Notice of Opportunity for Ministerial Appointment:
Sustainable Development Advisory Council

Position: Members of the Minister's Sustainable Development Advisory Council

We are inviting applications to fill 17 positions on the Sustainable Development Advisory Council starting in May 2025 for a 4-year term.

The positions will be for representatives of the following:

• provinces and territories
  • Newfoundland (1)
  • Prince-Edward-Island (1)
  • New-Brunswick (1)
  • Saskatchewan (1)
  • Northwest Territories (1)
  • Nunavut (1)
  • Yukon (1)
• other representation categories
  • Environmental Non-Governmental Organization (1)
  • Business Organization (2)
  • Labour Organization (2)
  • Indigenous Peoples (5)

Description

Mandate

The Sustainable Development Advisory Council (the Council) is established under the Federal Sustainable Development Act and is responsible for reviewing and commenting on drafts of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, as well as providing advice on any matter of sustainable development referred to it by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

Composition

The Council is made up of members of the Canadian public that represent the views of different provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples, as well as environmental non-governmental organizations and business and labour organizations.

Key activities

• The Council meets annually at the Minister's request to discuss sustainable development issues in Canada
• During the 12-month period when a Federal Sustainable Development Strategy is developed and tabled, the Council will meet at least twice during that period
  • Firstly, at the beginning of the 120-day consultation period to introduce the draft Strategy, place it in context, and invite comments
  • Secondly, at the conclusion of the consultation period to provide advice to the Minister on the draft Strategy
• Council members may be engaged to support activities contributing to public engagement or increased federal understanding of perspectives on sustainable development
• These activities may include collaborative presentations, discussions, or the provision of expertise on sustainable development issues
  • The Minister may refer any matter related to sustainable development to the Council at any time
• In carrying out their duties, Council members will represent their respective constituencies' interests, points of view, and concerns
  • Environment and Climate Change Canada's Sustainable Development Office provides Secretariat functions

Remuneration

These are volunteer positions. As required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act, Council members will hold office without remuneration. Members will be reimbursed for travel expenses related to scheduled meetings, subject to the Treasury Board's Directive on Travel, Hospitality, Conference and Event Expenditures.

Position location/time commitment

Council members will be asked to participate in an annual meeting with the Minister and at least two meetings during public consultations on the draft Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, to be held at a time and date chosen by the Minister [Chair]. Meetings may be virtual or hybrid. Members will also be encouraged to collaborate outside of scheduled meetings.

How to apply

Candidates must submit an application in English or French in the Sustainable Development Advisory Council Notice of Opportunity Application by January 3, 2025. The application must include the following:

• curriculum vitae and contact information (address, email, social media account handles, and phone number) (maximum 2 pages)
• a cover letter addressing the education, experience and knowledge requirements, and personal attributes (maximum 2 pages)
• contact information for two references: one current educational/professional and one previous educational/professional
• proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residence
• a completed application form addressing the eligibility criteria and qualifications

Incomplete applications or applications that don't meet the requirements set out above, may not be considered. Questions can be directed to SDO-BDD@ec.gc.ca.

Eligibility criteria and qualifications

To be considered for one of these positions, you must be currently residing in Canada and identify whether you are a member of one of the following membership categories:

• a resident of the province or territory that you are applying to represent
• employed by a labour, business, or environmental non-government organization
• an Indigenous person

To be considered for this position, please provide concrete examples in your application that clearly demonstrate how you meet the following education and experience requirements.

Education, Experience & Knowledge Requirements

• A degree from a recognized university or an acceptable combination of education, job-related training, and/or experience in the areas related to the work of the Council, such as sustainable development, economics, public policy, public administration, natural resources management, social sciences, or a related field
• Knowledge of sustainable development issues relevant to the Council, particularly as outlined in the 2022 to 2026 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy
• An understanding of the responsibilities of different jurisdictions within Canada with respect to sustainable development
• Ability to speak about sustainable development issues arising from the perspective of your membership category
• Recognized expertise in their field, with an extensive network
• Communication skills
• Ability to speak both official languages is an asset

If you move on to the next stage of the selection process, your references will be contacted to verify how you have demonstrated the above requirements and the following personal attributes in your current and recently held positions:

Personal Attributes

• Leadership
• Sound judgment
• High ethical standards and integrity
• Diplomacy and tact
• Superior interpersonal skills
• Proactive and solutions-oriented

Official languages and diversity

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency and diversity in assessing candidates for these positions. Please indicate your ability to speak and understand your second official language in your application.

The Government is committed to ensuring that its appointments take into consideration the desire to achieve gender parity and reflect Canada's diversity in terms of linguistic, regional, and employment equity representation. You are therefore encouraged to indicate in your application if you are a member of one or more of the following employment equity groups: women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities. Information on employment equity.  

Eligibility factors and conditions of appointment

• Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents
• Members must make themselves available to participate in Council meetings at least once per year

If you are appointed to this position:

• members must comply with the ethical, political activity, and conflict of interest guidelines applicable to federal Ministerial appointments
  • they 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 “reliability” security clearance may be required
• members must comply with the Council's Terms of Reference (available upon request)

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

Privacy Actnotice statement

The personal information is collected pursuant to section 8 of the Federal Sustainable Development Act.

The information is collected, used and disclosed for the purpose of filling 17 positions on the Sustainable Advisory Council starting May 2025 for a 4-year term. The notice informs candidates that they must submit their application by email and that their application must include their curriculum vitae and contact information; contact information for two references; proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residence; and a completed application form. Your participation and decision to provide any information is voluntary.

The personal information created, held or collected by Environment and Climate Change Canada is protected under the Privacy Act. Information in this notice will be used, disclosed and retained in accordance with the conditions listed in the Personal Information Bank Members of Boards, Committees and Councils PSU 919.

Any questions or comments regarding this privacy notice may be directed to Environment and Climate Change Canada's Access to Information and Privacy Division at ECATIP-ECAIPRP@ec.gc.ca. If you are not satisfied that your privacy has been adequately respected, you have the right to file a complaint. You may contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada by calling their information center at 1-800-282-1376 or by visiting the OPCC contact page.