Director, Canadian Energy Regulator

Located in Calgary, Alberta, the Canada Energy Regulator (Canadian Energy Regulator) is an independent energy lifecycle regulator responsible for federally regulated pipelines and power lines, energy development and trade.

The government is seeking to appoint new Directors to the Board of Directors of the Canada Energy Regulator (CER). The Board of Directors is responsible for the governance of the Regulator, including setting the CER’s strategic direction and providing strategic advice to the Regulator. The Board of Directors does not give directions or provide advice with respect to any particular decision, order or recommendation that would be made by the Commission or a Commissioner.

The CER is committed to the ongoing process of reconciliation. Meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities makes the CER a better regulator by supporting better decisions, improved safety and environmental protection, and effective issue resolution. The Board of Directors operates in a manner that respects the Government of Canada’s commitments with respect to the rights of the Indigenous Peoples, including working to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Board of Directors also works directly with the CER’s Indigenous Advisory Committee to help the CER learn directly from Indigenous People in Canada.

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. Please also include in your online profile your ability to speak and understand another language, such as an Indigenous 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 degree in Indigenous governance or law, business/commerce, economics, engineering, environmental science, human resources, communications, finance, public administration, or law would be considered an asset;


• Experience in a private or public sector organization, at a senior level including on a Board of Directors;


• Experience in the development and / or application of strategies, objectives, plans and best practices in Indigenous governance; or in the development and / or application of legislative and regulatory frameworks and policies;


• Experience in building relationships, promoting partnerships and working with partner Indigenous Peoples and communities or stakeholder groups, such as government, industry, and non-governmental organizations;


• Experience in governance as it relates to equity, diversity and inclusion would be considered an asset;


• Experience in the Canadian or international energy sector, including environmental protection and safety, or in the energy industry would be considered an asset;


• Experience in working with Indigenous Peoples in relation to development, environmental assessment and / or environmental protection would be considered an asset; and


• Experience in government, human resources, information technology and risk, or in finance would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of a member of a Board of Directors including understanding of the principles of sound governance and business practices, corporate planning, monitoring, reporting and evaluation of corporate performance;


• Knowledge of the structure and operation of the Canadian energy industry;


• Knowledge of energy-related economic, engineering, social, safety, and environmental issues;


• Knowledge related to the rights of Indigenous Peoples (section 35 of the Constitution Act), the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the principles respecting the Government of Canada’s relationship with Indigenous Peoples as well as historical impacts of government on Indigenous Peoples;


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


• Knowledge of the mandate and activities of the Canada Energy Regulator, and the legislative framework and the regulatory and business environments within which it operates;


• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with senior industry stakeholders, senior government officials, non-government and community officials, Indigenous Peoples and their communities, and the media;


• Ability to promote, through example, key values such as fairness, transparency, integrity, professionalism, collegiality and innovation; and


• Ability to participate in making objective and carefully balanced decisions based on conflicting or contradictory considerations.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be an asset.

• High ethical standards and integrity


• Respect, fairness and impartiality


• Sound judgment, tact and discretion


• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills


• Leadership, inclusivity and 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 integrity and honesty 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.

• Preference will be given to Indigenous applicants, noting that there is a statutory requirement, through the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, that at least one person on the Board of Directors shall be an Indigenous person. (statutory)


• 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.


• Under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, and for the purposes of the Conflict of Interest Act, the circumstances in which a Director would be in a conflict of interest while exercising the powers or performing the duties and functions of a Director include:




• engaging in, as owner, shareholder, director, officer, partner or in any other way, the business of producing, selling, buying, transmitting, exporting, importing or otherwise dealing in hydrocarbons, electricity or offshore energy;


• holding any bond, debenture or other security of a corporation engaged in any such business; and


• holding other employment that is inconsistent with their powers, duties and functions or with any provision of this Act or a regulation made under it. (Statutory)




• Under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, a person is not be eligible to be a Director of the Board if they are the Chief Executive Officer, a commissioner or an employee of the Regulator. (Statutory)


• Appointees must comply with the principles of the Code of Conduct for Canada Energy Regulator Employees.

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 November 29, 2023 (more information here). Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their applications by this date along with a resume and cover letter addressed to the Deputy Director of Selection Processes, Senior Personnel Secretariat, Privy Council Office. Applications will continue to be accepted after this date and may be considered up until an appointment to the position is made.

Candidates should apply online via the Governor in Council Appointments website.
To learn more about the application process, please visit the how to apply for an appointment opportunity on the Governor in Council Appointments website.