Chairperson - AMENDMENT, National Seniors Council

**If you have applied between August 23, 2023, and September 27, 2023, you do not need to re-apply to be considered for this position.

The National Seniors Council (Council) advises the Government of Canada, through the Minister of Labour and Seniors and the Minister of Health, on matters related to the well-being, health, and quality of life of older adults, including the opportunities and challenges arising from a rapidly growing and increasingly diverse aging population.

As directed by its responsible ministers, the National Seniors Council:

• Advises on current and emerging issues and opportunities related to the quality of life and well‑being of older adults;


• Undertakes activities such as commissioning research, convening expert panels and roundtables, and holding consultative meetings as needed; and


• Delivers well-balanced advice, taking into account the views of experts, older adults, organizations and groups that provide older adults; programs and services, provincial / territorial advisory bodies on older adults, and other relevant stakeholders and interested parties.

The Chairperson provides leadership for the Council, presides over all its meetings, serves as a primary spokesperson with media, stakeholders, and government officials, liaises and communicates advice to federal ministers on behalf of the Council, and works with the Council Secretariat, providing direction regarding its activities.

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.

To be considered, please ensure that the information provided in your curriculum vitae and cover letter clearly demonstrate how you meet the following requirements:

Education and Experience

• A university or college diploma in a relevant field of study or an acceptable combination of education, training, and / or experience;


• A postgraduate degree would be considered an asset;


• Experience chairing boards or committees, facilitating public meetings or panel discussions and speaking to the media;


• Professional (inclusive of community organizations), academic or research experience in a field related to or affecting older adults or population aging;


• Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary research or project team and / or experience working as a member of a board or a committee, or equivalent experience;


• Experience working with older adults, particularly from one of the following groups: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of a visible minority group or equity-deserving group, immigrants and 2SLGBTQI+ communities;


• Experience in interacting or partnering with the federal government or a provincial or territorial government, preferably with senior government officials, would be considered an asset and;


• A record of academic, peer-reviewed publications in a field related to older adults or population aging would be considered an asset.

If you move on to the next stage of the selection process, the following criteria will be assessed:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of matters related to the well-being, quality of life, and health of older adults in Canada;


• Knowledge of the opportunities and challenges arising from Canada's aging population;


• Knowledge regarding older adults in one of the following groups: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of a visible minority group or equity-deserving group, immigrants and 2SLGBTQI+ communities;


• Knowledge of the federal government and its roles and responsibilities in terms of policy, programs and services relating to older adults and Canada's aging population would be considered an asset;


• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain productive and collaborative relationships and to work with older adults, experts, organizations representing older adults, groups that provide older adults programs and services, provincial/territorial advisory bodies and other relevant stakeholders;


• Demonstrated ability to provide recommendations and advice, including coordinated responses to emerging priorities and urgent issues (e.g., impact of the COVID-19 pandemic), on older adults health, well-being, and quality of life;  


• Demonstrated ability to lead initiatives (e.g., research, expert panels, consultative meetings, and multidisciplinary projects) in either community, voluntary, business, academic, or professional sectors that serve the needs or broader interests of older adults; and


• Demonstrated ability to analyze and communicate research findings and make recommendations to policymakers and to a broader audience of stakeholders.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

If you move on to the next stage of the selection process, we will contact your references to confirm that you meet the above selection criteria and that you possess the following Personal Attributes:

• Judgement and integrity


• Analytical skills


• High ethical standards


• Superior interpersonal and communication 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 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 available for approximately 125 hours (15-20 days) of remunerated work per year. This includes preparation for and participation in Council meetings, discussions, and events.


• Appointees must be willing and able to travel across Canada 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

Review of applications (more information here) will begin on October 11, 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.