Canada Gazette, Part I, Volume 148, Number 24: GOVERNMENT NOTICES

June 14, 2014

DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1999

Publication after screening assessment of a living organism — Enterobacter aerogenes (E. aerogenes) strain ATCC 13048 — specified on the Domestic Substances List (subsection 77(1) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999)

Whereas E. aerogenes strain ATCC 13048 is a living organism on the Domestic Substances List identified under subsection 105(1) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999;

Whereas a summary of the draft Screening Assessment conducted on this living organism, pursuant to paragraph 74(b) of the Act, is annexed hereby;

And whereas it is proposed to conclude that this living organism does not meet any of the criteria set out in section 64 of the Act,

Notice therefore is hereby given that the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health (the ministers) propose to take no further action on this living organism at this time under section 77 of the Act.

Public comment period

As specified under subsection 77(5) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, any person may, within 60 days after publication of this notice, file with the Minister of the Environment written comments on the measure the ministers propose to take and on the scientific considerations on the basis of which the measure is proposed. More information regarding the scientific considerations may be obtained from the Government of Canada's Chemical Substances Web site (www.chemicalsubstances.gc.ca). All comments must cite the Canada Gazette, Part I, and the date of publication of this notice, and be sent to the Executive Director, Program Development and Engagement Division, Environment Canada, Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0H3, 819-953-7155 (fax), substances@ec.gc.ca (email).

In accordance with section 313 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, any person who provides information in response to this notice may submit with the information a request that it be treated as confidential.

DAVID MORIN
Director General
Science and Risk Assessment Directorate

On behalf of the Minister of the Environment

AMANDA JANE PREECE
Director General
Safe Environments Directorate

On behalf of the Minister of Health

ANNEX

Summary of the Draft Screening Assessment of E. aerogenes Strain ATCC 13048

Pursuant to paragraph 74(b) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999), the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health have conducted a screening assessment on a strain of Enterobacter aerogenes (ATCC 13048). This strain was added to the Domestic Substances List (DSL) under section 105 of CEPA 1999 because it was manufactured in or imported into Canada between January 1, 1984, and December 31, 1986, and it entered or was released into the environment without being subject to conditions under CEPA 1999 or any other federal or provincial legislation.

E. aerogenes is a Gram-negative bacterium belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae within the γ-Proteobacteria class. The genus Enterobacter is widespread in nature, with species present in marine and fresh water, in sewage and soil, and on plants. E. aerogenes is part of the normal flora of the human and animal gastrointestinal tracts and is also found on the mucosal surfaces of animals. E. aerogenes strains grow over a wide range of temperatures and pH values.

E. aerogenes is a well-known organism. Under certain conditions, it can infect some animals and cause a range of symptoms that can debilitate the host and even kill it, but under normal circumstances it is unlikely to be a serious hazard to healthy livestock or other organisms in the environment. E. aerogenes can cause mastitis in cows, but affected animals recover rapidly upon treatment with veterinary antibiotics. Some invertebrates are susceptible to E. aerogenes. However, despite its prevalence and association with various environmental species and habitats, there is no evidence in the scientific literature to suggest that E. aerogenes has any adverse ecological effects at the population level for plants, vertebrates or invertebrates.

In humans, E. aerogenes is a nosocomial (hospital-acquired) pathogen with the potential to cause a wide variety of infections, including wound infections, meningitis, respiratory and urinary tract infections, bacteraemia, septicaemia and septic shock. E. aerogenes infections are generally associated with antibiotic use, the presence of medical devices, long hospital stays and immunosuppression. Although strain ATCC 13048 is susceptible to many antibiotics, E. aerogenes as a species is well known for its ability to develop resistance to antibiotics of various classes that are of very high importance to human medicine. Development of resistance in strain ATCC 13048 could compromise the effectiveness of treatments for infection with this strain.

This assessment considers human and environmental exposure to E. aerogenes ATCC 13048 from its deliberate use in consumer or commercial products or in industrial processes in Canada. E. aerogenes ATCC 13048 was nominated for listing in the DSL based on its use in consumer and commercial products for biodegradation, biofiltration, water and wastewater treatment, and aquaculture. Potential uses of E. aerogenes ATCC 13048 reported in the public domain for other E. aerogenes strains include bioremediation, production of energy and fuels, and enzyme production.

