Pay Equity Commissioner, Canadian Human Rights Commission

The Canadian Human Rights Commission is an independent regulatory body that is responsible for administering the Canadian Human Rights Act, which protects Canadians from discrimination based on any of the thirteen prohibited grounds of discrimination, such as race, sex and disability. The Canadian Human Rights Commission receives discrimination complaints, facilitates mediation to resolve complaints, and, where a complaint cannot be settled or it is determined that further examination is warranted, refers the complaint to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal.

The Pay Equity Commissioner is a full-time member of the Canadian Human Rights Commission whose primary responsibility is to provide leadership and direction for the administration and enforcement of the Pay Equity Act.

This includes leading a dedicated pay equity unit that:

• assists employers, employees and bargaining agents in relation to pay equity;


• facilitates the resolution of pay equity disputes; investigates complaints;


• determines applications; and


• maintains educational materials and tools under the Pay Equity Act.

The Pay Equity Commissioner, as a leading authority on pay equity matters in Canada, is also tasked with identifying and reporting on systemic or emerging pay equity issues. Finally, the Pay Equity Commissioner is a de facto member of any division established by the Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission to decide on complaints alleging a discriminatory practice related to pay equity under section 11 of the Canadian Human Rights Act.

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.

To be considered, please ensure that the information provided in your curriculum vitae and cover letter clearly demonstrate how you meet the following requirements:

Education and Experience

• A degree from a recognized university in business, public administration, economics or law, or an acceptable combination of relevant education, job-related training and/or experience;


• A degree in law from a recognized university would be considered an asset;


• A graduate degree from a recognized university in business, public administration, economics or law would be considered an asset;


• Experience in management or leadership in an organization at the senior level within a government, academic or business context;


• Experience in the interpretation of legislative and regulatory requirements;


• Experience with methods of alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation;


• Experience in stakeholder management and outreach, including building and maintaining effective relationships with external stakeholders (i.e. unions and employers), senior officials from government and strategic partners within Canada and internationally; and


• Experience with the operation and conduct of a regulatory agency or another organization operating in a regulatory environment would be considered an asset.

If you move on to the next stage of the selection process, the following criteria will be assessed:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Pay Equity Act and pay equity;


• Knowledge of the mandate of the Canadian Human Rights Commission;


• Knowledge of the federal jurisdiction, including an understanding of its complexity and the operational aspects of workplaces in this jurisdiction;


• Knowledge of strategic corporate planning, monitoring and the evaluation of corporate performance;


• Knowledge of unionized and non-unionized work environments would be an asset;


• Ability to build effective relationships with various stakeholders;


• Ability to facilitate the resolution of disputes;


• Ability to undertake public outreach using superior communication skills, both written and oral, and the ability to represent the Canadian Human Rights Commission, in matters related to pay equity, with a wide range of organizations, including the media and governments;


• Ability to build an environment of common purpose, accountability and excellence within a large organization, and build organizational capacity and manage change; and


• Ability to identify key issues and take a forward-looking approach to addressing issues.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

If you move on to the next stage of the selection process, we will contact your references to confirm that you meet the above selection criteria and that you possess the following Personal Attributes:

• Strong, strategic and innovative leadership


• High ethical standards and integrity


• Superior judgment


• Strong interpersonal and engagement skills


• High level of initiative

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 appointed to this position, a person’s knowledge and experience in relation to pay equity matters will be taken into consideration (statutory).


• If you are appointed to this position, you must reside in or be willing to relocate to the National Capital Region, or to a location within a reasonable commuting distance.


• If you are appointed to this position, you must be willing to travel within Canada and internationally to attend meetings and participate in international forums in support of the Canadian Human Rights Commission’s activities related to the Pay Equity Commissioner’s mandate.

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 12, 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.