Director, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (the Authority) is a Crown corporation responsible for securing specific elements of the air transportation system – from passenger and baggage screening to screening airport workers.

The Authority delivers the mandate of security screening at 89 designated airports across the country through a third-party screening contractor model. Playing a key role in Canada's air transportation system, the Authority is responsible for the delivery of the following four mandated activities:

• Pre-board screening: The screening of passengers, their carry-on baggage and their belongings prior to their entry to the secure area of an air terminal building.


• Hold baggage screening: The screening of passengers; checked (or hold) baggage for prohibited items such as explosives, prior to it being loaded onto an aircraft.


• Non-passenger screening: The random screening of non-passengers and their belongings, including vehicles, entering restricted areas of the aerodrome at the highest risk airports.


• Restricted area identity card (RAIC): The system which uses iris and fingerprint biometric identifiers to allow non-passengers access to the restricted areas of airports.

The Authority is governed by an eleven-member Board of Directors, appointed by the Governor in Council, including representatives of the airline industry and airport operators.

The Board has responsibility for the overall stewardship of the Authority. It has a duty to protect the long-term interests of the corporation, safeguard the Authority's assets and to practice due diligence in its decision-making. The Board's key functions and responsibilities are to provide strategic direction, financial oversight, corporate oversight and good governance.

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.

To be considered, please ensure that the information provided in your curriculum vitae and cover letter clearly demonstrate how you meet the following requirements:

Education and Experience

• A degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study, or an acceptable combination of equivalent education, job-related training or experience;


• Experience serving as a member of a board of directors for a public or private sector organization or as a senior executive answerable to stakeholders in the public or private sector;


• Experience in dealing with representatives of government or the private sector, preferably at senior levels;


• Experience in the transportation sector or in the business or public administration sectors; and


• Experience in one or more of the following areas: security and intelligence, information technology (including cyber-security), accounting, audit, financial management, pension plan management or enhancing customer experience would be considered as an asset.

If you move on to the next stage of the selection process, the following criteria will be assessed:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority's mandate, mission, strategic priorities, and business activities including the Canadian aviation transportation industry;


• Knowledge of the role and responsibilities of a board member, including fundamental accountabilities to the Government of Canada as shareholder;


• Knowledge of corporate governance including good governance principles and best practices;


• Knowledge of the public policy environment facing a Crown corporation, and a general understanding of the legislative environment in which it operates, including the Financial Administration Act;


• Knowledge of human and financial resources management, strategic corporate planning, monitoring, change management, and evaluation of corporate performance;


• Knowledge in one or more of the following areas: accounting, audit, or financial management, media or communications, pension plan administration or, pension plan investment, information technology, security and intelligence;


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


• Ability to anticipate emerging issues;


• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with others (e.g., board members, board's partners, stakeholders); and


• Superior communications skills, both oral and written, and the ability to manage communications with a variety of stakeholders.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

If you move on to the next stage of the selection process, we will contact your references to confirm that you meet the above selection criteria and that you possess the following Personal Attributes:

• High ethical standards and integrity


• Sound judgment


• Superior communication and interpersonal skills


• Tact and diplomacy


• Strategic thinker


• Fair and unbiased


• Respect and encouragement of diverse perspectives

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.



• The Canadian Air Transport Security Act stipulates that the following individuals may not be directors of CATSA (statutory):




1. an individual that is not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act;


2. an individual that is a member of the Senate or House of Commons or a member of a legislature;


3. an individual that is employed on a full-time basis in the public service of Canada or of a province; or


4. an individual that is a mayor, councillor, officer, or employee of a municipality.




• Appointees must comply with the CATSA Code of Ethics and Conduct for the Board of Directors throughout their appointment as a term and condition of employment. The Code of Ethics is available on the CATSA website, under Board of Directors.


• No officer or employee of a Crown corporation or any of its affiliates, other than the chief executive officer, shall be a director of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (statutory).


• The average annual time commitment for Directors is 35 days. The Board and committees meet at least four times per year, normally in the National Capital Region. The Board also meets by videoconference several times per year, as required. Directors will be called upon to sit on one or more committees.

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 April 23, 2024. 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.