To update information about current uses, the Government launched a mandatory information-gathering survey (Notice) under section 71 of CEPA 1999, as published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on October 3, 2009. Information submitted in response to the notice indicates that E. aerogenes ATCC 13048 was not imported into or manufactured in Canada in 2008, except in limited quantities for research and development as well as teaching activities.

Considering all available lines of evidence presented in this draft screening assessment, there is a low risk of harm to organisms and the broader integrity of the environment from E. aerogenes ATCC 13048. It is proposed to conclude that E. aerogenes ATCC 13048 does not meet the criteria under paragraph 64(a) or (b) of CEPA 1999, as it is not entering the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that have or may have an immediate or long-term harmful effect on the environment or its biological diversity or that constitute or may constitute a danger to the environment on which life depends.

In addition, based on the information presented in this draft screening assessment, the risk to human health from E. aerogenes ATCC 13048 is considered to be low. It is proposed to conclude that E. aerogenes ATCC 13048 does not meet the criteria under paragraph 64(c) of CEPA 1999, as it is not entering the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that constitute or may constitute a danger in Canada to human life or health.

Proposed conclusion

Based on the information available, it is proposed to conclude that E. aerogenes ATCC 13048 does not meet any of the criteria as set out in section 64 of CEPA 1999 at current levels of exposure.

Because E. aerogenes ATCC 13048 is listed on the DSL, its import into and manufacture in Canada are not subject to notification under subsection 106(1) of CEPA 1999. Since there is a potential risk to human health based on the pathogenicity and toxicity of E. aerogenes ATCC 13048 to susceptible humans, and since it has the potential to acquire and transmit antibiotic resistance, there is suspicion that new activities that have not been identified or assessed could lead to E. aerogenes ATCC 13048 meeting the criteria set out in section 64 of CEPA 1999. Therefore, pending further investigation, the Government of Canada may consider amending the DSL, under subsection 112(3) of the Act, to indicate that the significant new activity (SNAc) provisions under subsection 106(3) of the Act apply with respect to the living organism.

A significant new activity can include one that has not been conducted with the living organism in the past or an existing one with a different quantity or in different circumstances that could affect the exposure pattern of the living organism. The SNAc provisions trigger an obligation for a person to provide, and the Government to assess, information about a living organism when a person proposes to use the living organism in a significant new activity. The provisions are used to assess the risks associated with the proposed new activity before the new activity is undertaken. The Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health assess the information provided by the notifier and other information available to them to determine whether the living organism, if used in the proposed new activity, could pose a risk to the environment or human health, and, if so, whether new or additional risk management is required.

The draft screening assessment for this living organism is available on the Government of Canada's Chemical Substances Web site (www.chemicalsubstances.gc.ca).

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DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1999

Publication after screening assessment of living organisms — Aspergillus awamori (A. awamori) strain ATCC 22342 (= A. niger ATCC 22342) and Aspergillus brasiliensis (A. brasiliensis) strain ATCC 9642 — specified on the Domestic Substances List (subsection 77(1) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999)

Whereas A. awamori strain ATCC 22342 (= A. niger ATCC 22342) and A. brasiliensis strain ATCC 9642 are living organisms on the Domestic Substances List identified under subsection 105(1) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999;

Whereas a summary of the draft Screening Assessment conducted on these living organisms, pursuant to paragraph 74(b) of the Act, is annexed hereby;

And whereas it is proposed to conclude that these living organisms do not meet any of the criteria set out in section 64 of the Act,

Notice therefore is hereby given that the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health (the ministers) propose to take no further action on these living organisms at this time under section 77 of the Act.

Public comment period

DAVID MORIN
Director General
Science and Risk Assessment Directorate

On behalf of the Minister of the Environment

AMANDA JANE PREECE
Director General
Safe Environments Directorate

On behalf of the Minister of Health

ANNEX

Summary of the Draft Screening Assessment of A. awamori Strain ATCC 22342 (= A. niger ATCC 22342) and A. brasiliensis ATCC 9642

Pursuant to paragraph 74(b) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999), the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health have conducted a screening assessment of two micro-organism strains: Aspergillus awamori (ATCC 22342) [also referred to as Aspergillus niger ATCC 22342] and Aspergillus brasiliensis (ATCC 9642). These strains were added to the Domestic Substances List (DSL) under subsection 105(1) of CEPA 1999 because they were manufactured in or imported into Canada between January 1, 1984, and December 31, 1986, and they entered or were released into the environment without being subject to conditions under CEPA 1999 or any other federal or provincial legislation.

