Diversity of Governor in Council appointees

Individuals appointed by the Governor in Council (GIC) play an important role in Canada’s democracy by serving on commissions, boards, Crown corporations, agencies and tribunals across the country. The responsibilities are diverse, ranging from making adjudicative decisions and giving advice and making recommendations on a variety of issues to managing large, diversified corporations. GIC appointees directly influence the lives of people in Canada and make a significant contribution to Canadian society. The GIC appointment process pertains to more than 250 federal organizations; certain positions, such as judges, have separate processes reflecting their unique functions.^{Footnote 1}

The Government of Canada is committed to transparent, merit-based appointments, to help ensure that people of all gender identities, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities and other minority groups are reflected in leadership positions. We continue to look for people who reflect the public sector values of respect for democracy, respect for people, integrity, stewardship and excellence.

In general, most selection processes are guided by the following principles:

Open

Selection processes are open to all Canadians, to provide them with an opportunity— if they are interested and have the required qualifications—to participate in their democratic institutions by serving as GIC appointees.

Transparent

Clear information about the requirements and steps involved in the selection process are readily available to the public, in order to reach as many Canadians as possible and attract a strong and diverse field of highly qualified candidates. Appointments are available to the public on the Privy Council Office Orders in Council database.

Merit

The selection process is designed to identify highly qualified candidates who meet the needs of the organization and who are able to perform the duties of the position in question. The process looks for individuals who have the qualifications (education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities) and personal suitability to fill positions, and who are able to meet any statutory and/or other conditions that may be required. The selection criteria—including essential qualifications, personal suitability and statutory requirements, and/or other conditions—are indicated in the Notice of Appointment Opportunity.

Diversity

Recruitment strategies seek to attract qualified candidates who will also help to reflect Canada’s diversity in terms of linguistic, regional and employment equity groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities), as well as members of ethnic and cultural groups. With few exceptions, the government seeks to appoint bilingual candidates to GIC positions.

As of March 14, 2024, there are over 1,840 people appointed to administrative tribunals, agencies, boards, commissions, international organizations, and Crown corporations. Of these appointees, 52.3% identify as women, 16.3% as visible minorities, 7.7% as Indigenous peoples, and 5.3% as persons with a disability.^{Footnote 2Footnote 3}