Director, Canadian Commercial Corporation

Annual retainer:                                              $4,000 - $4,700 (plus an additional retainer of $850 - $1,500 to Directors who have additional responsabilities)

Headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario, the Canadian Commercial Corporation is a federal Crown corporation mandated to facilitate international trade on behalf of Canadian industry, particularly with governments of foreign countries. The Canadian Commercial Corporation has a unique opportunity to play a key role in supporting economic growth, job creation, and broad-based prosperity for all Canadians.

CCC’s primary policy mandate is to implement Canada’s obligations under the Canada-United States Defence Production Sharing Agreement (DPSA). Additionally, CCC facilitates access for Canadian exporters to government procurement opportunities around the world in a variety of sectors by mitigating a foreign government buyer’s risk through its guarantee of contract performance. In 2020-21, CCC worked with 345 Canadian companies from a broad selection of industrial sectors, exported $2.92B of goods and services through its government-to-government contracts and was active in 79 countries worldwide.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on the Canadian Commercial Corporation’s website.

The Board of Directors is responsible for the stewardship of the Canadian Commercial Corporation, accountable to the shareholder and reports to Parliament through the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development.

The Board ensures a tone of integrity and ethics, respect for human rights, and establishes the highest standards of corporate governance and:

• ensures the proper delivery of public policy on behalf of the Government of Canada;


• provides leadership and guidance to the Corporation’s management team, and ensures that the Corporation’s long-term strategic direction is in alignment with the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development’s annual Statement of Priorities and Accountabilities;


• oversees the assessment and management of risk;


• provides strategic oversight to the development and implementation of CCC’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy;


• reviews the Corporate Plan and the Annual Report, both of which are approved by the Minister and tabled in Parliament;


• conducts its oversight function through the following committees: the Operations Committee; the Governance and Human Resources Committee and the Audit Committee; and


• establishes and monitors and evaluates the achievement of corporate goals and oversees the President and CEO, his objectives and his performance.

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 education, job-related training and/or business experience;


• ICD.D, C.Dir designation or other Director certification and education would be considered an asset;


• Senior Executive experience in general management and leadership (i.e., CEO, COO, etc.), including growth and customer facing;


• Board and governance experience, including serving on Boards of public, private and/or not-for-profit organizations and experience in corporate governance;


• Senior Executive experience in Strategic Planning, Execution and Change Management, ideally in international contracting, complex project management and/or government procurement;


• Experience with complex, international, multi-stakeholder transactions with complex risks and exposures;


• Experience with strengthening Responsible Business Conduct in transactions with complex risks and exposures such as foreign political risk, human rights, integrity, anti-corruption compliance, and environmental stewardship, and evolving issues pertaining to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG);


• Industry experience in defence, aerospace, infrastructure and construction, energy and resources, cleantech and environment, or information and communications Technology;


• Experience with international contracting, government procurement, complex contract/project management, defense trade, foreign affairs and trade policy, shareholder (government) relations, finance/audit/accounting, human resources and compensation, engineering/technology;


• Experience in Government Relations, and dealing with Senior Government officials and ministers, including Canadian foreign policy and trade portfolio partners would be considered an asset; and


• Experience in international business and government procurement in a variety of industry sectors (see above) and markets for both SMEs and large organizations, business development and growth, particularly defense, export trade and SMEs, would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate, mission and activities of the Canadian Commercial Corporation, as well as the legislative framework within which it operates;


• Knowledge of the issues and concerns facing small- and medium-sized Canadian businesses developing opportunities in the international export marketplace;


• Knowledge of the emerging global trends and opportunities in the healthcare, clean technology and renewable energy sectors, and the ability to advance ideas and innovation with regards to Canadian exporters’ involvement in these sectors;


• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with fellow board members and stakeholders and actively participate in discussions amongst board members;


• Ability to assess global economic challenges / risks and incorporate these considerations in Board discussions relating to the support of Canadian exporters in accessing competitive markets; and


• Strong communication skills, both written and oral.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Integrity and high ethical standards


• Respect for the organization’s core values and beliefs, and a demonstrated affinity to conduct affairs in a manner consistent with those values


• Strong desire to contribute to the organization’s mandate in a meaningful way including learning about machinery of government


• Passion & Commitment to Board and the development of a collaborative and transformational team orientation


• Ability and willingness to challenge and probe


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Sound judgment in managing sensitive and commercially confidential information


• Tact and diplomacy

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 Conflicts 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.


• No officer or employee of the Canadian Commercial Corporation or any of its affiliates, other than the chief executive officer, shall be a director of the Canadian Commercial Corporation (statutory).


• You are available and willing to participate in quarterly Board and Committee meetings, held primarily in Ottawa, Ontario, and at least one meeting per year in a location that will enable Board members to enhance their familiarity with regional operations, and facilitate contact with regional business communities.


• You are available to participate in other special meetings in person or by conference calls, as required.

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 1, 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.