Director, Canadian Tourism Commission

Destination Canada (Canadian Tourism Commission) is Canada's national tourism marketing organization. It is responsible for marketing Canada as a premier four-season tourism destination where travelers can enjoy extraordinary experiences. Working in collaboration with the Canadian tourism industry, provinces and territories, municipalities, Indigenous and individual communities, Destination Canada serves as a voice for Canada in the domestic and international tourism marketplace. To execute their strategy, the critical capabilities and management systems, Destination Canada includes marketing and sales innovation, destination development, deep visitor insight and marketplace knowledge, collaborative leadership and corporate agility.

Destination Canada is governed by a Board of Directors of up to 12 members who oversee the management of Destination Canada, provide strategic guidance, and effective oversight. The Board ensures that appropriate systems of governance, leadership and stewardship are in place to enable Destination Canada's management to lead the organization effectively. Directors are appointed based on the full range of skills, experience and competencies required to add value to Destination Canada's decision-making. Examples of specific Board functions include:

• Establishing corporate objectives and monitoring performance;


• Ensuring effective risk management;


• Providing financial oversight;


• Monitoring the President's performance;


• Reviewing and approving major decisions affecting the organization.

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 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 in a medium to large national or international organization answerable to stakeholders in the public, private, non-profit or social enterprise sectors;


• Experience in implementing modern corporate governance principles and best practices in a culture of accountability and transparency;


• Experience in managing human and financial resources;


• Experience working in the Canadian tourism sector would be considered an asset; and


• Experience as an entrepreneur or as an executive working for a large tourism enterprise would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Canadian and international tourism sectors;


• Knowledge of marketing practices and trends;


• Knowledge of the Government of Canada’s priorities related to the tourism sector;


• Knowledge of data and analytic best practices, including the latest trends in digital and social media strategy;


• Knowledge of investment attraction for developing Canadian tourism assets would be considered an asset;


• Ability to contribute effectively to strategic and corporate planning;


• Ability to anticipate emerging issues in labour and human resources and lead organizational change;


• Ability to assess how organizational decisions are being made and evaluate exposure to risk;


• Ability to develop effective working relationships with other Board members and stakeholders; and


• Superior oral and written communication and listening skills.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Sound judgment


• High ethical standards and integrity


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Tact and diplomacy


• Strategic thinker

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.


• Appointees must be willing to travel across Canada.


• Appointees must be available for approximately 20-25 days per year for Board-related activities and travel.


• Appointees must be willing to participate in Board and committee meetings in-person and via video or teleconference as required.


• No remuneration will be provided. Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed, following the Government of Canada’s Directive on Travel, Hospitality, Conferences, Event Expenditures.

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 May 16, 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.