Chief and Tribunals, Alberta Human Rights

Position: Chief of the Commission and Tribunals, Alberta Human Rights Commission
Alberta Human Rights Commission
Competition #: 846
Ministry :
Justice
Opening Date : 2025/03/04
closing Date : 2025/03/31
Role :
Chief of the Commission and Tribunals
It is recognized in Alberta as a fundamental principle and as a matter of public policy that all persons are equal. Diversity and inclusion are valued and supported on the boards of Alberta's public agencies.

Role Required
The Minister of Justice is seeking applications from individuals interested in serving as the Chief of the Commission and Tribunals for the Alberta Human Rights Commission.

Location
Edmonton OR Calgary as Offices are located in both cities.
About the Agency
The  Alberta Human Rights Act  establishes the Alberta Human Rights Commission as an independent body that reports through the Ministry of Justice. The Commission has a two-fold mandate: to foster equality and to reduce discrimination. This mandate is fulfilled through public education initiatives and the resolution of human rights complaints made under the Act.

Role Description
In this senior official role, the Chief of the Commission and Tribunals provides leadership in setting the vision and overall goals of the Commission to ensure the spirit and intent of the Alberta Human Rights Act are met. The role provides jurisprudential leadership through conducting case management sessions, hearings, mediations, and decision writing. As a Tribunal Member, the Chief conducts Tribunal hearings, writes decisions, conducts mediations, and considers appeals from Director’s decisions.

As head of the Commission, the Chief will set policy direction, oversee educational programs and keep the Minister informed of emergent human rights issues and trends. While respecting the Director’s independence, the Chief works to ensure that Commission procedures enhance access to justice, and the fair, just and expeditious resolution of human rights complaints. The Chief also works with the Director of Communication, Education and Engagement to set the priorities for that unit, including the development of specific projects and initiatives, including in the area of Indigenous Human Rights, accessibility for persons with disabilities, and linking with community organizations that support equality seeking communities.

Skills and Experience Required
The ideal candidates’ background includes:
Extensive executive management and leadership experience,
Well-developed skills in an adjudicative setting, and with dispute resolution, obtained through experience in court, or in quasi-judicial or regulatory agencies, boards or tribunals.
Solid understanding of administrative law and practice and of current and emerging human rights principles and issues is essential.
Candidates will have well-established credibility in their career and are recognized for demonstrating fairness and personal integrity.
Excellent communication complemented by strong analytical skills and a proven ability to write clear and sound legal briefs or decisions in an arbitral, judicial or quasi-judicial role. Prior experience in an adjudicative decision-making role is an asset.

Experience with the Alberta Human Rights Act and related legislation, as well as experience with employment and labour law, is an asset.
A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD) is required. Candidates must have a minimum of eleven years executive/legal (Court, or in quasi-judicial or regulatory agencies, boards or tribunals) experience following admission to the bar in a Canadian jurisdiction and be eligible for membership with the Law Society of Alberta.
Final candidates will be asked to undergo a comprehensive background check, disclosure, and conflict of interest screening.

Remuneration and Time Commitment
The Chief of the Commission and Tribunals is a full-time position.
The appointment is recommended by the Minister of Justice and made under an Order in Council approved by the Lieutenant Governor in Council. Appointments are for a specified term, and reappointments may be possible to a maximum of 12 years.
Offices are located in both Edmonton and Calgary. Candidates should be available to travel throughout the province as required.
The Chief of the Commission…