Governor in Council Appointment Opportunities

Summary#

The Privy Council Office is asking Canadians to apply for several federal leadership roles. The notice was published on November 20, 2021 and lists multiple vacancies that will be open for applications for at least two weeks on the government appointments website.

What it does#

• Announces a call for applications for a set of Governor in Council appointments.
• Emphasizes a transparent, merit-based process that aims for gender parity and better representation of Indigenous peoples and minority groups.
• Says all appointees are expected to promote a healthy, respectful and harassment-free workplace.
• States every opportunity is open for a minimum of two weeks from the date of posting on the Governor in Council appointments website.
• Lists current vacancies (role — organization):
  • Chief Executive Officer — Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse
  • Member — Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board
  • Chief Executive Officer — Canadian Dairy Commission
  • Deputy Chief Commissioner — Canadian Human Rights Commission
  • Member — Canadian Human Rights Commission
  • Member — Canadian Museum of Nature
  • Trustee — National Gallery of Canada
  • Privacy Commissioner — Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
  • Director (Federal) — Québec Port Authority
  • Director — Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority

Who's affected#

• Canadians interested in federal board and leadership roles.
• People working in or connected to the listed organizations and sectors: public health and substance-use services, cultural property and museums, dairy/agriculture, human rights, privacy, ports and major infrastructure.
• The boards and staff of the named organizations, who will see new or replacement leaders appointed.
• If it is unclear who exactly will be chosen for each role, the notice does not give selection timelines or specific candidate criteria beyond the general priorities above.

Why it matters#

• These appointments decide who leads and oversees important public bodies. That can affect how services are run and priorities are set in areas like health, culture, human rights, privacy and transport.
• The emphasis on diversity and healthy workplaces matters for representation and the culture inside those organizations.
• For people seeking public-sector leadership roles, this is a concrete opportunity to apply.