Director (Federal), Toronto Port Authority

The Toronto Port Authority (doing business as “PortsToronto”), operates one of Canada's largest major inland ports, situated on the northwest shore of Lake Ontario. The Authority’s mandate is to effectively manage Billy Bishop Airport, the Port of Toronto, and the Outer Harbour Marina on a self-sustaining basis, allowing the Authority to reinvest funds into transportation infrastructure, marine safety, environmental protection and community programming.

The Board of Directors is broadly responsible for setting the strategic direction for and overseeing the conduct and operations of the Port Authority. The Board of Directors appoints the Port Authority’s Chief Executive Officer, monitors management’s performance and ensures internal controls are in place to manage risks associated with the Port Authority’s business and ensures protection of the Port Authority’s finances and accuracy of financial reporting.

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 equivalent education, job-related training experience;


• Experience serving as a member of a board of directors for a public or private sector organization or as a senior executive answerable to stakeholders in the public or private sector;


• Experience in implementing modern corporate governance principles and best practices in a culture of accountability and transparency;


• Experience in managing human and financial resources;


• Experience in the transportation sector or business community (preferably marine or air sector); and


• Experience in one or more of the following areas: project management; engineering; marine or rail transportation; public relations; law; communications; community relations; stakeholder engagement.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and business activities of the Toronto Port Authority and a good understanding of the legislative environment in which it operates;


• Knowledge of the role and responsibilities of Board Directors, the Chief Executive Officer and the Port Authority management team;


• Knowledge of effective governance and risk management principles, both at the Board and organizational levels;


• Knowledge of human resources management and financial literacy;


• Ability to anticipate emerging issues and lead organizational change;


• Ability to develop effective working relationships with other Board members, the Port Authority’s business partners and stakeholders;


• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with local Indigenous groups; and


• Superior communication skills, both written and oral.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Sound judgment


• High ethical standards and integrity


• 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 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.


• The Canada Marine Act stipulates that the following individuals may not be directors of a Port Authority (statutory):
  
  
  
  1. an individual who is a mayor, councilor, officer or employee of a municipality mentioned in the letters patent;
  
  
  2. an individual who is a member of the legislature of a province, or an officer or employee of the public service or of a Crown corporation of a province, mentioned in the letters patent;
  
  
  3. a Senator or a member of the House of Commons;
  
  
  4. an officer or employee of the federal public administration, a federal Crown corporation or a port authority;
  
  
  5. an individual who is not a resident Canadian, as defined in subsection 2(1) of the Canada Business Corporations Act;
  
  
  6. an individual who is a director, officer or employee of a person who is a user of the port;
  
  
  7. an individual who is under eighteen years of age;
  
  
  8. an individual who has been declared mentally incompetent by a court in Canada or elsewhere; or
  
  
  9. an undischarged bankrupt.
  
  
  
  


• Preference may be given to individuals who reside in the Greater Toronto Area or to a location within a reasonable commuting distance.


• The successful candidate must be willing to participate in a schedule of Board of Directors meetings as stipulated by the Port Authority, as well as any requirements for participation in sub-committees, annual general meetings or other such duties as may be required. There are up to 40 Board meetings a year, including sub-committees meetings.


• *Note, the Board has approved a 20% reduction in fees for FY2020 in response to challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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 January 11, 2021. 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 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.