Commissioner, Impact Assessment Agency of Canada

The Government of Canada’s Impact Assessment Act came into force in August 2019 to strengthen environmental protection in Canada, restore trust in how decisions are made, and grow the economy. The Impact Assessment Act prescribed new rules that mean decisions on projects will be guided by science, evidence and Indigenous knowledge. Assessments will look at proposed projects’ broader impacts, both positive and negative, including environmental, economic, social, and health.

Located in Ottawa, Ontario, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada is seeking applications from persons willing to serve as members of the Impact Assessment Roster for review panels under the Impact Assessment Act, including for integrated assessments with the Canada Energy Regulator (Canadian Energy Regulator) or the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. The Impact Assessment Roster is a list of eligible candidates that may be used to select chairpersons and members for appointment to independent review panels mandated to assess the potential impacts of designated projects under the Impact Assessment Act. Members of the Impact Assessment Roster may also be cross-appointed as Commissioners of Canada Energy Regulator or Members of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission for the purposes of integrated assessment.

An impact assessment by review panel is a public review of the potential impacts of a designated project and is conducted by an independent panel of experts. Integrated Review Panels are established when a designated project includes physical activities that are regulated under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act or the Nuclear Safety and Control Act. Successful candidates would be placed on the roster and considered for panel appointments, as necessary. Successful candidates could also be considered for cross-appointment as Commissioners of Canada Energy Regulator or Members of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission by the Governor in Council to integrated review panels with the Canada Energy Regulator or the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, as necessary. The Agency has used a roster to select members for review panels since 2008.

Once appointed to a project-specific review panel, members conduct an impact assessment in accordance with their terms of reference and the requirements of the Impact Assessment Act. Panel members receive and analyze submissions, review documents, hold public hearings, and prepare and submit a report outlining their rationale, conclusions and recommendations to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change. Integrated review panels may also have additional responsibilities as required under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act or the Nuclear Safety and Control Act.

Per Diem

If appointed to a review panel, rates of remuneration are $650 per day for chairpersons and $500 per day for members.

If appointed to an integrated review panel with the Canada Energy Regulator or the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, the rate of remuneration may vary.

If you are currently a member of the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada Impact Assessment Roster and want to be considered for appointment to integrated review panels with lifecycle regulators, which includes the Canada Energy Regulator or the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, you are required to re-apply to be considered for these positions.

Panel members must be unbiased and free from any conflict of interest relative to the designated project and must have knowledge or experience relative to its anticipated effects, or have knowledge of the interests and concerns of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada that are relevant to the assessment. Members are not government employees and would work on a part-time basis. Successful candidates would be appointed to the Impact Assessment roster for a six-year term.

Integrated Assessments with the Canada Energy Regulator

Members of the Impact Assessment Roster may be cross-appointed as Commissioners of Canada Energy Regulator. Located in Calgary, Alberta, the Canada Energy Regulator serves as an independent energy lifecycle regulator responsible for federally regulated pipelines and power lines, energy development and trade.

The primary role of the Canada Energy Regulator independent Commission is to fulfill the adjudicative functions. The Commission makes recommendations to the Governor in Council on projects requiring Governor in Council approval, as well as independent decisions regarding the approval, variance, suspension and revocation of pipelines, power lines, and offshore renewable energy development. It ensures that federal regulation of pipelines, power lines, energy development and energy trade contribute to the safety of Canadians, the protection of the environment, and efficient energy infrastructure and markets, while respecting the rights and interests of those affected by the Regulator’s decisions and recommendations. This would include exercising powers and performing duties and functions in a manner that respects the Government of Canada’s commitments with regard to the rights of the Indigenous Peoples.

The Commission has all the powers, rights and privileges vested in a superior court of record with respect to any matters within its jurisdiction, including the attendance, swearing and examination of witnesses, the production and inspection of documents, the enforcement of its orders and the entry on, and inspection of, property. Its decisions are subject to judicial review.

Commissioners have the authority to make decisions to fulfill the mandate of the Commission as stated above.

This Opportunity is separate and distinct from the existing opportunity seeking full-time and part-time Commissioners of the Canada Energy Regulator (J1218-0059).

Integrated Assessments with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

Members of the Impact Assessment Roster may be cross-appointed as Members of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission for the purposes of integrated assessment. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect health, safety, security and the environment; to implement Canada’s international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy; and to disseminate objective scientific, technical and regulatory information to the public. Located in Ottawa, Ontario, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission was established in 2000 under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act and reports to Parliament through the Minister of Natural Resources. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission operates independently from political direction, while ensuring sound management and government practices within the legislation and guidelines of the Government of Canada. As part of this mandate, the Commission makes independent, fair and transparent decisions on licensing nuclear-related activities.

