Notice of Opportunity for Ministerial appointment: Canadian Environment Domestic Advisory Group (CEDAG)

(Deadline extended: April 15, 2022)

Position

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is seeking to fill vacancies on the Canadian Environment Domestic Advisory Group (CEDAG) established under the Canada-European Union (EU) Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement (CETA). The appointment will start in July 2022, for a three-year term with the possibility of renewal.

Description

CETA’s Chapter 24 on Trade and Environment aims to support sustainable development, strengthen environmental governance, and build on the international environmental agreements to which both Canada and the EU are a party. These objectives are supported through commitments and mechanisms for dialogue and cooperation on trade and environment-related issues.

Under the CETA, Canada and the EU are required to seek the views of civil society, with a balanced representation from environmental groups, business and Indigenous organizations, and other stakeholders, on issues relating to Chapter 24: Trade and Environment. The Canadian Environment Domestic Advisory Group (CEDAG) was established by Canada to fulfill this commitment.

Further details on CETA and the Trade and Environment Chapter can be found on Global Affairs Canada’s website, and information on the advisory group can be found on the Canadian Environment Domestic Advisory Group (CEDAG)’s website.

Key activities

The purpose of the CEDAG is to foster dialogue and allow Canada to seek views and advice on issues related to CETA’s Trade and Environment Chapter. More specifically, members on the CEDAG have three key functions:

1. Providing views and advice on matters under Chapter 24: Trade and Environment ;
2. Participating in the annual Civil Society Forum, which brings together members of Canadian and European civil society to discuss sustainable development issues under CETA ;
3. Serving as a channel through which ECCC can inform stakeholders and Indigenous organizations of public submissions, including complaints, on environment matters related to CETA.

Remuneration

This is a volunteer position; members do not become a part of the Public Service of Canada as a result of this ministerial appointment. Members do not receive gifts, honoraria or fees.

Travel expenses incurred in the performance of duties are reimbursed at a level consistent with the National Joint Council (NJC) Travel Directive and Treasury Board of Canada Guidelines.

Position location/Time commitment

CEDAG members are appointed for a three-year term, with the possibility of reappointment.

Physical CEDAG meetings may be held in the National Capital Region, Canada. The Civil Society Forum takes place annually either in the National Capital Region or in Brussels, Belgium.

Where possible and appropriate, attendance of meetings and the Civil Society Forum may occur via tele/videoconference.

How to apply

Expressions of interest are welcome from individuals currently holding positions in environmental groups, business organizations, Indigenous organizations, academia and think tanks. A letter of nomination from the organization is required with the application package.

Individuals who do not hold such positions, but who have specific expertise or competence in areas covered by CETA’s Trade and Environment Chapter may also apply. Members are selected in a way that ensures a balanced representation of interests and fields of expertise.

Canadiates must sumbit an application to ec.nominations-appointments.ec@canada.ca by April 15, 2022. The application must include the following:  

• Curriculum vitae (CV);
• Contact information for two references;
• Cover Letter;
• Letter of nomination from the organization (if applicable).

To be considered for this opportunity, candidates are asked to provide examples in the Cover Letter and the Curriculum vitae (CV) that clearly demonstrate how the following requirements are met:

Education and experience

• A degree from a recognized university or an acceptable combination of education, job-related training and/or experience in the areas related to the environment, public participation, environment-economy linkages and/or trade and environment issues;
• Experience in positions of leadership, which could include youth, indigenous, business or advocacy leadership;
• Experience in a field relevant to the work of the committee;
• Experience with public consultations.

ECCC may conduct an interview and contact references to verify how candidates have demonstrated the following personal attributes in current and recently held positions.

Personal attributes

• Leadership and sound judgment;
•  High ethical standards and integrity;
• Diplomacy and tact;
• Superior interpersonal skills;
• Initiative.

Diversity and Official Languages

This appointment process aims to ensure fair and equitable representation and distribution of gender, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and a diversity of ethnic and cultural backgrounds that reflects Canadian society. We encourage and value the inclusion of all people including members of the LGBTQ2+ community. Candidates should feel welcome to self-identify as belonging to one of the groups outlined above as the CEDAG strives to establish a diverse membership.

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice.

Eligibility factors and conditions of employment

• Members serve at the pleasure of the Minister of the Environment.
• Members must be Canadian Citizens and reside in Canada.
• Members must be willing and eligible to travel across Canada and to Europe.

If 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.