Director of Public Prosecutions, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (Public Prosecution Service of Canada) is an independent organization, reporting to Parliament through the Attorney General of Canada. The Public Prosecution Service of Canada acts on behalf of the Attorney General of Canada in the discharge of their criminal law mandate by prosecuting offences under more than 40 federal statutes, and by providing prosecution-related legal advice to law enforcement agencies. In the provinces, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada prosecutes non-Criminal Code federal offences (including drug-related offences), a limited number of Criminal Code offences (including those related to terrorism, criminal organizations, money laundering, proceeds of crime, and fraud), and a large number of federal regulatory offences. In the territories, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada prosecutes all federal offences, including Criminal Code offences.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on its website.

The Director oversees the prosecution of these offences to ensure the transparency and integrity of the federal criminal justice system in all regions of Canada. The Director is the Deputy Attorney General of Canada for the purpose of exercising the powers and performing the duties under s. 3(3) of the Director of Public Prosecutions Act and holds office during good behavior for a term of seven years. A Director is not eligible to be reappointed for a further term of office.

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. You are therefore encouraged to include in your online profile your ability to speak and understand your second official language.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor of Laws from a recognized university;


• Member of at least 10 years’ standing of the Bar of one of the provinces or territories of Canada or the Chambre des notaires du Québec;


• Experience in managing at the senior executive level in a private or public sector organization, including managing human and financial resources;


• Experience in senior level decision-making on sensitive matters;


• Experience in providing strategic advice on complex and sensitive issues;


• Experience in criminal law or in litigation under other federal statues is preferred, as well as experience with the law enforcement community;


• Experience in governmental activities and interaction with other departments, particularly central agencies (preferably at a senior level); and


• Experience in change management.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate of the Public Prosecution Service of Canada and of the roles and responsibilities of the Director of Public Prosecutions;


• Knowledge of sound management principles and of the operations of government;


• Knowledge of public policy and practice related to criminal law or offences under federal statutes;


• Knowledge of the principles of reconciliation, Indigenous laws, treaties and legal orders, including restorative justice;


• Knowledge of the criminal justice system and the respective responsibilities of the federal, provincial and territorial governments;


• Knowledge of systemic racism and overrepresentation of Black, Indigenous and other racialized communities in the criminal justice system;


• Strong leadership, managerial, and motivational skills;


• Superior communications skills, both written and oral, and ability to act as a spokesperson in dealing with stakeholders, media, public institutions, governments and other organizations;


• Ability to interpret relevant statutes, regulations and policies and analyze complex situations in order to make equitable decisions and recommendations while anticipating their short- and long-term consequences;


• Ability to exercise independent judgment while working horizontally with key partners in the federal government; and


• Ability to develop and maintain appropriate and effective liaison with key stakeholders.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Excellent judgment


• Impartiality


• High ethical standards and integrity


• Tact and discretion


• Excellent 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.


• You must be a member of at least 10 years standing at the bar of one of the provinces or territories of Canada or the Chambre des notaires du Québec (statutory).


• If you are appointed to this position, you must engage exclusively in the duties and functions of the office under the Act respecting the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions or any other Act of Parliament and you shall not hold any other office or engage in any other employment for reward (statutory).


• If you are appointed to this position, you must reside in or be willing to relocate to the National Capital Region, or to a location within a reasonable commuting distance.


• If you are appointed to this position, you 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 November 2, 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.