Member, Copyright Board

The Copyright Board of Canada is a federal administrative tribunal and economic regulatory body that derives its mandate from the Copyright Act. As a quasi-judicial tribunal, the Copyright Board is empowered to establish, either mandatorily or at the request of an interested party, the royalties to be paid for the use of copyrighted works when the administration of such works is entrusted to a collective society. The Copyright Board of Canada also has the right to supervise agreements between users and licensing bodies and issues licenses when the copyright owner cannot be located.

The Copyright Board has been central to the most high-profile copyright matters of the past decade, namely: music streaming, peer-to-peer file sharing, internet service provider liability, iPod or other device levies, and the use of literary works. Members chair and participate, as required, in decision-making panels regarding copyright tariff proposals and some licensing applications. In this role, Members analyze and weigh evidence to render decisions that provide for fair and equitable royalties to be paid to copyright collective societies for the use of works protected by copyright.

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, such as law, economics, social sciences or public administration, or an acceptable combination of relevant education, job-related training and / or experience;


• Experience in an intellectual property licensing or use field (such as copyright management), economic regulation or competition policy;


• Experience in the interpretation and application of legislation, regulations and policies;


• Experience in providing legal or economic advice would be considered an asset;


• Experience working in or with an administrative tribunal would be considered an asset; and


• Experience in case management, alternate dispute resolution or arbitration would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and activities of the Copyright Board, of the Copyright Act and other related legislation and regulation;


• Knowledge of the creative and information technologies industries, including their business models and socio-economic environments;


• Knowledge of the principles of administrative law and natural justice of relevance to administrative tribunals in Canada;


• Ability to identify relevant facts and analyze information in order to develop and substantiate decisions in an impartial manner that results in fair, equitable, and timely decisions that are transparent, well-reasoned, and justifiable;


• Ability to develop respectful and effective working relationships and build consensus; and


• Superior communication skills, both written and oral.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages is required.

• Sound judgment, tact, and discretion


• High ethical standards


• Integrity


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Adaptability, flexibility and impartiality

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 to this position, you must not be employed in the Public Service within the meaning of the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations Act.

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 September 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.