Permanent Member, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission is an independent regulatory agency and administrative tribunal, and it has jurisdiction over all nuclear-related activities and substances in Canada. It is responsible for regulating nuclear activities to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment, and to implement Canada’s international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Permanent Members participate in hearings and meetings of a quasi-judicial administrative tribunal, and analyze and evaluate cases before this administrative tribunal, including the licensing of major nuclear facilities, for the purpose of rendering decisions that are in keeping with the discharge of his/her responsibility under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act. The Commission may, with the approval of the Governor in Council, make legally binding regulations.

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;


• An advanced degree in environmental sciences or environmental engineering, or a degree in Indigenous studies would be considered an asset;


• Experience collaborating with and/or working in scientific, health, environmental science, energy or engineering organizations, or academic institutions;


• Experience with developing, interpreting and/or applying legislative and regulatory frameworks or policies;


• Experience in making complex decisions involving large amounts of technical evidence and incorporating the need to balance the interests and rights of a diverse range of stakeholders and Indigenous peoples;


• Experience interacting with and/or working in regulatory agencies or quasi-judicial administrative tribunals;


• Experience building relationships, promoting partnerships, and working with Indigenous peoples and communities or other stakeholder groups to support and/or shape decision-making processes would be considered an asset; and


• Experience in environmental protection and safety matters as they relate to the energy sector would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and activities of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, as well as its legislative framework, including the Nuclear Safety and Control Act, and the regulatory and business environments within which the Commission operates;


• Significant knowledge of scientific or engineering areas of expertise, basic knowledge of nuclear fundamentals, and practical knowledge of business, law or finance;


• Knowledge of the rights of Indigenous peoples (Section 35 of the Constitution Act), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the principles respecting the government of Canada’s relationship with Indigenous peoples;


• Awareness of Indigenous knowledge systems and Indigenous peoples’ concerns and priorities as they relate to development, environmental assessment and/or environmental protection;


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


• Ability to analyze significant amounts of complex technical information and make effective, unbiased decisions;


• Ability to listen, interpret, evaluate, and assess a wide variety of issues with a view to regulating the use of nuclear energy in Canada in keeping with the safety mandate of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission;


• Ability to make timely decisions that are based on science, facts and evidence, and that are free of political interference and industry influence; and


• Superior oral and written communication skills, including the ability to lead discussions with licensees and public intervenors, discuss evidentiary and procedural matters, and write clearly, concisely and comprehensively.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• High ethical standards integrity and impartiality


• Sound judgement


• Superior interpersonal and communication skills


• Tolerance to stressful situations


• 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 Forms and reference material.


• All appointees will be subject to the Conflict 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 Commissioner, 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 behaviors 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 behaviors 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.


• A member shall not, directly or indirectly, engage in any activity, have any interest in a business or accept or engage in any office or employment that is inconsistent with the member’s duties. (statutory)


• Appointees must be available for 2-3 days periods, up to 10 times per year, in addition to approximately 40-60 days per year for the preparation and conduct of Commission proceedings, as well as travel and post-hearing deliberations. Most preparation is conducted from their place of residence.


• Appointees must be willing and able to travel across Canada to participate in Commission proceedings, 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 here) will begin on February 28, 2023. 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.