Member, Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority

The Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority (the Authority) is a bi-national entity and shared governance organization established by the State of New York (with the consent of the Congress of the United States) and Canada to own and operate the Peace Bridge, which spans the Niagara River connecting Fort Erie, Ontario and Buffalo, New York. Its mandate is to provide a safe, efficient, environmentally sensitive, and cost-effective conduit for international travelers, and to positively impact trade and tourism locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.

The Board of Directors is composed of 10 members with an equal number of representatives from Canada and United States and is responsible for: providing oversight of current activities; setting policies to ensure long-term success; establishing strategic direction, reviewing strategic plans, overseeing strategic initiatives and monitoring performance against the strategic plan; approving and monitoring financial objectives, plans and internal controls and safeguarding assets, overseeing the reliability and integrity of financial reporting in compliance with legislated requirements; and reviewing management’s integrated risk management policies, control systems and practices.

Per diem: $150 (USD)
Annual retainer: Up to $10 000 (USD)

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 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 Canadian, American and international stakeholders and partners;


• Experience in the transportation or public sectors or business community (preferably road transportation); and


• Experience in one or more of the following areas:
  
  
  
  • project management;
  
  
  • engineering;
  
  
  • road transportation;
  
  
  • public relations;
  
  
  • law;
  
  
  • finance;
  
  
  • communications;
  
  
  • community relations;
  
  
  • stakeholder engagement;
  
  
  • information technology; or
  
  
  • public policy.
  
  
  
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and business activities of the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority and a general understanding of the legislative environment in which it operates;


• Knowledge of the role and responsibilities of the Board of Directors and the management team;


• Knowledge of Canada-U.S. relations, in particular shared-governance organizations with a bi-national Board;


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


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


• Knowledge in one or more of the following areas would be considered an asset:
  
  
  
  • international trade;
  
  
  • environmental issues;
  
  
  • risk management;
  
  
  • asset management;
  
  
  • civil or structural engineering;
  
  
  • trade and logistics management;
  
  
  • corporate or public law;
  
  
  
  


• Ability to anticipate emerging issues;


• Ability to develop effective working relationship with other Board members, the Bridge’s business partners and stakeholders; and


• Strong communications skills, both written and oral.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Sound judgment


• High ethical standards and integrity


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Tact and diplomacy


• Strategic thinker

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.


• Canadian board members must be Canadian citizens resident in Canada. (Statutory)


• The successful candidate must be willing to participate in a schedule of Board of Directors meetings as stipulated by the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority, as well as any requirements for participation in sub-committees, annual general meetings or other such duties as may be required. There are 12 Board meetings a year, held monthly and approximately four committee meetings per year, at the call of the Committee Chair.


• Preference may be given to individuals who reside in the Niagara region.


• If you are appointed to this position, you must be able to travel to the United States.

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.