Global Affairs Canada - Minister of Foreign Affairs Governor in Council Appointments

The Minister of Foreign Affairs is responsible for recommending Governor in Council appointments to different entities. These entities perform a variety of different functions.

Asia-Pacific Foundation of Canada

The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada is an independent, not-for-profit think tank dedicated to enhacing Canada's relations with Asia. The Foundation functions as a knowledge broker, bringing together people and knowledge to provide the most current and comprehensive research, analysis and information on Canada's transpacific relations. Created under the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada Act, it promotes dialogue on economic, security, political and social issues, helping to influence public policy and foster informed decision-making in the Canadian public, private and non-governmental sectors.

The Board of Directors of the Foundation consists of a Chairperson, not more than twenty four other Directors and the President of the Foundation. The Chairman and up to four directors may be appointed by the Governor in Council (GIC), after consultation by the Minister of Foreign Affairs with the Board.

For more information on the Foundation, visit the Asia-Pacific Foundation of Canada website.

International Joint Commission

The International Joint Commission is an independent binational organization established by the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909. Its purpose is to help prevent and resolve disputes relating to the use and quality of boundary waters and to advise Canada and the United States on related questions. Canada and the United States created the International Joint Commission because they recognized that each country is affected by the other's actions in lake and river systems along the border. The two countries cooperate to manage these waters wisely and to protect them for the benefit of today's citizens and future generations.

Each national section of the International Joint Commission is composed of three Commissioners, one of whom acts as Chairman of the section. The three Canadian Commissioners are appointed by the Governor in Council.

For more information on the Commission, visit the International Joint Commission website.

Roosevelt Campobello International Park Commission

Under the international treaty between Canada and the United States, the Roosevelt Campobello International Park Commission was charged to take the necessary measures to restore the Roosevelt home as closely as possible to its condition when it was occupied by President Roosevelt, and to administer, as a memorial, the Roosevelt Campobello International Park. The treaty specifies that the two countries share equally in the costs of development, operation, and maintenance of the Park.

The Commission has equal representation from Canada and the United-States and consists of six members and six alternate members.  There are three members appointed by the Canadian Government by the Governor in Council and three alternates appointed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

For more information on the Commission, visit the Roosevelt Campobello International Park Commission website.

Applying for a position

The Government of Canada is moving quickly to apply a more rigorous approach to Governor in Council appointments. More information about the new approach and Governor in Council Appointments is available online.