Recent publications have demonstrated that the DSL strain ATCC 22342 is a strain of A. niger and not A. awamori. However, both names are still being used. Therefore, in this report the name “A. awamori ATCC 22342 (= A. niger ATCC 22342)” will be used.

The A. niger group is generally considered to be ubiquitous in nature, and is able to adapt to and thrive in many aquatic and terrestrial niches; it is common in house dust. A. brasiliensis is a relatively rare species; it has been known to occur in soil and is occasionally found on grape berries. These two species form conidia that permit survival under sub-optimal environmental conditions.

A. awamori ATCC 22342 (= A. niger ATCC 22342) is known to produce ochratoxin A and fumonisins (mainly B₂), which are potential carcinogens that can affect humans and animals. A. brasiliensis ATCC 9642 does not produce these mycotoxins.

A. niger and A. brasiliensis are commonly found as saprophytes. In particular, A. niger, which is a well-studied organism, is considered a weak plant pathogen and is not a major cause of plant disease. A. niger secretes extracellular enzymes that may cause damage to agricultural crops. Despite its occurrence in nature, there is no evidence in the scientific literature to suggest that A. brasiliensis has any ecological effects at a population level for plants. A. niger has been reported as an opportunistic animal pathogen, causing mycosis (infection) and mycotoxicosis (from ingestion of toxin-contaminated feed), which triggers a range of symptoms that can debilitate the host. However, under normal circumstances, it is unlikely to be a serious hazard to healthy livestock or to other organisms in the environment. Government regulatory agencies, including the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, regulate mycotoxin levels in livestock feeds.

Information from the scientific literature indicates that A. niger and A. brasiliensis can cause ear and eye infections in otherwise healthy humans, and potentially fatal lung disease in susceptible groups (i.e. infants and the elderly, the immunocompromised, and individuals with debilitating comorbidities). A. niger and A. brasiliensis are resistant to some clinical antifungals, which could, in some circumstances, compromise the effectiveness of treatment of A. niger and A. brasiliensis infections. Furthermore, because of the adverse effects associated with antifungal treatment, the availability of clinically relevant drugs is not strongly weighted as a mitigating factor in this assessment.

This assessment considers human and environmental exposure to A. awamori ATCC 22342 (= A. niger ATCC 22342) and A. brasiliensis ATCC 9642 from their deliberate use in consumer or commercial products or in industrial processes in Canada. The Government launched a mandatory information-gathering survey (Notice) under section 71 of CEPA 1999 as published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on October 3, 2009. Information submitted in response to the Notice indicates that A. awamori ATCC 22342 (= A. niger ATCC 22342) and A. brasiliensis ATCC 9642 were not imported into or manufactured in Canada in 2008, except for limited quantities for academic research, teaching, and research and development activities.

Considering all available lines of evidence presented in this draft screening assessment, there is low risk of harm to organisms and the broader integrity of the environment from A. awamori ATCC 22342 (= A. niger ATCC 22342) and A. brasiliensis ATCC 9642. It is proposed to conclude that A. awamori ATCC 22342 (= A. niger ATCC 22342) and A. brasiliensis ATCC 9642 do not meet the criteria under paragraph 64(a) or (b) of CEPA 1999, as they are not entering the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that have or may have an immediate or long-term harmful effect on the environment or its biological diversity or that constitute or may constitute a danger to the environment on which life depends.

Based on the information presented in this draft screening assessment, it is also proposed to conclude that A. awamori ATCC 22342 (= A. niger ATCC 22342) and A. brasiliensis ATCC 9642 do not meet the criteria under paragraph 64(c) of CEPA 1999, as they are not entering the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that constitute or may constitute a danger in Canada to human life or health.

Proposed conclusion

Based on the information available, it is proposed to conclude that A. awamori ATCC 22342 (= A. niger ATCC 22342) and A. brasiliensis ATCC 9642 do not meet any of the criteria as set out in section 64 of CEPA 1999 at current levels of exposure.

Because A. awamori ATCC 22342 (= A. niger ATCC 22342) and A. brasiliensis ATCC 9642 are listed on the DSL, their import and manufacture in Canada is not subject to notification under subsection 106(1) of CEPA 1999. Based on the pathogenicity and toxicity of A. awamori ATCC 22342 (= A. niger ATCC 22342) and A. brasiliensis ATCC 9642 to healthy and susceptible populations, there is suspicion that new activities that have not been identified or assessed could lead to A. awamori ATCC 22342 (= A. niger ATCC 22342) and A. brasiliensis ATCC 9642 meeting the criteria set out in section 64 of CEPA 1999. Therefore, pending further investigation, the Government of Canada may consider amending the DSL, under subsection 112(3) of the Act, to indicate that the significant new activity (SNAc) provisions under subsection 106(3) of the Act apply with respect to the living organisms.

