President, Law Commission of Canada

The Law Commission of Canada is a statutory body established under the Law Commission of Canada Act. The Commission provides independent advice to Government on improvements, modernization and reform that will ensure a just legal system that meets the changing needs of Canadian society. This includes the development of new approaches to the law and measures to make the legal system more efficient, economical and accessible. The Commission also plays a role in forging productive networks amongst academic and other communities in Canada.

The Commission may consider important topics such as: systemic racism in the justice system, access to justice, legal issues around climate change, establishing a new relationship with Indigenous Peoples and rapid technological shifts in the world.

The President is the chief executive officer of the Commission and must reside in the location of its head office. The President provides direction to an Executive Director who has the day-to-day supervision over the staff and work of the Commission. The President is required to submit an annual report on the Commission’s activities to the Minister of Justice.

As a group, the President and Commissioners (as well as the Advisory Council) should be broadly representative of the cultural diversity of Canada, represent various disciplines and reflect knowledge of the common law and civil law systems.

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 work on 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

• Must have a law degree from a recognized university;


• Must have a graduate degree in law or in a field relevant to the Commission’s work;


• Extensive experience* in research or teaching in one or more areas of legal studies;


• Experience in leading research projects in one or more areas of legal studies;


• Experience in providing executive leadership and management direction within a government, academic or business context;


• Experience in stakeholder management and outreach, including building and maintaining effective relationships and partnerships with external stakeholders such as senior officials from government, strategic partners within Canada and internationally, provincial and territorial governments, and with academia, non-government and private sector organizations; and


• Experience in consulting with racialized or Indigenous groups, LGBTQ2+ and disabled communities would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Canadian legal system;


• Knowledge of the overall structure of the federal government;


• Detailed knowledge of one or more areas of law;


• Knowledge of bijuralism in Canada (knowledge of both the common and civil law systems and their interaction) would be considered an asset;


• Knowledge of Indigenous legal traditions would be considered an asset;


• Knowledge of one or more of the following areas of law would be considered an asset
  Indigenous law; equality rights, including systemic discrimination; technology and the law; criminal law and the criminal justice system;


• Excellent abilities to lead and manage the Commission in carrying out its mission in accordance with the Law Commission of Canada Act;


• Superior communication skills, both orally and in writing, to represent and support the work of the Commission;


• Ability to develop and nurture effective and collaborative working relationships with diverse groups within Canadian society; and


• Ability to lead by example, representing the Law Commission’s mandate in various forums, including public outreach, bilaterally with other governments, and in the media.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• High ethical standards, integrity, and sound judgment


• Intellectual and strategic leadership


• Superior interpersonal and communication skills


• Impartiality, judgment, and tact

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.


• If you are appointed to this position you must reside in the area of the head office of the Commission. (statutory)


• If you are appointed to this position, you must be willing to travel across Canada and internationally.

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 available here) will begin on January 17, 2022. 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 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.