Deputy Administrator, Fund for Railway Accidents Involving Designated Goods

The Fund for Railway Accidents Involving Designated Goods (FRAIDG) is a special purpose account within the Government of Canada’s Consolidated Revenue Fund. The FRAIDG was created by An Act to amend the Canada Transportation Act and the Railway Safety Act (“Safe and Accountable Rail Act”) and came into force on June 18, 2016. The purpose of the Fund is to cover damages exceeding a railway’s mandatory insurance coverage in the event of an accident involving designated goods (currently only crude oil). The FRAIDG is financed by a levy which is paid by shippers, collected by federally regulated railways, and remitted to the Government of Canada. The FRAIDG is overseen by an Administrator, who is at arm’s length from the government, who is cross-appointed to both the FRAIDG and the Ship-source Oil Pollution Fund. In both cases, the Administrator is directly responsible for investigating, assessing, and paying out claims made to the Funds, as well as recovering those monies paid out from the polluters (whether they be shipowners or railways involved in the accident).

The Deputy Administrator performs duties and functions assigned by the Administrator, consistent with the Canada Transportation Act. The Deputy Administrator of the FRAIDG oversees a small team of experts working on the readiness of the FRAIDG to handle claims that could come from individual Canadians, organizations, and various levels of government (including Indigenous governments). For that team, the work includes developing a Claims Manual, guidelines and processes, seeking to retain a claims management and adjusting firm, or engaging with stakeholders in the rail/insurance spaces, or raising awareness of the FRAIDG with communities. Additionally, the Deputy Administrator makes recommendations to the Administrator to investigate, assess, and make offers of compensation for claims made to the FRAIDG.

In addition to duties relating to the assessment and payment of claims, the administrators are responsible for working together to establish the strategic direction for the FRAIDG, as well as managing the finances, office spaces, information technology equipment and human resources, which includes developing pay and benefit plans for employees. The administrators are also responsible for submitting an annual report and undertaking a special examination at least once every five years. The FRAIDG must comply with federal requirements and federal legislation, including the Official Languages Act, Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act. The Deputy Administrator must establish and maintain relationships with the rail industry and undertake outreach initiatives.

The Deputy Administrator would be responsible for managing, along with the Administrator, four employees strictly dedicated to the FRAIDG and eight employees which are shared corporate resources with the Ship-source Oil Pollution Fund in a bilingual working environment. The staff includes several experts and students.

It is anticipated that the Deputy Administrator of the FRAIDG would be required to work two to three days a week, but this could vary depending on operational requirements.

Further details about the FRAIDG and its activities can be found on its 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 equivalent education, job-related training experience;


• A law degree from a recognized university and membership in the Bar of one of the provinces or territories of Canada would be considered an asset;


• Managerial experience at the executive level in a private or public sector organization;


• Experience in one or more of the following areas: rail transportation; public relations; law; communications; community relations; stakeholder engagement; or public policy;


• Experience in freight rail shipping or insurance would be considered an asset; and


• Experience in the conduct of independent investigations or inquiries, in a decision-making environment, would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and objectives of the FRAIDG;


• Knowledge of corporate governance and best practices;


• Knowledge of Canadian legislation and regulations on rail transportation;


• Knowledge of the structure and operations of the federal government would be an asset;


• Ability to effectively manage human and financial resources;


• Ability to review and analyse complex technical information and think strategically;


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


• Ability to manage communications with a variety of stakeholders.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Sound judgment


• High ethical standards and integrity


• Vision and Leadership


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Tact and diplomacy


• Strategic thinker

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.


• The Canada Transportation Act stipulates that the Deputy Administrator shall not accept or hold any office or employment or carry on any activity that is inconsistent with his or her powers, duties and functions (statutory).


• You reside in the National Capital Region (NCR) or within reasonable commuting distance. Applications will also be considered from candidates who have indicated willingness to move to within a reasonable commuting distance to the NCR.


• The successful candidate must be willing to travel in Canada.


• You must be able to dedicate two to three days per week, but this could vary depending on operational requirements.

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.