Members of the Commission participate in hearings and meetings of a quasi-judicial administrative tribunal, and analyze and evaluate cases before this administrative tribunal, including the licensing of major nuclear facilities, for the purpose of rendering decisions that are in keeping with the discharge of his/her responsibility under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act. The Commission may, with the approval of the Governor in Council, make legally binding regulations.

This Opportunity is separate and distinct from the existing opportunity seeking permanent Members of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (J0220-0118).

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 application 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/or experience;


• A degree in science, engineering, Indigenous studies, emergency management and security, economics and finance, data science or technology, land matters and land use, Northern affairs, or management systems would be considered an asset;


• Experience in dealing with environmental/science, health, social, economic, engineering, safety, or regulatory issues;


• Experience collaborating with and/or working in regulatory agencies, administrative tribunals or organizations involved in environmental/impact assessments (e.g. government, industry, academia or non-governmental organizations);


• Experience in environmental / impact assessment, or making complex decisions, usually involving large amounts of technical evidence, and the need to balance the interests and rights of a diverse range of stakeholders and Indigenous Peoples;


• Experience in conducting public or Indigenous consultation processes, such as building relationships, promoting partnerships and working with Indigenous Peoples and/or communities to support and/or shape decision-making processes;


• Experience in working with Indigenous Peoples in relation to development, environmental / impact assessment and/or environmental protection would be considered an asset; and


• Experience in the development, interpretation and application of legislative and regulatory frameworks or policies would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of principles and practices of environmental / impact assessment;


• Knowledge in a field related to environmental / impact assessment, such as economics, engineering, environmental science, Indigenous knowledge, community development, finance or law;


• Awareness of Indigenous knowledge systems, as well as Indigenous Peoples’ issues, interests, concerns and priorities, as they relate to development, environmental/impact assessment and/or environmental protection;


• Knowledge of the mandate and activities of the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and/or the Canada Energy Regulator or Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, as well as their legislative frameworks, and the regulatory and business environments within which the lifecycle regulator operates would be considered an asset;


• Knowledge of the functioning of energy markets and the energy sector or nuclear fundamentals would be considered an asset;


• Knowledge of the rights of the Indigenous Peoples (section 35 of the Constitution Act), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the principles respecting the Government of Canada’s relationship with Indigenous Peoples would be considered an asset;


• Knowledge of administrative law, principles of natural justice, and the rules and practices followed by adjudicative tribunals in Canada would be considered an asset;


• Ability to understand and interpret complex technical information and evidence across a broad range of disciplines and bodies of knowledge;


• Ability to find innovative and factual solutions based on assessments, analysis, interpretation and evolution of information and data to address real or potential situations, requiring action and advance;


• Ability to make timely decisions that are based on science, facts and evidence, Indigenous knowledge, and free of political interference and industry influence. This work would be done within a timeframe bound by legislated time limits and service standards; and


• Superior communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to write clear and concise reports, analyses and decisions.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

Please indicate your ability to speak and understand your second official language in your application.

• High ethical standards, integrity and impartiality


• Sound judgment


• Superior interpersonal and communication skills


• Leadership and collegiality


• 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.


• Under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, and for the purposes of the Conflict of Interest Act, the circumstances in which a Canada Energy Regulator Commissioner would be in a conflict of interest while exercising the powers or performing the duties and functions of a Commissioner would include:
  
  
  
  • engaging in, as owner, shareholder, director, officer, partner or in any other way, the business of producing, selling, buying, transmitting, exporting, importing or otherwise dealing in hydrocarbons, electricity or offshore energy;
  
  
  • holding any bond, debenture or other security of a corporation engaged in any such business;
  
  
  • holding other employment that is inconsistent with their powers, duties and functions or with any provision of this Act or a regulation made under it; and
  
  
  • holding office as the Chief Executive Officer or being employed by the Regulator (Statutory).
  
  
  
  


• If you are appointed to an integrated review panel with the Canada Energy Regulator and cross-appointed a Commissioner, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident as defined in subsection 2(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Statutory).


• If you are appointed to the Canada Energy Regulator as a Commissioner, you must not be a director who is a member of the Board of Directors for the Canada Energy Regulator (Statutory).


• If you are appointed to one of these positions, you must willing to travel across Canada for hearings and 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 will begin on November 9, 2020. Candidates should apply by email at iaac.iaroster-listeei.aeic@canada.ca. 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 curriculum vitae and covering letter must demonstrate that you meet the requirement of this position. Please include your answers to the following prescreening questions in your letter:

Are you interested in being considered for integrated assessments with the Canada Energy Regulator? (Y/N)

Are you interested in being considered for integrated assessments with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission? (Y/N)

Are you willing to travel across Canada for hearings and meetings? (Y/N)

Are you a Canadian citizen or permanent resident as defined in subsection 2(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act? (Y/N)

If you are interested in being considered for integrated assessments with the Canada Energy Regulator:

Are you a director who is a member of the Board of Directors for the Canada Energy Regulator? (Y/N)

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those candidates who are chosen to advance in the selection process will be contacted.