Member - AMENDMENT, Employment Insurance Board of Appeal

The Employment Insurance Board of Appeal was created under Part 5 of the Department of Employment and Social Development Act, which came into force on June 22, 2023. Canadians who contribute to the employment insurance system are eligible for benefits under specified circumstances. People who are denied Employment Insurance benefits, following a decision on a request for reconsideration, have the right to appeal that decision. The Board of Appeal acts as an independent administrative tribunal composed of three member panels rendering decisions on all matters appealed under subsection 113 of the Employment Insurance Act. The Board of Appeal's mandate is to provide simple, quick, fair and client-centric quasi-judicial services to Employment Insurance claimants and employers.

Presiding Board Members conduct hearings as part of a three-member hearing panel, mandated to provide fair and impartial quasi-judicial hearings, and to render decisions on first level Employment Insurance appeals. Presiding Board Members make well-reasoned written decisions on appeals with respect to the eligibility of benefits under the employment insurance program, including whether administrative penalties have been accurately assessed. Presiding Board Members preside over the deliberations, lead the decision-making process and write the decision taken by the hearing panel, ensuring that appeals are dealt with quickly, fairly, efficiently and in accordance with natural justice, applicable legislation, jurisprudence and departmental service 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, or an acceptable combination of equivalent education, training, and job-related experience;


• Significant experience in the interpretation and application of legislation, policies, and directives;


• Experience in decision-making related to sensitive and complex issues and / or experience as a decision-maker in an adjudicative tribunal or making recomendations in a non-adjudicative tribunal, agency or equivalent;


• Experience writing about legal issues in plain language; and


• Experience working on labour or employer issues would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the procedures and practices involved in conducting hearings in an administrative tribunal and in the legal principles involved, particularly as they relate to evidence, legal interpretation, and natural justice;


• Effective communication skills, both written and oral;


• Ability to manage a tribunal hearing, maintain self-control and defuse tense situations;


• Ability to think conceptually and isolate, synthesize and analyze information to make and write appeal decisions; and


• Ability to interpret relevant statutes, regulations and policies and analyze complex situations to make equitable and timely findings and recommendations.
  

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• High ethical standards and integrity


• Sound judgment and impartiality


• Tact


• Discretion

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 must be willing to commit to three to four (3-4) days of availability per month. The caseload may vary based on the number of appeals filed with no guarantee on the level of work each month.


• Appointees must be available full-time for a period of approximately 10 days during the training period.


• Appointees must be willing to perform most duties in a telework environment (manage and prepare files, conduct hearings and draft decisions), understanding that they must have the required provisions.


• Appointees must be able and willing to travel within Canada to conduct in–person hearings and for occasional training when 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

Candidates must apply online by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on February 3, 2025, via the Governor in Council Appointments website. Your cover letter should be addressed to the Deputy Director of Selection Processes, Senior Personnel Secretariat, Privy Council Office, and should be sent through the online application.