directors include the oversight of the business and activities of the corporation. As such, the board is expected to: ensure that the strategic direction of the corporation is in line with the Government’s broad policy objectives and priorities; ensure that appropriate risks have been recognized and appropriate systems are in place to manage these risks; ensure the corporation’s information systems and management practices meet its needs; assume accountability for the integrity of the information produced by the corporation. The Chairperson acts as the representative of the Laurentian Pilotage Authority to outside parties as well as the leader and facilitator of the Board as it carries out its duties. The Chairperson presides all meetings of members and meetings of the Board, assures a liaison and maintain good communication with all members, the organization, the Minister and the stakeholders. The Chairperson represent the Authority in respect of events related to the marine industry or pilotage.

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

• Graduation with a degree from a recognized university or acceptable combination of equivalent education, training and job related experience;


• Experience serving as a chairperson or member of a board of directors for a public or private sector organization or as a senior executive answerable to stakeholders in the public or private sector;


• Experience in implementing modern corporate governance principles and best practices in a culture of accountability and transparency;


• Management experience at the senior executive level, including managing human and financial resources;


• Experience in dealing with senior representatives of different levels of Government and the private sector;


• Experience developing and maintaining successful relationships and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders and different levels of government;


• Experience in the shipping, pilotage or marine industry; and


• Experience in one or more of the following areas would be considered an asset: public administration, finances, audit and accounting, human resources, public affairs, information technology, role and responsibilities of a regulatory body, and role and responsibilities of a professional order.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Laurentian Pilotage Authority’s mandate, mission, strategic priorities, and business activities and of the Canadian pilotage industry;


• Knowledge of the role and responsibilities of the Chairperson, the Board of Directors and the President and Chief Executive Officer including fundamental accountabilities to the Government of Canada as shareholder;


• Knowledge of the public policy environment facing a Crown corporation, and a general understanding of the legislative environment in which it operates, including the Financial Administration Act and the Pilotage Act;


• Knowledge of financial and human resources management, corporate governance and best practices;


• Knowledge of strategic corporate planning, monitoring, and evaluation of corporate performance;


• Ability to develop effective working relationships with the Minister, the Deputy Minister, and the Corporation’s business partners and stakeholders;


• Ability to anticipate emerging issues and lead organizational change;


• Ability to foster debate and discussion among Board members to facilitate consensus; and


• Strong communications skills, both written and oral, and the ability to act as a spokesperson in dealing with the media, public institutions, governments and other organizations.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Sound judgment


• High ethical standards and integrity


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Tact and diplomacy


• Strategic thinking

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.


• No officer or employee of a Crown corporation or any of its affiliates, other than the chief executive officer of a parent Crown corporation, shall be a director of the parent Crown corporation (Statutory).


• The successful candidate must be willing to chair a schedule of Board meetings including an annual meeting, quarterly meetings, as well as standing committees and ad hoc committees as required. The board meets at least seven times a year plus the standing subcommittee meetings.


• An individual who is engaged in the business of providing pilotage services — or who is employed by a person that is engaged in the business of providing pilotage services or that uses pilotage services — is not eligible to be the Chairperson or other member of an Authority (Statutory).


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


• Board discussions and meetings are conducted and held predominantly in French.

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 November 6, 2020. 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.