A significant new activity can include one that has not been conducted with the living organism in the past, or an existing one with a different quantity or in different circumstances that could affect the exposure pattern of the living organism. The SNAc provisions trigger an obligation for a person to provide, and the Government to assess, information about a living organism when a person proposes to use the living organism in a significant new activity. The provisions are used to assess the risks associated with the proposed new activity before the new activity is undertaken. The Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health assess the information provided by the notifier and other information available to them to determine whether the living organism, if used in the proposed new activity, could pose a risk to the environment or human health, and, if so, whether risk management is required.

The draft screening assessment for these living organisms is available on the Government of Canada's Chemical Substances Web site (www.chemicalsubstances.gc.ca).

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DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY

OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL

Appointments
Name and position	Order in Council
Fichaud, The Hon. Joel E.	2014-598
Government of Nova Scotia
Administrator
May 20 to May 22 and May 26 to May 28, 2014
Government of Ontario	2014-609
Administrators
Feldman, The Hon. Kathryn N.
June 1 to June 6, 2014
Hoy, The Hon. Alexandra
June 12 to June 17, 2014
Lauwers, The Hon. Peter D.
June 7 and June 8, 2014
Smith, The Hon. Heather J.
June 9 to June 11, June 18 to June 20 and effective June 23, 2014
Monnin, The Hon. Michel A.	2014-635
Government of Manitoba
Administrator
June 15 to June 17, 2014
Welsh, The Hon. B. Gale	2014-608
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
Administrator
May 28 to May 31, 2014

June 6, 2014

DIANE BÉLANGER
Official Documents Registrar

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DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY

RADIOCOMMUNICATION ACT

Notice No. SLPB-003-14 — Consultation on a New Licensing Framework and Licence Renewal Process for the 24, 28 and 38 GHz Bands

Intent

The intent of this notice is to undertake a public consultation on the document entitled Consultation on a New Licensing Framework and Licence Renewal Process for the 24, 28 and 38 GHz Bands. This document sets out Industry Canada's proposals with respect to the new licensing process for spectrum licences in the 24, 28 and 38 GHz bands, as well as the renewal process proposals for the 24 and 38 GHz bands that were auctioned in 1999.

Submitting comments

To ensure consideration, parties should submit their comments no later than July 7, 2014. Respondents are asked to provide their comments in electronic format (Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF) to the following email address: spectrum.auctions@ic.gc.ca. Soon after the close of the comment period, all comments will be posted on Industry Canada's Spectrum Management and Telecommunications Web site at www.ic.gc.ca/spectrum. All comments will be reviewed and considered by Industry Canada in order to arrive at the final decision.

The Department will also provide interested parties with the opportunity to reply to comments from other parties. Reply comments will be accepted until July 28, 2014.

Written submissions should be addressed to the Director, Spectrum Licensing and Auction Operations, Industry Canada, 235 Queen Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H5.

All submissions should cite the Canada Gazette, Part I, the publication date, the title and the notice reference number (SLPB-003-14).

Obtaining copies

Copies of this notice and of documents referred to herein are available electronically on Industry Canada's Spectrum Management and Telecommunications Web site at www.ic.gc.ca/spectrum.

Official versions of Canada Gazette notices can be viewed at www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/index-eng.html.

June 5, 2014

FIONA GILFILLAN
Director General
Spectrum Licensing Policy Branch

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT

CANADA MARINE ACT

Vancouver Fraser Port Authority — Supplementary letters patent

BY THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT

WHEREAS pursuant to Part 5.1 of the Port Authorities Management Regulations, the Governor in Council issued a Certificate to Amalgamate containing letters patent to amalgamate the port authorities of Vancouver, Fraser River and North Fraser to continue as the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (“Authority”), effective January 1, 2008;

WHEREAS article 7.1 of the Authority's letters patent sets out the extent to which the Authority may undertake port activities referred to in paragraph 28(2)(a) of the Canada Marine Act (“Act”);

