Chairperson, Standards Council of Canada

Established in 1970 as a federal Crown corporation, the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) is Canada’s voice on standards and accreditation on the national and international stage. SCC works closely with a vast network of partners to promote the development of effective and efficient standards that protect the health, safety and well-being of Canadians while helping businesses prosper. As Canada’s leading accreditation organization, SCC creates market confidence at home and abroad by ensuring that conformity assessment bodies meet the highest national and international standards. SCC advances Canada’s interest on the international scene as a member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) by connecting thousands of people to global networks and resources, opening a world of possibilities for Canadians and businesses.

A 13-member governing council, consisting of representatives from the federal, provincial and territorial governments and a range of public and private interests, including consumer representatives, governs the Standards Council of Canada.

The Chairperson’s primary role is to provide leadership and direction to Standards Council of Canada’s governing Council in carrying out its responsibilities, to act in an advisory capacity to the Chief Executive Officer, and to serve as the key link between Standards Council of Canada and the Minister. The Chairperson is responsible for the proper conduct of Board meetings to ensure that Council carries out its mandate and objectives effectively. He/she provides governance leadership to Standards Council of Canada’s Council and ensures that the Board operates in a prudent and effective manner, consistent with the law and government policy.

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: Black Canadians, 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 education, job-related training and/or experience;


• Experience serving as a member of a board of directors of a public and/or private organization, preferably as Chairperson;


• Experience in managing human and financial resources in the public and/or private sectors, preferably at a senior level;


• Experience in dealing with government, preferably with senior government officials;


• Experience in international relations and/or working with international organizations; and


• Experience in dealing with complex policy issues in relation to standardization, would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Standards Council of Canada’s mandate, business activities and governing legislation, including the Standards Council of Canada Act;


• Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the Chairperson, the Council, and the Chief Executive Officer;


• Knowledge of the federal government and public policy environments including impacts of major crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic on the work of the Standards Council of Canada;


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


• Knowledge of global trends related to standardization;


• Strong leadership and managerial skills to ensure the Board conducts its work effectively;


• Ability to anticipate emerging issues and develop strategies to enable the Board to seize opportunities and solve problems;


• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with management, government officials, and stakeholders;


• Ability to effectively foster debate and discussions among Board members, facilitate consensus and manage conflicts, should they arise; and


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

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Superior interpersonal skills


• Sound judgement


• High ethical standards and integrity


• Tact and diplomacy


• 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 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 members of the Council/Board of the Standards Council of Canada must be representative of a broad spectrum of interests in the private sector and have the knowledge or experience necessary to assist the Council in the fulfilment of its mandate (statutory).


• You must be available for approximately 20 days per year for Board and related activities and travel.


• You must be willing to travel across Canada, as required.

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 7, 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.