Commissioner, Public Service Commission

The Public Service Commission of Canada (Public Service Commission) is dedicated to building a public service that strives for excellence. The Commission protects merit, non-partisanship, representativeness and the use of both official languages. Its mission is to safeguard the integrity of staffing in the Public Service and the political impartiality of public servants; develop policies and guidance for public service managers and hold them accountable for their staffing decisions; conduct audits and investigations to confirm the effectiveness of the staffing system and to make improvements; recruit talented Canadians to the Public Service, drawn from across the country; and continually renew its recruitment services to meet the needs of a modern and innovative public service.

The Commissioners provide strategic direction to shape the Commission’s role, as an independent agency, to protect the integrity of the appointment system in the federal Public Service and safeguard the best interests of the public by ensuring that Canadians are served by a highly competent public service that is non-partisan and representative of Canadian society.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on its Web site.

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 in a relevant field of study or an acceptable combination of education, job-related training and/or experience;


• Senior level decision-making experience with respect to complex and sensitive issues in the Public, Private, or Non-Profit sector;


• Experience in building and maintaining productive and effective multipartite relationships with partner organizations and diverse stakeholders;


• Experience in an organization with a consensus-based decision-making model, including a board, tribunal or commission, as well as experience with an oversight function would be considered assets; and


• Senior level management experience contributing to the strategic direction of an organization, as well as experience in human resources management, would also be considered assets.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Commission’s mandate, challenges, accountabilities as well as the legislation and institutional context in which the organization operates, including the values and ethics that guide the Public Service and the Public Service Employment Act;


• Knowledge of the Federal Government’s policies and priorities, related to the staffing system, human resources management, and the roles and responsibilities of the key players in the human resources management system;


• Knowledge of the challenges facing the Public Service and Public service managers;


• Knowledge of organizational change and management techniques which promote good governance and improve organizational performance;


• The ability to contribute to the corporate vision and strategic direction of the Commission;


• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a consensus-based decision-making body; and


• Superior communication skills, both written and oral.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be strongly preferred.

• Superior interpersonal skills


• Sound judgment


• Integrity and impartiality


• Team player


• High ethical standards

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.


• In order to be eligible to hold office as a Commissioner, a person must be a Canadian citizen within the meaning of the Citizenship Act or a permanent resident within the meaning of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. (statutory)


• Commissioners shall not accept or hold any office or employment, or carry on any activity, that is inconsistent with their function. For clarity, current Federal Public Servants would not be eligible for appointment.


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

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 January 4, 2023. 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.