Trustee, Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Canada has been profoundly shaped by immigration. Pier 21 is a National Historic Site which served as the gateway to Canada for one million immigrants between 1928 and 1971. It also served as the departure point for 368,000 Canadian military personnel during the Second World War. Today, Pier 21 hosts the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in Halifax - Atlantic Canada’s only national museum. The Museum is responsible for exploring the theme of immigration to Canada in order to enhance public understanding of the experiences of immigrants as they arrive in Canada, the vital role immigration has played in the building of Canada, and the contributions of immigrants to Canada’s culture, economy and way of life. As a member of the Canadian Heritage Portfolio, the Corporation is accountable to Parliament through the Minister of Canadian Heritage.

The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is governed by a Board of Trustees composed of a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson and nine other trustees. The Board has the overall responsibility for stewardship of the Corporation and is expected to provide strategic guidance to management and to oversee the activities of the institution. It has a duty to act in the best interests of the Corporation and to exercise care and due diligence. The Board is also responsible to evaluate the performance of the Chief Executive Officer on an annual basis.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 website.

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;


• A professional accounting designation (CPA) or governance designation (ICD) would be an asset;


• Experience serving as a member of a board of directors/trustees for an academic, private, not-for-profit, community or public sector organization;


• Experience in governance, human resources and financial management would be an asset;


• Experience in fundraising activities with an emphasis on major gifts within academic, not-for-profit or public sector organizations would be an asset; and


• Experience in communications, public affairs and marketing, or the media sector, including digital innovation, would be an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the legislative framework, mandate and activities of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, as well as its strategic priorities and public policy issues;


• Knowledge of the current challenges and opportunities for Canadian cultural institutions;


• Knowledge of diversity and inclusion practices and/or Indigenous engagement in an institutional setting would be an asset;


• Knowledge of government relations, labour relations in a unionized environment, human resources, or promotion and marketing would be an asset;


• Knowledge in the areas of information technology, technological evolution related to digital and the supporting environment of national creative content would be an asset;


• Ability to identify, analyze and define priorities and strategies;


• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other Board members and stakeholders;


• Ability to actively participate in debate and discussions among Board members while ensuring all voices are heard; and


• Ability to recognize and address emerging issues and trends, to seize opportunities, and to advance ideas and innovation.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• A commitment to promoting respect, equity, inclusion and to modelling anti-racist and accountable behaviours


• Sound judgment, integrity and impartiality


• High ethical standards


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Diplomacy, tact and discretion

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.


• A person is not eligible to be appointed as a member of the Board if that person is not a Canadian citizen (statutory).


• The Board as a whole meets at least three times a year. The Board’s committees meet by videoconference in advance of Board meetings. Members must prepare for the meetings and participate actively. Attendance of additional meetings held via conference call or video conferencing is also required.


• The average time commitment for this position is three weeks annually.

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 November 16, 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.