Public Sector Integrity Commissioner of Canada, Office of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner

The Office of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner of Canada (the Office) investigates wrongdoing in the federal public sector and helps protect whistleblowers and those who participate in investigations from reprisal. The Office is an independent federal organization created in 2007 under the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act.

The Office is led by a Commissioner who reports directly to Parliament and has jurisdiction over most federal public sector organizations, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Crown corporations. The Commissioner is responsible to receive, review and investigate disclosures of wrongdoing and complaints of reprisal.

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 such as law, philosophy, ethics or public administration, or a combination of equivalent education, training and/or experience;


• Significant management experience, at the senior executive level, in a private or public sector organization;


• Significant experience in an oversight function with decision-making authority having an impact or influence over other organizations;


• Experience in representing an organization, communicating and consulting at a senior level with a broad range of stakeholders, policy and decision makers, as well as the media, both domestically and internationally;


• Experience in leading organizations through transition, with a strong record of successful cooperation and collaboration with other agencies; and


• Comprehensive experience in conducting and managing investigation activities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act and Financial Administration Act;


• Knowledge of the mandate, role and responsibilities of organizations responsible for administering and interpreting legislative frameworks that support accountable government;


• Knowledge of legislative and policy frameworks governing integrity and ethics in government, including the Conflict of Interest Act, Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector, the Directive on Conflict of Interest;


• Knowledge of legal principles, procedures and practices involved in conducting an investigation, particularly as they relate to evidence, legal interpretation and natural justice;


• Understanding of the context in which the Office of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner works:
  
  
  
  • the Westminster system of parliamentary government and the work of parliamentary committees; and
  
  
  • the role of an agent of Parliament and the relationship with Parliament and the Government.
  
  
  
  


• Ability to lead and manage a public sector organization and to define its strategies and objectives;


• Ability to maintain public trust;


• Ability to guide the interpretation of provisions of various statutes, regulations, policies and other enabling frameworks;


• Ability to analyze differing opinions and complex situations with a view to taking sound decisions that are reasonable and fair;


• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; and


• Proficiency in both official languages, as set out in the Languages Skills Act (statutory).

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages.

• Leadership acumen


• High ethical standards, integrity and sound judgement


• Superior interpersonal and communication skills
  
  
  
  • Leading by example
  
  
  
  


• Empathy and authenticity


• Respectful in all interactions, including with staff, disclosers and alleged wrongdoers


• Reliance on evidence as a basis for decision-making

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.


• Any person appointed to the position of Public Sector Integrity Commissioner shall not hold any other office or employment in the public sector or carry on any activity that is inconsistent with their powers and duties. (PSDPA 39.1(2))


• Any person appointed to the position of Public Sector Integrity Commissioner must, at the time of his or her appointment, be able to speak and understand clearly both official languages (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 December 2, 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.