WHEREAS the board of directors of the Authority has requested that the Minister issue supplementary letters patent to amend article 7.1 to extend authority for management, leasing, and licensing of federal real property to include residential uses as may be required by abutting residential landowners in relation to federal real property described in Schedule B of the letters patent of the former Vancouver Port Authority and the former North Fraser Port Authority as these letters patent were in force on the date prior to the effective date of amalgamation;

AND WHEREAS the Minister is satisfied that the amendment to the Authority's letters patent is consistent with the Act;

NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to subsection 9(1) of the Act, the Authority's letters patent are amended as follows:

1. Subparagraph 7.1(c)(iii) of the letters patent is amended by adding the following after clause (E):

(F) residential uses as may be required by abutting residential landowners in relation to federal real property described in Schedule B of the letters patent of the former Vancouver Port Authority and the former North Fraser Port Authority, as these letters patent were in force on the date prior to the effective date of amalgamation;

2. These supplementary letters patent take effect on the date of issuance.

ISSUED this 28th day of May, 2014.

________________________________

The Honourable Lisa Raitt, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Transport

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT

CANADA MARINE ACT

Vancouver Fraser Port Authority — Supplementary letters patent

BY THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT

WHEREAS on November 22, 2007, the Minister of Transport (“Minister”) issued supplementary letters patent to the Vancouver Port Authority adding certain federal real property to Schedule B of its letters patent and adding certain real property, other than federal real property, to Schedule C of its letters patent;

WHEREAS on December 6, 2007, the Governor in Council, pursuant to Part 5.1 of the Port Authorities Management Regulations, issued a Certificate of Amalgamation containing letters patent to amalgamate the Vancouver Port Authority, the Fraser River Port Authority and the North Fraser Port Authority to continue as the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (“Authority”), effective January 1, 2008;

WHEREAS Schedule B of the Authority's letters patent sets out the federal real property managed by the Authority and Schedule C of the Authority's letters patent sets out the real property, other than federal real property, held or occupied by the Authority;

WHEREAS, due to the timing of the issuance of the Certificate of Amalgamation, the real property added to the letters patent of the Vancouver Port Authority on November 22, 2007, was not included in the letters patent of the Authority contained in the Certificate of Amalgamation;

WHEREAS, pursuant to section 9 of the Canada Marine Act (“Act”), the Minister wishes to issue, on her own initiative, supplementary letters patent to the Authority to regularize the description of federal real property and real property, other than federal real property, set out in the letters patent of the Authority;

WHEREAS, pursuant to the same section of the Act, notice of the proposed changes to the Authority's letters patent was given in writing to the board of directors of the Authority, to which the Authority indicated that it had no concerns with the proposed changes;

AND WHEREAS the Minister is satisfied that the amendments to the Authority's letters patent are consistent with the Act;

NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to subsection 9(1) of the Act, the Authority's letters patent are amended as follows:

1. Schedule B of the letters patent is amended by adding the following after PID 027-013-995:
PID Number	Description
026-108-518	Parcel A, Bed of the Strait of Georgia, Group 2, New Westminster District, Plan BCP12878

2. Schedule C of the letters patent is amended by adding the following after PID 026-808-676:
PID Number	Description
002-973-871	Parcel "B" (BY156434E) (Reference Plan 1608), District Lot 218, Group 1, New Westminster District
002-973-821	Parcel "A" (BY156434E) (Explanatory Plan 70), District Lot 218, Group 1, New Westminster District

3. These supplementary letters patent take effect on the date of issuance.

ISSUED this 28th day of May, 2014.

________________________________

The Honourable Lisa Raitt, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Transport

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NOTICE OF VACANCIES

SOCIAL SECURITY TRIBUNAL

Members — Appeal Division (full-time and part-time positions)

Full-time salary: $125,800 (GCQ-3)
Part-time per diem: $630 (GCQ-3)

Members — General Division (full-time and part-time positions)

Employment Insurance Section
Full-time salary: $109,000 (GCQ-2)
Part-time per diem: $550 (GCQ-2)

Income Security Section
Full-time salary: $109,000 (GCQ-2)
Part-time per diem: $550 (GCQ-2)

All positions

As an administrative tribunal with quasi-judicial powers, the Social Security Tribunal (SST) has the responsibility of processing and deciding appeals of the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) decisions relating to the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security and Employment Insurance.

Members — Appeal Division

Members of the Appeal Division function as second-level, independent, administrative tribunal decision-makers, mandated to provide fair and impartial quasi-judicial hearings and decisions of appeals of Employment Insurance, Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security claims for benefits.

