Chairperson, Canadian International Trade Tribunal

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (Tribunal) is an independent quasi-judicial adjudicative body reporting to Parliament through the Minister of Finance.

Canada is a trading nation, and international trade makes a significant contribution to Canada’s economic well-being. The Tribunal plays a central role in administering some of the important international and Canadian rules that govern trade. The Tribunal conducts injury inquiries into dumping and subsidy complaints; hears appeals of decisions of the Canada Border Services Agency and the Canada Revenue Agency; inquiries into complaints by potential suppliers concerning procurement by the federal government covered under various trade agreements; conducts safeguard inquiries; and provides advice to the Government and/or to the Minister of Finance on economic, trade and tariff issues. In doing so, the Tribunal supports the Government's trade and economic agenda while ensuring that Canada's rights and obligations under various trade agreements are honoured.

The Chairperson has supervision over and direction of the work of the Tribunal, including the assignment of members to hear, and to preside over, hearings of the Tribunal, and the management of its internal affairs. The Chairperson is also responsible for liaising with the Administrative Tribunals Support Service of Canada to ensure that the Tribunal is provided with the support necessary for the fulfillment of its legislative mandate.

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 law, business, economics, or public administration, or an acceptable combination of relevant education, job-related training and/or experience;


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


• Experience in dealing with complex and sensitive issues and decision-making in a private or public sector organization;


• Experience in developing, maintaining and managing successful stakeholder relationships and partnerships within and outside an organization;


• Experience in the interpretation and application of legislation; and


• Experience in trade policy, international economics, international commerce, or international commercial law.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Understanding of the responsibilities of leading and managing a quasi-judicial tribunal;


• Knowledge of the mandate and operations of the Canadian International Trade Tribunal, including the Canadian International Trade Tribunal Act, the Special Import Measures Act, and other relevant domestic legislation and international rules and practices;


• Knowledge of administrative law, principles of natural justice, and rules, procedures and practices followed by administrative tribunals in Canada;


• Knowledge of the international trading system, the World Trade Organization and the North American Free Trade Agreement;


• Understanding of the general functioning of a business including accounting and financial management processes;


• Ability to provide leadership and strategic direction needed for the Canadian International Trade Tribunal to attain its mandate and objectives;


• Ability to analyze complex situations and cases for the purpose of rendering fair and equitable decisions, while anticipating their short and long-term impact;


• Ability to facilitate consensus and foster a collegial approach to decision-making among members, and develop effective relationships with the Minister and officials, while maintaining the degree of independence required of a quasi-judicial tribunal;


• Ability to analyze all aspects of a case, including accounting, financial, and economic data, and to interpret and apply the relevant criteria with a view to making lawful and equitable decisions in the context of a hearing and in the exercise of the Tribunal's investigative powers;


• Ability to direct, manage and preside over a proactive, fair and efficient quasi-judicial hearing; and


• Superior communication skills, both oral and written, and the ability to manage communications with a variety of stakeholders.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Leadership


• High ethical standards and integrity


• Sound judgment


• Initiative


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Adaptability and flexibility

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.


• You must devote the whole of your time to the performance of your duties (statutory);


• You must not, during your term of office, accept or hold any office or employment inconsistent with the Chairperson’s duties (statutory);


• You reside in or are willing to relocate to the National Capital Region, or to a location within a reasonable commuting distance.

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 February 15, 2020. Candidates must 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.