Chief Statistician - AMENDMENT, Statistics Canada

**If you have applied between March 22, 2024, and April 24, 2024, you do not need to re-apply to be considered for this position.

Statistics Canada is a statutory agency responsible for Canada’s national statistical system. It was established to ensure that Canadians and governments have access to a trusted source of statistics to meet their information needs. Its mandate is primarily derived from the Statistics Act, which requires Statistics Canada “to collect, compile, analyze, abstract and publish statistical information relating to the commercial, industrial, financial, social, economic and general activities and conditions of the people” of Canada. The Act also requires Statistics Canada to conduct a census of population and a census of agriculture every fifth year, and to protect the confidentiality of the information with which it is entrusted.

The Chief Statistician’s main function is to provide leadership to the agency and to the national statistical system to ensure that high-quality and impartial statistics and analysis on the fiscal, economic, business, social and day-to-day decisions of the country is provided to Canadians, governments, the private sector, and civil society and that Canadians’ confidential information is protected.

The Chief Statistician is expected to work collaboratively with other federal departments and agencies, provincial, territorial and municipal governments, the international community, and Canadians to meet the agency’s mandate and stakeholder needs and to ensure a well-integrated, coherent national statistical system that minimizes duplication and reporting burden on households and businesses. The Chief Statistician is expected to ensure Statistics Canada’s work is of the highest quality possible and undertaken with high scientific and ethical standards, integrity and impartiality.

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 post-graduate university degree from a recognized institution in a relevant field of study or a combination of equivalent education, job-related training and / or experience;


• A degree in statistics, economics or any field providing considerable knowledge and training in research methods and quantitative analysis would be considered an asset;


• Extensive leadership experience at the senior executive level leading and managing in and across large, complex organizations, including managing human and financial resources, and dealing with complex and time sensitive issues;


• Experience in building, fostering and maintaining productive and strategic partnerships, relationships and collaborative arrangements with partner organizations, diverse stakeholders, academia and members of the international community;


• Experience in one or more of the following would be considered an asset:


• developing and implementing significant data collection initiatives;


• undertaking large scale consultation efforts;


• leading and / or managing organizational change and transition.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate, role, and responsibilities of Statistics Canada and of the Chief Statistician;


• Knowledge of the Statistics Act, of the challenges and opportunities facing national statistical systems and of the fundamental principles guiding their work;


• Knowledge of government and public policy environments, of the machinery of the federal government and its decision-making processes;


• Knowledge of digital transformation and the economic and social impacts, opportunities, and challenges of new or disruptive technologies, (e.g., internet of things and artificial intelligence), as well as their potential impact, on the national statistics system and Statistic Canada;
  


• Knowledge of the importance of disaggregated data to the national statistical system and Statistics Canada's mandate to be a trusted source of statistics to meet the information needs of Canadians and governments;


• Superior communication skills, both written and oral;


• Ability to work with other federal departments and agencies, provincial and territorial governments, the international community and other stakeholders to assess stakeholder interests from national and equity, diversity and inclusion perspectives;


• Ability to manage communications with a variety of stakeholders, including the media, ministers, parliamentary committees, other government representatives (federal, provincial, territorial, international), academia, the public, and the private sector;


• Ability to negotiate contradictory interests and identify, analyze and define priorities and strategies to meet stakeholder expectations;


• Ability to think outside the box, identify emerging opportunities, and implement creative solutions;


• Ability to provide corporate leadership and mobilize people in support of the organization's vision and strategic direction to produce high quality statistics while demonstrating integrity and independence through non-partisanship.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• High ethical standards, integrity and impartiality


• Strategic and innovative thinking


• Superior leadership and interpersonal skills


• Tact and diplomacy


• Strong analytical skills


• Sound judgement


• Visionary mind and innovator


• Remaining calm while under pressure

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.


• If you are appointed, you must be willing to take and subscribe the following oath or solemn affirmation: I, ................., do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully and honestly fulfil my duties as an employee of Statistics Canada in conformity with the requirements of the Statistics Act, and of all rules and instructions thereunder and that I will not without due authority in that behalf disclose or make known any matter or thing that comes to my knowledge by reason of my employment. (statutory)


• If you are appointed, you must reside in or be willing to relocate to the National Capital Region or to a location within a reasonable commuting distance.


• If you are appointed, you must be willing to travel across Canada 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 May 15, 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.