Current Opportunities

Chairperson of the Board

NOTICE OF VACANCY

BLUE WATER BRIDGE CANADA

CHAIRPERSON (part-time position)

The Blue Water Bridge Gateway connects Sarnia/Point Edward, Ontario and Port Huron, Michigan over the St. Clair River. The Blue Water Bridge is an essential economic link between Ontario and Michigan as well as a wider economic corridor through the United States and southerly to Mexico. This essential port of Blue Water Bridge Canada is responsible for managing the Canadian side of the Gateway, and is a leader in expanding border capacity and in establishing innovative and effective key practices for managing a Canadian border crossing. With traffic volume averaging 13 000 vehicles per day, and as many as 16 000 cars and 5 500 trucks crossing on a busy day, the Gateway is the second largest commercial crossing between Canada and the United States. The Gateway supports the transport of over $42.7 billion worth of commercial goods a year and is a significant contributor to the economy of Ontario as well as to the larger Canadian economy.

The Chairperson reports to Parliament through the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and is responsible for the oversight of the Corporation's activities and providing strategic policy direction for Blue Water Bridge Canada and presiding over the activities of the Board of Directors.

The successful candidate should have a degree from a recognized university with acceptable specialization in business administration, public administration, commerce, finance, economics or some other specialty relevant to the position, or an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience. The preferred candidate will have significant experience serving on Boards of Directors of major public and/or private corporations preferably as a Chairperson, as well as experience with modern corporate governance and best practices. Experience in a large organization, preferably with large multi-modal transportation networks, including bridges and international crossings, is required. The chosen candidate must have significant experience dealing with different levels of government, preferably with senior officials.

The selected candidate must have knowledge of the mandate of Blue Water Bridge Canada, its legislative framework and activities, as well as knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of a Chairperson, including the fundamental responsibilities to the Government of Canada as shareholder. Knowledge of strategic corporate planning, monitoring and evaluation of corporate performance, as well as knowledge of political and public policy environments, processes and best practices is required. The preferred candidate must have knowledge of human resources and financial management. The selected candidate must also have knowledge of the Canada-US relationship, particularly as it relates to international crossings in the context of heightened security concerns. An appreciation for and sensitivity to aboriginal customs, methods of business, mandates and objectives in land claims and archaeology issues are necessary.

The Chairperson must be an individual of integrity and sound judgment, be adaptable and tactful, and possess superior leadership and interpersonal skills. The preferred candidate must have the ability to develop effective working relationships with different levels of Government as well as Blue Water Bridge Canada’s partners and stakeholders. The ability to anticipate emerging issues and develop strategies to enable the Board to seize opportunities and resolve problems is essential. The preferred candidate must have the ability to foster debate and discussions among Board members, facilitate consensus and manage conflicts. The successful candidate will adhere to high ethical standards and must demonstrate strong leadership and managerial skills to ensure the Board conducts its work effectively. Superior communications skills, both written and oral, and have the ability to act as a spokesperson in dealing with the media, public institutions, governments and other organizations is required.

Proficiency in both official languages would be an asset.

Prospective candidates should note that, pursuant to the Blue Water Bridge Act, members of the Blue Water Bridge Authority including the Chairperson, serve without remuneration but are entitled to be reimbursed out of the revenues of Blue Water Bridge Canada for travel, living and other necessary expenses incurred by them in the performance of their duties.

The preferred candidate must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders. The guidelines are available on the Governor in Council Appointments Website, under “Reference Material” at www.appointments-nominations.gc.ca.

The selected candidate will be subject to the Conflict of Interest Act. Public office holders appointed on a full time basis must submit to the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, within 60 days of appointment, a Confidential Report in which they disclose all of their assets, liabilities and outside activities. For more information please visit the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner’s website at http://ciec-ccie.gc.ca.

The government is committed to ensuring that its appointments are representative of Canada’s regions and official languages, as well as of women, Aboriginal peoples, disabled persons and visible minorities.

This notice has been placed in the Canada Gazette to assist the Governor in Council in identifying qualified candidates for this position. It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on the Web site: www.bwbc.gc.ca.

Interested candidates should forward their curriculum vitae by December 16, 2011, to the Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet (Senior Personnel), Privy Council Office, 59 Sparks Street, 1st Floor, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0A3, 613-957-5006 (facsimile), GICA-NGEC@bnet.pco-bcp.gc.ca (email).

English and French notices of vacancies will be produced in an alternative format (audio cassette, diskette, braille, large print, etc.) upon request. For further information, please contact Publishing and Depository Services, Public Works and Government Services Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0S5, 613-941-5995 or 1-800-635-7943.

Selection Criteria