Chairperson, Telefilm Canada

Telefilm Canada is a federal cultural agency dedicated to the development and promotion of the Canadian audiovisual industry. It acts as one of the Canadian government’s principal instruments for providing strategic leverage to the private sector, supplying the film, television and interactive digital media industries with financial and strategic support. Telefilm Canada’s role is to foster the production of films, television programs and cultural products that reflect Canadian society with its linguistic duality and cultural diversity, and to encourage their dissemination at home and abroad.

Telefilm Canada is governed by a Board of Directors composed of six members appointed by the Governor in Council and the Government Film Commissioner, appointed under the National Film Act.

Members of the Board are responsible for supervising the management of the business and its affairs to ensure its mission is carried out effectively and efficiently. The Board may determine ways to improve its performance and, if applicable, review the agreements signed with the Department of Canadian Heritage for the provision of services to the audiovisual and sound recording industries.

The Board is also responsible for the annual performance evaluation of the Executive Director, whose role is to manage day-to-day operations, so Telefilm evolves in line with the directions determined by the Board. The Board is accountable to the Minister of Canadian Heritage for the stewardship of the Telefilm’s management.

The Chairperson is responsible for the proper conduct of board meetings to ensure Telefilm’s mandate and objectives are carried out effectively, ensuring good value for the funding provided by taxpayers, maintaining Telefilm’s viability and holding management accountable for its performance.

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 in a relevant field of study, or an acceptable combination of relevant education, job-related training and / or experience;
  


• Significant experience serving as a member or Chairperson of a board of directors of a large private or public organization, or a major not-for-profit organization;
  


• Experience in the development of strategies, objectives and plans, risk oversight and financial management as well as corporate best practices;
  


• Experience at the senior executive level within the private or public sector in dealing with the federal government, preferably with senior government officials;
  


• Experience working with the arts and cultural sectors, preferably in the audiovisual industry and in promotion activities, would be considered an asset; and
  


• Experience in advancing diversity and inclusion and Indigenous engagement strategies in an institutional context would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and mission of Telefilm Canada, its business activities, strategic priorities and public policy issues, as well as its governing legislation;
  


• Knowledge of Telefilm Canada's partners and leaders, as well as emerging and global trends and new technologies;
  


• Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the Chairperson, the Board, and the Director and Chief Executive Officer of a Crown corporation, including the fundamental accountabilities to all Canadians;


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


• Ability to identify, analyze and define priorities and strategies within a local, national and global context;
  


• Ability to interpret financial statements;
  


• Ability to lead and/or support transitions or transformational change in an organization;


• Ability to lead strategic discussions, foster debate among Board members and facilitate consensus and manage conflicts should they arise; and


• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with Telefilm's senior management, the Minister of Canadian Heritage, his office, the Deputy Minister of Canadian Heritage, and the industry's key stakeholders and partners.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Innovative and strategic leadership


• High ethical standards and integrity


• Tact and diplomacy


• Sound judgment


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Collegial / 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 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.


• The appointee must not have any pecuniary interest (e.g. business or wider financial interests) in the audio-visual industry, directly or indirectly and individually or as a shareholder, partner or otherwise. (statutory)


• You must be willing to travel across Canada and internationally.


• You must be prepared to commit to an average of 75 days annually to the position.

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 October 19, 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.