The ideal candidates would have a degree from a recognized university or an acceptable combination of equivalent education, training and job-related experience. A law degree would be considered an asset.

The ideal candidates would have demonstrated decision-making experience with respect to sensitive and complex issues as well as experience in the interpretation and application of legislation and regulations. Experience in gathering and assessing complex information in order to make decisions and in using a computer for communication, research and word processing is desired. Experience chairing meetings and in the operation and conduct of a quasi-judicial tribunal, an agency or equivalent would be considered an asset, as would experience writing submissions or decisions that pertain to the interpretation of statutes and case law. Experience working on labour or employer issues or issues affecting seniors or persons with disabilities would also be considered an asset.

The ideal candidates would possess knowledge of the Department of Employment and Social Development Act, the Employment Insurance Act, the Canada Pension Plan, the Old Age Security Act and other applicable legislation and regulations. Knowledge of the economy and labour market conditions would be considered an asset.

Members — Employment Insurance Section

Members of the Employment Insurance Section function as first-level, independent, administrative tribunal decision-makers, mandated to provide fair and impartial quasi-judicial hearings and decisions of appeals of Employment Insurance claims for benefits. Most appeals are from individuals, although employers may also appeal. The most frequently appealed decisions cover issues such as voluntarily leaving, misconduct and undeclared earnings or fraud during the course of a claim.

The ideal candidates would possess knowledge of the Department of Employment and Social Development Act, the Employment Insurance Act and other applicable legislation and regulations. Knowledge of the economy and labour market conditions would be considered an asset.

Members — Income Security Section

Members of the Income Security Section function as first-level, independent, administrative tribunal decision-makers, mandated to provide fair and impartial quasi-judicial hearings and decisions of appeals of Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security applications for benefits.

The ideal candidates would have a degree from a recognized university or an acceptable combination of equivalent education, training and job-related experience. A degree from a recognized post-secondary institution or a provincial or territorial licence in medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physiotherapy or psychology would be considered an asset. A law degree would also be considered an asset.

The ideal candidates would have demonstrated decision-making experience with respect to sensitive and complex issues as well as experience in the interpretation and application of legislation and regulations. Experience in gathering and assessing complex information in order to make decisions and in using a computer for communication, research and word processing is required. Experience chairing meetings and in the operation and conduct of a quasi-judicial tribunal, an agency or equivalent would be considered an asset, as would experience writing submissions or decisions that pertain to the interpretation of statutes and case law. Experience working on issues affecting seniors or persons with disabilities would also be considered an asset.

The ideal candidates would possess knowledge of legislation related to the Department of Employment and Social Development Act, the Canada Pension Plan, the Old Age Security Act and other applicable legislation and regulations.

For all positions

The ideal candidates would have knowledge of the legislation and regulations related to the mandate and activities of the SST as well as possess knowledge of administrative law, principles of natural justice and practices followed by administrative tribunals and the SST. Knowledge of the appeal processes and operations of the SST, including the regulations that govern its operations, is also desired.

The ideal candidates would possess the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and the ability to isolate, synthesize and analyze information to make a decision. They would also possess the ability to hear, analyze and write decisions for appeal cases, and the ability to maintain self-control and diffuse tense situations. The ability to think conceptually and to work efficiently both independently and within a team is desired. The ideal candidates would also be proficient with Microsoft Word and be capable and prepared to work all day using a computer.

The ideal candidates would have the ability to be impartial and possess strong ethical standards and integrity, sound judgment, tact and discretion.

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

The successful candidates appointed to the Appeal Division on a full-time basis must reside in or be willing to relocate, at their own expense, to the National Capital Region or to a location within reasonable commuting distance.

The successful candidates appointed to the General Division on a full-time basis will work from their home offices at various locations across Canada.

Each full-time member of the Tribunal must devote the whole of their time to the performance of their duties. A part-time member of the Tribunal must not accept or hold any office or employment inconsistent with their duties.

The successful candidates must be willing to travel within Canada.

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.

The selected candidates must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders. The Guidelines are available on the Governor in Council Appointments Web site, under “Reference Material,” at www.appointments-nominations.gc.ca/index.asp?lang=eng.

The selected candidates 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 Web site at http://ciec-ccie.parl.gc.ca/EN/Pages/default.aspx.

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

Interested candidates should submit their curriculum vitae and the completed application form (which can be found at www.esdc.gc.ca/eng/about/gic/index.shtml) by July 7, 2014.

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