Notice of Appointment Opportunities
Canadian representatives at APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC)

Appointment Opportunities

We know that our country is stronger — and our government more effective — when decision-makers reflect Canada’s diversity. The Government of Canada’s appointment process is transparent and merit-based, strives for gender parity, and ensures that Indigenous Canadians and minority groups are properly represented in positions of leadership. We will continue to search for Canadians who reflect the values that we all embrace: inclusion, honesty, fiscal prudence, and generosity of spirit. Together, we will build a government as diverse as Canada.

The Government of Canada is currently seeking applications from diverse and talented Canadians from across the country interested in the following positions:

Canadian Representatives - APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) (part-time)

The Prime Minister and the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade seek to ensure that Canadians benefit from dynamic trade and investment opportunities in the Asia Pacific region through participation in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). ABAC is the primary vehicle to ensure the private sector plays a leading role in shaping the APEC agenda. The role of ABAC representatives is to provide advice to APEC Leaders from a business perspective on how to strengthen trade in the Asia-Pacific region. ABAC members participate in four annual ABAC meetings, hosted by various APEC economies, and the annual ABAC Dialogue with APEC Leaders on the margins of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Summit. ABAC members can also participate in ABAC working groups.

The role of Canadian ABAC members is critical in providing a Canadian perspective within APEC on challenges or best practices relating to trade and investment faced by Canadian companies engaged in the Asia-Pacific region. Canadian ABAC members have the mandate to engage the broader Canadian business community to gather information on issues within the APEC region, and provide recommendations that could help facilitate trade and investment flows. ABAC members also provide advice to the Government of Canada on APEC policy issues. They are called upon to make regular reports to the Prime Minister detailing their own priorities and activities at ABAC, findings from their consultations with the Canadian business community, and insights on what ABAC intends to present to APEC Leaders.

ABAC comprises of up to three members of the private sector from each APEC member economy.  A list of current ABAC members.

Candidates must apply online via the Global Affairs Canada website. Your cover letter should be addressed to the Convenor of the Selection Committee, Mr. James Christoff. Your cover letter, CV and the application form should be sent only through the online application.

Official Languages and Diversity

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency and diversity in assessing candidates for these positions. You are therefore encouraged to include in your online profile your ability to speak and understand your second official language. Preference may be given to candidates who are members of one or more of the following groups: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities.

To be considered for one of these positions, please provide examples from your career that clearly demonstrate how you meet the following criteria in your application:

Experience

• Extensive experience in an executive position representing Canadian business interests in international business, fora or institutions dealing with markets in the APEC region for a minimum of 3 years (cumulative);
• Experience on a board of directors/trustees of a public, private or not-for-profit sector organization would be an asset;
• Experience in implementing modern corporate governance and best practices would be an asset;
• Experience with addressing emerging issues, seizing opportunities, and promoting innovative ideas to advance Canadian interests.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Asia-Pacific region, APEC and ABAC;
• Understanding of policy and regulations in relation to trade and investment (e.g. business to business (BTB) trade barriers, trade agreements, technical cooperation);
• Knowledge of free trade agreements that are in effect or being negotiated in the Asia-Pacific region, and challenges to promoting more open trade and investment in the region;
• Effective working relationships and extensive business networks in the Asia-Pacific region and international fora.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be an asset.

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

In your application, it will be important that you confirm you meet the following requirements:

• You are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident within the meaning of subsection 2(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (statutory);
• You are able to make an annual time commitment, excluding committee work, of around 4 weeks for the duration of the appointment, and be available for conference calls when required;
• You are willing to travel internationally
• You are willing to attend the fourth ABAC meeting held in conjunction with the APEC Leaders’ Summit (usually in November), and at least two of the three other annual ABAC meetings

Please indicated if you meet the following asset criteria:

• You are currently working for a Canadian company, or are retired from a Canadian company

If you are appointed to one of these positions:

You must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders throughout your appointment, as a term and condition of employment. The guidelines are available on the Governor in Council Appointments Web site, under “Forms and reference material”.

You will be subject to the Conflict of Interest Act. For more information, please visit the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner’s website.

You will also need to comply with Treasury Board’s Travel Directives for public service officers.

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

How to Apply

Candidates must submit an application on-line or by mail.

While we appreciate your application, only applicants whose candidacy are being retained will be notified. A variety of assessment tools may be used to screen and assess applicants, including curriculum vitae.