Commissioner - AMENDMENT, Law Commission of Canada

**If you have applied between December 14, 2023, and February 08, 2024, you do not need to re-apply to be considered for this position.

The Law Commission of Canada, established under the Law Commission of Canada Act, is an independent agency mandated to study and keep under systematic review, in a manner that reflects the concepts and institutions of the common law and civil law systems, the law of Canada and its effects with a view to providing independent advice on improvements, modernization and reform that will ensure a just legal system that meets the changing needs of Canadian society.

The Commission plays a unique leadership role in the exploration of, and engagement with, concepts in law, accessibility of law, and critical approaches to law. It provides independent advice to Government, develops new approaches to law, and forges productive networks among academic and other communities in Canada. Accountable to all Canadians (formally via an annual report to Parliament), the Law Commission of Canada design its program of studies with support and guidance from its Advisory Council and in consultation with the Minister of Justice.

The Commission may consider important topics that could include:  systemic racism in the justice system, access to justice, legal issues around climate change, establishing a new relationship with Indigenous Peoples and rapid technological shifts in the world. 

The Commission consists of a full-time President and four part-time Commissioners. Part-time is understood to be equivalent to a 10% commitment, corresponding to one half-day per week (two days per month) on average over the year. Part-time Commissioners are appointed for a four-year term.

Part-time Commissioners may provide advice and guidance to the President; participate in policy functions of the Commission with particular engagement at the level of research directions; participate in guiding the appointment of members to the Advisory Council; and, together with the President, are responsible for reviewing and approving reports and recommendations of the Commission.

Members of the Commission and its Advisory Council should be broadly representative of the diversity of Canada, represent various disciplines and reflect knowledge of the legal traditions and systems of Canada.

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;


• A graduate degree in law or in a field relevant to the Commission's work would be an asset;


• Extensive work experience in a field relevant to the work of the Commission;


• Experience in stakeholder management and outreach, including building and maintaining effective relationships and partnerships with external stakeholders such as senior officials from government, strategic partners within Canada and internationally, provincial and territorial governments, and with academia, non-government and private sector organizations;


• Experience in leading or participating in research projects in a field relevant to the work of the Commission would be an asset;


• Experience in consulting with racialized and / or Indigenous groups would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Canadian legal system;


• Knowledge of the overall structure of the federal government;


• Detailed knowledge of one or more areas of law or of a field related to the work of the Commission;


• Knowledge of bijuralism in Canada (knowledge of both the common and civil law systems and their interaction) would be considered an asset;


• Knowledge of one or more of the following areas would be considered an asset: Indigenous law; equality rights, including systemic discrimination; technology and the law; criminal law and the criminal justice system;


• Knowledge of Indigenous legal traditions would be considered an asset.


• Superior communication skills, both oral and written, to represent and support the work of the Commission;
  


• Ability to develop and nurture effective and collaborative working relationships with diverse groups within Canadian society;
  


• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• High ethical standards, integrity and sound judgment


• Intellectual and strategic leadership


• Superior interpersonal and communication skills


• Impartiality and tact

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 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 here) will begin on February 23, 2024. 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.