Member, Canada Council for the Arts

The Canada Council for the Arts is Canada's national public arts funder, with a mandate "to foster and promote the study and enjoyment of, and the production of works in, the arts".

The Council champions and invests in artistic excellence through a broad range of grants, services and prizes and payments to professional Canadian artists and arts organizations. Its work ensures that excellent, vibrant and diverse art and literature engages Canadians, enriches their communities and reaches markets around the world.

The Council also raises public awareness and appreciation of the arts through its communications, research and arts promotion activities. It is responsible for the Canadian Commission for UNESCO which promotes the values and programs of UNESCO in Canada to contribute to a more peaceful, equitable and sustainable future. The Canada Council Art Bank operates art rental programs and helps further public engagement with contemporary arts.


The Council is governed by an 11-member Board. As stewards of the organization, members of the Board are responsible for the ongoing governance of the organization. More specifically, the Board must oversee the conduct of the Canada Council's business, supervise management, and ensure that all major issues that affect the organization are given proper consideration. The Board is also responsible to evaluate the performance of the Chief Executive Officer on an annual basis. The Board is accountable to the Minister of Canadian Heritage for the stewardship of the Corporation's management.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on the Canada Council for the Arts' 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 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/or experience;


• A professional accounting designation (CPA) would be considered an asset;


• Experience on a board of directors/trustees, ideally of a major not-for-profit arts organization;


• Experience in the financial and audit field would be considered an asset;


• Experience in the arts community or a background in the arts either as an artist, arts professional, arts administrator or volunteer would be considered an asset;


• Experience in areas of information technology, technological evolution related to digital, or the supporting environment of national creative content would be considered an asset;


• Experience in fundraising activities and revenue generation would also be considered an asset; and


• Experience in the communications or media sector, including digital innovation, would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the legislative framework, mandate and activities of the Canada Council for the Arts, as well as its strategic priorities and public policy issues;


• Knowledge of the current challenges and opportunities for Canadian cultural institutions;


• Knowledge of the diversity of cultural practices in Canada, including non-Western and Indigenous forms;


• Knowledge of the arts and culture sectors of Canada, and their unique regional dimensions;


• Ability to identify, analyze and define priorities and strategies;


• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other Board members and stakeholders;


• Ability to actively participate in debate and discussions among Board members; and


• Ability to recognize and address emerging issues and trends, to seize opportunities, and to advance ideas and innovation.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• A passion and commitment to the arts and cultural sector


• Sound judgment, integrity, and impartiality


• High ethical standards


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Diplomacy, tact and discretion


• Collegiality

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.


• All appointees must attend Board meeting four times per year, for one day and a half each, in Ottawa or elsewhere in Canada when travel opportunities resume, and participate in conference calls as required. (Please note that in-person meetings will only be scheduled when it is safe to do so).


• All appointees must commit to the position for an average of 12 to 16 days annually.


• All appointees must be prepared for Board meetings by having read all pertinent documents, which are sent to members approximately one week in advance.


• All appointees must act as an ambassador for the Canada Council for the Arts in your own community.

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 May 10, 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.