Permanent Member, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission is an independent regulatory agency and administrative tribunal with jurisdiction over all nuclear-related activities and substances in Canada. It is responsible for regulating nuclear activities to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment, and to implement Canada’s international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The Commission may, with the approval of the Governor in Council, make legally binding regulations.

Permanent Members participate in hearings and meetings of this quasi-judicial administrative tribunal and analyze and evaluate cases before it, including the licensing of major nuclear facilities, for the purpose of rendering decisions that are in keeping with the discharge of their responsibilities under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act.

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

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and activities of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, as well as its legislative framework, including the Nuclear Safety and Control Act and the regulatory and business environments within which it operates;


• Significant knowledge of scientific or engineering areas of expertise, basic knowledge of nuclear fundamentals and practical knowledge of business, law or finance;


• Knowledge of the rights of Indigenous peoples (Section 35 of the Constitution Act), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the principles respecting the government of Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples;


• Awareness of Indigenous knowledge systems and Indigenous peoples' concerns and priorities as they relate to development, environmental assessment and/or environmental protection;


• Knowledge of administrative law, principles of natural justice and the rules and practices followed by adjudicative tribunals in Canada;


• Superior oral and written communication skills, including the ability to lead discussions with licensees and public intervenors, discuss evidentiary and procedural matters, and write clearly, concisely and comprehensively;


• Ability to analyze significant amounts of complex technical information and make effective, unbiased decisions;


• Ability to listen, interpret, evaluate, and assess a wide variety of issues with a view to regulating the use of nuclear energy in Canada in keeping with the safety mandate of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission;


• Ability to make timely decisions that are based on science, facts and evidence, and that are free of political interference and industry influence.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• High ethical standards, integrity and impartiality


• Sound judgement


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Tolerance to stressful situations


• 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 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.


• Appointees may not, directly or indirectly, engage in any activity, have any interest in a business or accept or engage in any office or employment that is inconsistent with their duties. (statutory)


• Appointees must be available for periods of 2 to 3 days, up to 10 times per year, in addition to approximately 40 to 60 days per year for the preparation and conduct of Commission proceedings, as well as travel and post-hearing deliberations.


• Appointees must be willing and able to travel across Canada to participate in Commission proceedings.

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 December 11, 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.