Director (Federal), Halifax Port Authority

The Halifax Port Authority is a strategic port manager, with a mission to connect with global markets to create value for customers, partners, visitors, and community. The Authority takes a leadership role in developing business for the Port of Halifax in collaboration with their partners and they responsibly manage Port of Halifax assets. The Halifax Port Authority makes connections happen that attract and retain cargo and cruise activity to the Port of Halifax which delivers economic benefits to the local community, region and country.

The Halifax Port Authority’s Board of Directors is broadly responsible for setting the strategic direction for, and overseeing the conduct and operations of, the Port Authority. The directors of the Port Authority are active participants in Board and Committee meetings; the directors are placed in a committee where they can provide the most value that best reflects their experience and skillset.

The board of directors appoints the Port authority’s Chief Executive Officer, monitors management’s performance, ensures internal controls are in place to manage risks associated with the port authority’s business, and oversees the Port Authority’s finances and accuracy of financial reporting.

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.

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


• Experience in one or more of the following areas: IT and cybersecurity, safety, sustainability, and infrastructure development / financing; and


• Experience in one or more of the following areas would be considered an asset: finance, accounting, business development, marketing, risk management, public relations / communications, human resources, legal, labour unions (negotiations), technology, marine transportation and logistics.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and business activities of the Halifax Port Authority and a good understanding of the legislative environment in which it operates;


• Knowledge of the role and responsibilities of a Board Director, the Chief Executive Officer and the Port Authority management team;


• Knowledge of effective governance and risk management principles, both at the Board and organizational levels;


• Knowledge of human resources management and financial literacy;


• Ability to support an organization in promoting diversity, inclusion and a harassment-free work environment;


• Ability to anticipate emerging issues and lead organizational change;


• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other board members, the Port Authority’s business partners and stakeholders;


• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with local Indigenous groups; and


• Superior communication skills, both written and oral.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• ​​Sound judgment


• ​High ethical standards and integrity


• Superior interpersonal skills


• ​Tact and diplomacy


• ​Strategic thinking

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 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 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 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.

The Canada Marine Act stipulates that the following individuals may not be directors of a Port Authority:



• an individual who is a mayor, councillor, officer or employee of a municipality mentioned in the letters patent;


• an individual who is a member of the legislature of a province, or an officer or employee of the public service or of a Crown corporation of a province, mentioned in the letters patent;


• a Senator or a member of the House of Commons;


• an officer or employee of the federal public administration, a federal Crown corporation or a port authority;


• an individual who is not a resident Canadian, as defined in subsection 2(1) of the Canada Business Corporations Act;


• an individual who is a director, officer or employee of a person who is a user of the port;


• an individual who is under eighteen years of age;


• an individual who has been declared mentally incompetent by a court in Canada or elsewhere; or


• an undischarged bankrupt.




• Directors must reside in the Halifax Region or a location within a reasonable commuting distance.


• Directors must be willing to participate in a schedule of Board of Directors meetings as stipulated by the Port Authority, as well as any requirements for participation in sub-committees, annual general meetings or other such duties as may be required. The Authority plans a total of six (6) meetings per year and Directors may also be appointed to one of the three (3) committees of the Board of Directors for which the members usually meet quarterly.

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 July 14, 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.