Commissioner of Official Languages, Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages for Canada

Salary:                                                                 $396,700.00

The Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages for Canada was created in 1970 under the Official Languages Act. Its role is to ensure full recognition and widespread use of English and French within Canadian society and federal institutions and other organizations subject to the Official Languages Act. The Commissioner reports directly to Parliament and is supported by the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages. The Office’s staff are based in the National Capital Region and in regional offices across Canada.

The Commissioner of Official Languages, who is appointed for a seven-year term, is responsible for taking all measures necessary to ensure recognition of the rights set out in the Official Languages Act, and to uphold the spirit and intent of this Act in the administration of the affairs of federal institutions. The Commissioner protects the rights of all Canadians and promotes the equality of status and use of English and French in Canadian society. The Commissioner conducts investigations on complaints received. When necessary, the Commissioner recommends corrective measures or changes. Where corrective measures are not followed, the Commissioner may enter into compliance agreements with the institutions subject to complaints or may issue orders. Under the new Use of French in Federally Regulated Private Businesses Act, the Commissioner will exercise similar powers, notably when complaints are made against federally regulated private enterprises subject to the new Act.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages website.

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. For this position you are required 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 or public administration, or an acceptable combination of education, job-related training and / or experience;


• Executive level management experience in a private or public sector organization, including the management of human and financial resources;


• Senior level decision-making experience with respect to complex and sensitive issues;


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


• Experience in developing, maintaining and managing successful stakeholder relationships and complex partnerships.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Official Languages Act, the Use of French in Federally Regulated Private Businesses Act, and their related regulations;


• Knowledge of the Canadian Parliamentary system;


• Understanding of the mandate, roles and responsibilities of the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages;


• Understanding of the role of an Agent of Parliament and its relationship with Parliament and the Government;


• Understanding the reality of official language minority communities;


• Understanding of practices and principles underlying conciliation, mediation, and the application of alternative dispute resolution methods;


• Ability to lead and manage a public sector organization, including applying the legislative and policy frameworks governing financial, human resources and program management;


• Ability to interpret the provisions of various statutes, regulations, policies and other enabling frameworks;


• Ability to assess the relevance of precedents in order to reach decisions;


• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; and


• Proficiency in both official languages, as set out in the Languages Skills Act (statutory).

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages (as set out in the Language Skills Act).

• Strong ethical standards


• Sound judgment


• Impartiality


• Tact


• Strong interpersonal skills

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 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 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.


• The Official Languages Act requires that the appointee must engage exclusively in the duties of the office of the Commissioner and must not hold any other office under Her Majesty or engage in any other employment (statutory).


• The Official Languages Act stipulates that the salary of the Commissioner of Official Languages be equal to the salary of a judge of the Federal Court, other than the Chief Justice of that Court, and is entitled to be paid reasonable travel and living expenses while absent from his or her ordinary place of residence in the course of his or her duties (statutory).


• The Language Skills Act requires that at the time of appointment, the appointee must be able to speak and understand clearly both official languages (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.


• The appointee must be willing to travel across Canada and internationally.

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 September 12, 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.