Member, Canadian Human Rights Tribunal

Portfolio: Justice

Position title: Member

Organization: Canadian Human Rights Tribunal

Headquarters location: National Capital Region

Workplace location:

National Capital Region (full-time)
Across Canada (part-time)

Type: Part-time or full-time

Salary range: $184,200.00 – $216,600.00/Year

Per diem: $920.00 – $1,080.00

Closing date: May 14, 2026

Opportunity number: J0326-1252

The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal is a quasi-judicial administrative tribunal mandated by the Canadian Human Rights Act to inquire into complaints of discrimination in the federally regulated sphere (federal government institutions and Crown corporations, First Nation governments, banks, airlines, broadcasters, interprovincial transportation and communications undertakings). The Tribunal decides whether a person or organization has engaged in a discriminatory practice under the Act. The purpose of this Act is to give effect to the principle that all individuals should have an opportunity equal with other individuals to make for themselves the lives that they are able and wish to have and to have their needs accommodated, consistent with their duties and obligations as members of society, without being hindered in or prevented from doing so by discriminatory practices. It prohibits discriminatory practices based on one or more of the following 13 prohibited grounds: race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, disability or conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted or in respect of which a record suspension has been ordered. The legislation identifies specific discriminatory practices in the fields of employment, the provision of goods and services, and the provision of residential and commercial accommodation.

Canadian Human Rights Tribunal Members adjudicate complaints that have been referred for inquiry by the Canadian Human Rights Commission. Members are required to impartially preside over hearings across Canada that are conducted virtually, in hybrid form, or in person, and to give all parties a full and ample opportunity to appear, present evidence, and make representations. At the conclusion of the inquiry, Members decide whether a discriminatory practice has occurred, and if so, they determine an appropriate remedy. Canadian Human Rights Tribunal Members are also empowered to preside over proceedings pursuant to the Employment Equity Act, the Pay Equity Act and the Accessible Canada Act. They may also participate in alternative dispute resolution and conduct mediations on occasion. Full time Members must devote the whole of their time to the performance of the duties while Part-time members must be prepared to devote significant time to the work of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, and to be available for all member meetings, trainings and other mandatory professional development sessions. Members are expected to work efficiently and independently, or as part of a team with little to no administrative support.

Education and Experience

Please ensure that the information provided in your curriculum vitae and cover letter clearly demonstrates how you meet the following requirements:

• A degree from a recognized university or an acceptable combination of equivalent education, training and job-related experience;
• Experience, expertise and interest in and sensitivity to human rights;
• Recent experience as a decision-maker in an administrative tribunal environment adjudicating complex oral adversarial proceedings involving self-represented litigants;
• Significant and recent work experience in assessing information, reviewing submissions and making decisions related to sensitive and complex issues;
• Recent experience in the interpretation and application of legislation or regulations;
• Recent experience drafting written submissions or decisions;
• Experience leading evaluative mediations would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The following criteria will be assessed:

• Knowledge of the mandate and role of the Tribunal, its members and of anti-discrimination law, including the Canadian Human Rights Act, the Employment Equity Act, the Pay Equity Act and the Accessible Canada Act;
• Knowledge of the principles of administrative law, the legal principles in relation to the jurisdiction of administrative tribunals and the law of evidence and administrative tribunal procedures;
• Knowledge of methods for measuring and correcting gender-based inequities in compensation would be considered an asset;
• Knowledge of unionized and non-unionized work environments would be considered an asset;
• Ability to identify relevant facts and analyze information, think conceptually and process complex and large volumes of information to make and write decisions;
• Ability to impartially make timely decisions that are transparent, clear, in plain language, well-reasoned and justifiable;
• Ability to make decisions quickly, under time constraints even where there are gaps in the proof of a party’s case;
• Ability to exercise authority and neutrality in managing an efficient hearing process, including case managing complex adversarial, multi-party matters with self-represented litigants, while ensuring that each party is given a full and fair opportunity to present its case;
• Ability to use alternative dispute resolution and conduct mediations.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages is preferred.

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency when assessing applicants. Your online profile must include your proficiency in speaking and understanding your second official language.

Personal Attributes

The following will be verified by references at a later date:

• Sound judgment and integrity
• High ethical standards and fairness
• Impartiality
• Superior interpersonal skills
• Tact and diplomacy

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The Government of Canada is committed to providing a healthy and accessible workplace, and to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the population it serves. Appointees will be expected to promote and maintain a healthy, respectful, inclusive and harassment-free work environment.

Candidates who belong to one or more of the designated employment equity groups are encouraged to self-identify when applying. Preference may be given to applicants who are members of one or more of the following groups: Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and women.

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

• All appointees must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders throughout the duration of their appointment.
• All appointees are 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 their appointment, a confidential report in which they disclose all of their assets, liabilities and outside activities.
• All appointees are subject to the Terms and conditions applying to Governor in Council appointees. They must uphold the highest standards of probity and are expected to demonstrate behaviours 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, principles and expected behaviours 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 throughout their time in public office.
• Appointees must also respect the principles of any code of conduct that applies to the organization to which they are appointed.
• Appointees must be a member in good standing of the bar of a province or the Chambre des notaires du Québec (statutory).
• Full-time appointees must devote the whole of their time to the performance of the duties (statutory).
• Full-time appointees must reside in, or be willing to relocate to, the National Capital Region or within reasonable commuting distance.
• Appointees must be willing to travel across Canada to attend mediations and hearings.
• Part-time members must be able to work at short-notice and to maintain a flexible schedule to conduct multi-day hearings and to dedicate significant time to managing caseloads and to issuing timely decisions.

A link to this notice will be placed in the Canada Gazette.

A list of qualified candidates may be established and may be considered for other appointment opportunities.

How to Apply

JCandidates must submit their application package, including their curriculum vitae and a cover letter addressed to the Director of Selection Processes, Senior Personnel Secretariat, Privy Council Office, by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 14, 2026, via the Governor in Council Appointments website.

To learn more or if you require support or accommodation to submit your online application, please visit the How to apply page on the website. For alternatives to online applications, please visit the Application Assistance page.

Link to Job Posting: GIC – Member, Canadian Human Rights Tribunal

Deadline: May 16, 2026