Chairperson, Canada Industrial Relations Board

The Canada Industrial Relations Board is an independent administrative tribunal whose mandate is to hear and decide complaints, applications and appeals related to the Canada Labour Code, the Status of the Artist Act and the Wage Earner Protection Program Act.

The Canada Labour Code governs labour relations, health and safety, employment standards, and administrative monetary penalties.

The Status of the Artist Act governs professional relations between artists and producers.

The Canada Labour Code and the Status of the Artist Act apply to federally regulated workplaces.

The Wage Earner Protection Program Act deals with wage earner protection when an employer declares bankruptcy or is insolvent. It applies to provincially regulated and federally regulated workplaces.

The Chairperson of the Canada Industrial Relations Board supervises and directs the work of the Board, including assigning matters before the Board, determining panels and managing the Board’s internal affairs. The Chairperson is supported by Vice-Chairpersons who hear and decide complaints, applications and appeals on all matters that fall under the Board’s jurisdiction.

The Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons are responsible for conducting and directing adjudicative and mediation processes that authoritatively and conclusively resolve industrial relations disputes and contribute to and promote effective industrial relations in works, undertakings and businesses that fall within the authority of the Parliament of Canada by interpreting and applying the Canada Labour Code and other relevant legal and industrial relations standards.

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, training and/or job-related experience;


• A degree in law would be considered an asset;


• Leadership experience within the private or public sector;


• Experience in the field of industrial relations (required by the Canada Labour Code);


• Experience in the interpretation and application of labour and employment legislation;


• Experience in mediating disputes between employees and employers;


• Management experience, preferably at the senior executive level, within the private or public sector, including managing financial and human resources;


• Experience in the field of occupational health and safety would be considered an asset;


• Experience in rendering decisions or in presenting cases before an adjudicative tribunal would be considered an asset; and


• Experience on a quasi-judicial tribunal, preferably as a Chairperson, would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• High ethical standards and integrity


• Sound judgment


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Tact and discretion


• 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.


• The appointee must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident within the meaning of subsection 2(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. (statutory)


• The appointee must have experience and expertise in industrial relations. (statutory)


• The appointee must reside in or be willing to relocate to the National Capital Region, or to a location within a reasonable commuting distance. (statutory)


• The appointee must not hold any other paid employment or office. (statutory)


• The appointee must be willing to travel regularly to attend hearings and various other meetings in all parts of Canada and internationally.


• The appointee must obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.

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 October 1, 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.