Appointment opportunities: Atlantic Fisheries Licence Appeal Board

We know that our country is stronger — and our government more effective — when decision-makers reflect Canada's diversity. The Government of Canada has implemented an appointment process that is transparent and merit-based, strives for gender parity, and ensures that Indigenous Canadians and minority groups are properly represented in positions of leadership. We will continue to search for Canadians who reflect the values that we all embrace: inclusion, honesty, fiscal prudence, and generosity of spirit. Together, we will build a government as diverse as Canada.

The overarching goal of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard is to protect our three oceans, coasts, waterways and fisheries and ensure that they remain healthy for future generations.

The Government of Canada is currently seeking applications from diverse and talented Canadians from across the country who are interested in the following positions:

Board Member (part-time positions)
Atlantic Fisheries Licence Appeal Board

The Atlantic Fisheries Licence Appeal Board is an appeal board that operates at arm's length from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. It provides commercial fish harvesters with an independent last level of appeal when they are dissatisfied with licensing decisions made by departmental officials. In addition to making recommendations to the Minister on such appeals, the Board also reviews and makes recommendation on any licensing decision referred to it by the Minister.

The Board is comprised of members appointed by the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard to serve one of the following regions: Newfoundland and Labrador; Maritimes; Gulf (Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick); and Quebec. Candidates are asked to specify the regional Board for which they are seeking appointment.

Board members are responsible for hearing licence appeal cases and providing recommendations to the Minister based on participation in the hearings.

Further details about the Board's composition and its role in the appeal process can be found by reviewing Chapter 7 and Annex V of the Commercial Fisheries Licensing Policy for Eastern Canada – 1996.

Candidates must apply online by January 31, 2021. English and French appointment opportunities will be produced in an alternative format upon request. Your cover letter and résumé should be sent to appointments-nominations@dfo-mpo.gc.ca at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Per Diem: $250 for Board members ($350 for the Chair), plus travel and living expenses; there is also a $75 flat rate per case for reviewing case documents
Position Location: Various locations

Official languages and diversity

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency and diversity in assessing candidates for these positions. You are therefore encouraged to include in your online profile your ability to speak and understand your second official language. Preference may be given to candidates who are members of one or more of the following groups: women, Indigenous peoples, disabled persons, and members of visible minorities.

Please note that there will be no interviews held for this selection process. It is therefore imperative that you clearly demonstrate in your application with concrete examples how you meet the following Essential requirements:

Education and experience

• A degree from a recognized university or an acceptable combination of education, training and job-related experience
• Experience using a computer for communication, research, word processing (Microsoft Word) and to participate in virtual meetings (Microsoft Teams, Zoom)

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Current knowledge of the Atlantic fishery, including an understanding of its social and economic importance in Canada
• Ability to understand and interpret the Commercial Fisheries Licensing Policy for Eastern Canada - 1996
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with others, including perceived fairness and effectiveness in seeking and achieving consensus and formulating sound recommendations on individual cases
• Strong analytical skills
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to make timely and effective written decisions

The following qualifications, though not essential, will be considered assets:

Asset qualifications

• Experience working in the Atlantic fishing industry or in fisheries management/policy
• Experience serving on a Board

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

• High ethical standards and integrity
• Sound judgment
• Impartiality
• Tact
• Discretion

Eligibility factors and conditions of employment

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

• Must not currently be an active participant in the fishing industry
• Must be computer literate and have access to high-speed internet
• Must be willing to participate in meetings (the frequency of which will vary by region, caseload and number of available board members, but could be monthly in some regions) and be able to contribute to the work of the Board. Please note that meetings will be held using virtual technologies whenever possible.
• Must be willing and able to travel across Atlantic Canada and/or participate in virtual hearings

If you are appointed to one of these positions:

• You must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders throughout your appointment, as a term and condition of employment. The guidelines are available on the Governor in Council Appointments Web site, under "Compensation, terms and conditions of employment", then “Terms and conditions applying to Governor in Council appointees.”
• You will be subject to the Conflict of Interest Act. For more information, please visit the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner's Web site.

A roster of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar opportunities.