Notice of opportunity for Ministerial appointment: Environmental Protection Tribunal of Canada

Position

Review Officer, Environmental Protection Tribunal of Canada (formerly Environmental Protection Review Canada)

Description

Review Officers serve as expert adjudicators appointed by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to undertake independent and impartial reviews, including hearings, of compliance orders issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA), the Canada Wildlife Act, the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, the International River Improvements Act, the Antarctic Environmental Protection Act, the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act and the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act. Such orders are meant to put an immediate stop to suspected illegal activity, to prevent environment-related violations from occurring, or to require action to correct a violation. Review Officers also undertake reviews of administrative monetary penalties (AMPs) issued by ECCC under the Environmental Violations Administrative Monetary Penalties Act (EVAMPA).

Any person (e.g. individual or corporation) who is issued a compliance order or AMP can request an independent review of the order.

A neutral and impartial Review Officer or panel of Reviews Officers assigned by the Chief Review Officer of the Tribunal conducts a review of the order or AMP, including a hearing. Review Officers must render a decision with written reasons.

Remuneration

Remuneration is fixed by the Governor in Council (GiC). Review Officers are paid a per diem rate within the range of $730-840. Travel expenses incurred in the performance of duties are reimbursed at a level consistent with the National Joint Council (NJC) Travel Directive and Treasury Board of Canada Guidelines.

Position Location

Review Officers can reside anywhere in Canada; travel may be required in order to conduct review hearings in different locations across the country.

Time commitment

This is a part-time position. The time commitment is contingent upon the number of reviews requested. Review Officers may be appointed for a term of up to three years.

How to apply

Candidates must submit: a curriculum vitae (c.v.), a cover letter addressing how the education, experience and knowledge criteria listed below are met, and contact information for two references by email to ec.nominations-appointments.ec@canada.ca by July 19, 2019, with the following reference number in the subject line: 201907RO.

To be considered for this position, please provide concrete examples in your cover letter and c.v. that clearly demonstrate how you meet the following education, experience and knowledge requirements:

Education, experience, and knowledge requirements

• A law degree from a recognized university or an acceptable combination of education, job-related training and/or experience in the area of environmental law.
• Experience in interpreting and applying legislation.
• As is required by section 247 of CEPA, Review Officers must be knowledgeable about:
• the conservation and protection of the Canadian environment;
• environmental human health;
• administrative law as it relates to environmental regulation; or
• traditional Aboriginal ecological knowledge.
• Knowledge of CEPA, EVAMPA, the Canada Wildlife Act, the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, the International River Improvements Act, the Antarctic Environmental Protection Act, the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act, and the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act.
• Knowledge of administrative law, including an understanding of the concepts of procedural fairness.
• Experience conducting public administrative hearings is an asset.
• Ability to communicate clearly orally and in writing.

Official Languages and Diversity

Bilingual proficiency is an asset – preference will be given to candidates who are fluent in both official languages of Canada.

The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that its appointments take into consideration the desire to achieve gender parity and reflect Canada’s diversity.

If you move on to the next stage of the selection process, your references will be contacted to verify that you possess the following personal attributes:  

Personal Attributes

• Leadership
• Sound judgment
• High ethical standards and integrity
• Tact and discretion
• Superior skills in:  oral and written communication, dispute resolution, and reasoned decision-making.

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

• Members must be Canadian citizens.
• In your application please confirm that you are willing and able to travel across Canada.
• If appointed to one of these positions:
  • you must not accept or hold any office or employment inconsistent with the functions of a Review Officer under CEPA
  • you must comply with the ethical, political activity and conflict of interest guidelines applicable to federal Ministerial appointments, and are subject to the Conflict of Interest Act. For more information, please visit the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner’s website.

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