Chairperson - AMENDMENT, Canadian Dairy Commission

**If you have applied between April 14, 2021, and June 14, 2021, you do not need to re-apply to be considered for this position.

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 a 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 one other member. The Chairperson heads the board and the Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the daily operations of the CDC.

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 achieve 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 education, job-related training and experience;


• Experience serving on boards of directors of major public and/or private corporations;


• 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;


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


• Experience serving as a Chairperson of a board of directors would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

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


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


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


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


• Knowledge of financial management and how to execute a corporate plan;


• Ability to anticipate issues and develop strategies in order to seize opportunities and/or solve problems;


• Ability to foster debate and discussion as well as facilitating consensus and managing conflict;


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


• Ability to act as a spokesperson when 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


• Sound judgment


• High ethical standards 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 approximately 100 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, when travel opportunities resume. Advance meeting preparation is also essential.


• In addition, the Chairperson 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. 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 here) will begin on June 21, 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.