Chairperson, Canadian Dairy Commission

The Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC) is a Crown corporation created by the Canadian Dairy Commission Act and reports to Parliament through the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. The CDC was established to oversee Canada’s milk marketing system and has the mandate to provide efficient producers of milk and cream with the opportunity of obtaining a fair return for their labour and investment and provide consumers of dairy products with a continuous and adequate supply of high quality dairy products.

The CDC plays a key role as facilitator and stakeholder in the various national and sub-national fora that influence dairy policy in Canada while offering a framework for the management of the dairy supply management system as a whole, which is a jurisdiction shared by the federal government and the provinces.

The governing board of the CDC is composed of the Chairperson, the Chief Executive Officer and a Commissioner. The Chairperson heads the board and the CEO is responsible for the daily operations of the CDC.

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

• A degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study or an acceptable combination of education, job-related training and experience;
  


• Experience serving on boards of directors of major public and/or private corporations. Experience as a Chairperson would be considered an asset:
  


• Experience in the development and implementation of strategies, objectives, plans and best business practices in corporate governance;
  


• Experience interacting with federal government, preferably with senior government officials; and
  


• Experience dealing with issues related to milk primary production and/or dairy processing.
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Commission’s mandate, legislative framework and activities;
  


• Knowledge of sound governance principles, strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation of performance of corporate entities;
  


• Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the Chairperson, the Commissioner and the Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Dairy Commission;
  


• Knowledge of key and emerging issues facing industry stakeholders, including primary producers and processors;
  


• Knowledge of financial management;
  


• Ability to lead and manage a Board of directors to accomplish its work effectively and efficiently;
  


• Ability to execute a corporate plan;
  


• Ability to anticipate issues and develop strategies to enable the board to seize opportunities or solve problems;
  


• Ability to foster debate and discussion among board members, facilitate consensus and manage conflict;
  


• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with the Minister and his/her office, the Deputy Minister and the Commission’s partners and stakeholders;
  


• Ability to act as a spokesperson in dealing with stakeholders, media, public institutions, governments, and other organizations; and
  


• Superior verbal and written communication skills.
  

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Strategic and innovative leader
  


• High ethical standards and fairness
  


• Sound judgment and integrity
  


• Superior interpersonal skills
  


• Tact and diplomacy
  

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.
  

• As per the Canadian Dairy Commission Act, a member of the Commission ceases to hold office on reaching the age of seventy years. (statutory)
  


• The successful candidate must be prepared to commit to 60 to 75 days of work per year, plus travel to attend CDC board and committee meetings and Canadian Milk Supply Management Committee meetings, most of which are held in Ottawa. Advance meeting preparation is also essential.
  


• In addition, the Chair may be required, from time to time, to attend additional meetings and events.
  

A link to this notice will be placed in the Canada Gazette to assist the Governor in Council in identifying qualified candidates for this positions. It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment. A roster of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar opportunities.

How to Apply

Review of applications will begin on March 1, 2019. Candidates must 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.