President, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission is an independent regulatory agency and administrative tribunal with 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.

The President provides strategic leadership to the Commission and stakeholders. The President is also the Chief Executive Officer, and as such, is in charge of setting direction for and managing the broader organization, which employs approximately 900 staff. The President ensures that the Commission operates with appropriate independence from political direction while ensuring sound management and governance practices within the legislation and guidelines of the Government of 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 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 field related to the mandate of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, such as science, engineering, or health;



• A degree or an acceptable combination of education, job-related training and/or experience in public administration, economics, or law, or a graduate degree would be considered an asset;



• Significant management experience at the executive level in a private or public sector organization that has diverse technical and regulatory dimensions and requires decision-making on complex and sensitive issues;



• Experience managing senior-level scientific, nuclear, health, environmental, energy or engineering organizations, including academic institutions;



• Experience leading and/or supporting transitions or transformational change in an organization;



• Experience interpreting or applying legislation or regulations; and



• Experience in any of the following would be considered an asset:




• Experience in dealing with government, industry, non-governmental organizations and Indigenous peoples and communities to build relationships and promote partnerships;


• Experience working with or in government regulatory agencies, including quasi-judicial tribunals; or



• Experience in environmental protection and safety matters as they relate to the energy sector, including nuclear energy.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the role and mandate of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission;


• Knowledge of the structure and operation of the nuclear industry in Canada and abroad, and of Canadian and international policies relevant to the nuclear industry;


• Knowledge and understanding of the principles of sound governance and business practices, including human resources and financial management, strategic corporate planning, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation of corporate performance;


• Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of a President of an administrative tribunal such as the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission;


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


• Knowledge of the rights of First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the Principles respecting the Government of Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples;


• Ability to provide senior leadership, vision, and strategic direction in order to manage and motivate an organization with technical and regulatory responsibilities, and to ensure that the Commission can carry out its mandate and achieve its objectives;


• Ability to lead and manage change in a diverse and highly technical organization, seek the input of members, foster discussion and debate, facilitate consensus, identify risks, manage conflicts (should they arise), and ensure buy-in for final decisions;


• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders, including Indigenous peoples, senior government officials, and non-government and community officials and the media;


• Ability to negotiate divergent stakeholder positions and reach positive outcomes on complex, highly technical issues, taking into account environmental, economic and social implications; and


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

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 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.