Commissioner, First Nations Tax Commission

The First Nations Tax Commission (FNTC) is one of three First Nation institutions created through the First Nations Fiscal Management Act (the Act or FMA). The Act is a First Nations-led, opt-in legislation that provides First Nations with a legislative and institutional framework to exercise jurisdiction in the areas of financial management and taxation and provides a mechanism for First Nations to access long-term financing at preferred rates through the issuance of bonds on capital markets, similar to other governments in Canada.

The FNTC regulates, supports and advances First Nation taxation under the FMA and under section 83 of the Indian Act. It reviews and approves local revenue laws, builds capacity, reconciles First Nation government and taxpayer interests, and provides research, advocacy and services to advance First Nation jurisdiction.

As a shared governance institution, the FNTC is not an agent of the Crown except for local revenue laws approval and is accountable to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations.

Commissioners of the First Nations Tax Commission are responsible for the overall direction of the Commission, ensuring that it fulfils its legal and regulatory mandate under the Act. To this end, among other duties, Commissioners support the development and promotion of a framework of laws and standards that enable First Nation governments with property tax systems to maintain their tax jurisdiction; review and approve local revenue regimes for participating First Nations; provide dispute resolution services and adjudicated decisions that are equitable and fair; and help to develop strategies and approaches to promote and foster First Nation understanding of the concepts, principles and processes for real property taxation as a sustainable source of revenue.

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.

The Government of Canada will consider proficiency in English and/or French and linguistic diversity in assessing applicants. You are therefore encouraged to include in your online profile your ability to speak and understand English and/or French and any other language, such as an Indigenous language.

For these positions, preference will be given to Indigenous applicants.

Education and Experience

• A degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study, or an acceptable combination of education, job-related training and /or experience;


• Experience in administration, management, economic development, taxation, land management, or local government negotiations;


• Experience with community relations and stakeholder engagement;


• Experience in dispute resolution;


• Experience in managing human and financial resources;


• Serving as a member or chairperson of a board of directors in the public or private sector or a First Nations Council would be considered an asset;


• Experience working with First Nations communities would be considered an asset;


• Experience with First Nations taxation or as a rate payer to a First Nation would be considered an asset;


• Experience with multiple tax jurisdictions would be considered an asset; and


• Experience in policy research and development would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, including the role and mandate of the First Nations Tax Commission, and other related legislation;


• Good financial literacy such as knowledge of the different forms of taxation, income tax rates, interest rates, loan structure, etc;


• Knowledge of property taxation, the First Nations tax system, and land development on reserves;


• Knowledge of First Nations governments, cultures, societies and economies;


• Knowledge of public policy environments, processes,  best practices and issues including considerations related to the agenda of reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples;


• Knowledge of governance best practices, including those related to sound management principles, accountability and transparency;


• Ability to work in close collaboration with private and public sector representatives, and the public in partnership with Indigenous stakeholders; and


• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, and the ability to manage communications with a variety of stakeholders.


• Sound understanding and knowledge, or willingness to undertake a program of learning and training, of good governance and Board member conduct, duties and responsibilities;


• Ability to manifest a set of generally accepted leadership qualities and qualifications (i.e., accountability, integrity, tolerance, confidence, results-oriented, and ability to make difficult decisions).

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Sound judgment


• High ethical standards and integrity


• Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills


• Strong analytical skills


• Collaborative

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 Conflicts 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.


In your application, it will be important that you confirm you meet the following requirements:


• You are willing and able to dedicate up to 100 days annually for meetings, preparation and travel.


• You are willing and able to travel within Canada for a minimum of four scheduled meetings, which last two days each.


• As the First Nations Fiscal Management Act requires that three of the Commissioners be taxpayers using reserve lands, with one such commissioner being a residential taxpayer, one a commercial taxpayer and one a utility taxpayer, your application should indicate whether you are qualified to be considered under this requirement, and if so, under which of the three categories (commercial, residential or utility) (statutory).

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 Monday, April 10th, 2023. 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.