Chairperson – Geographical Names Board of Canada (GNBC)

26 May 2026 Jon Murphy

Website GNBC

Organization: Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)
Position Type: Part-Time Ministerial Appointment (Board)
Location: Remote/Virtual with occasional travel across Canada
Time Commitment: ~10 days per year
Application Deadline: June 12, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET

About the Opportunity

Natural Resources Canada is seeking a Chairperson for the Geographical Names Board of Canada (GNBC) — Canada’s national coordinating body for official place names. This is a unique part-time ministerial appointment for a leader passionate about Canadian geography, geospatial data, Indigenous place names, and multilateral collaboration.

The GNBC is established through an Order in Council and brings together members from each provincial and territorial naming authority, plus several federal departments and agencies. The Chairperson is appointed by the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior geomatics, geography, or public sector professional to contribute to national-level work on geographical naming, Indigenous toponymy, and geospatial data standardization.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide leadership and direction to the GNBC, fostering effective and productive board discussions
  • Serve as a voting member of the GNBC and actively contribute to board activities
  • Liaise with provincial, territorial, federal, and Indigenous stakeholders to encourage participation and collaboration
  • Provide direction to the GNBC Secretariat and liaise with senior management at NRCan’s Canada Centre for Mapping and Earth Observation
  • Chair the GNBC Annual General Meeting and quarterly virtual meetings
  • Represent the GNBC at national and international events as required
  • Oversee implementation of the GNBC Strategic Plan in collaboration with Working Groups and Advisory Committees
  • Promote public awareness of the significance of geographical naming in Canada

Time Commitment & Compensation

This is a part-time role of approximately 10 days per year, comprising four meetings annually (a mix of virtual and in-person). The Annual General Meeting is typically held in October and requires 2–3 days of participation. Face-to-face meetings may take place in Ottawa or at the AGM location.

The successful candidate is expected to begin in Summer 2026.

The Chairperson is compensated by NRCan through a contract under section 23(4) of the Interpretation Act. Travel expenses are reimbursed in line with the National Joint Council Travel Directive. This appointment does not make the Chairperson a member of the Public Service of Canada.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

  • A university degree in a relevant field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
  • Experience chairing or serving as a senior member of a council, committee, or board in the public or private sector
  • Demonstrated success in building and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders, including Indigenous peoples, government at multiple levels, and academic partners
  • Background in geography, cartography, geospatial data, geomatics, history, linguistics, Indigenous studies, or a related discipline
  • Asset: Experience facilitating collaboration between technical and non-technical professionals in multidisciplinary teams

Knowledge & Skills

  • Knowledge of the role of geographical names in Canadian geography, history, culture, and Indigenous context
  • Familiarity with how geographical names support geospatial applications
  • Understanding of federal, provincial, and territorial government operations
  • Strong ability to facilitate consensus and manage conflict impartially
  • Superior written and oral communication skills in English and/or French (bilingualism is preferred)
  • Asset: Knowledge of Indigenous languages

Personal Attributes

  • Leadership and collegiality
  • High ethical standards, integrity, and impartiality
  • Sound judgment, tact, and diplomacy
  • Superior interpersonal skills

Eligibility Requirements

  • Able to commit approximately 10 days per year to board activities
  • Willing to travel within Canada as required
  • Willing to attend and chair the GNBC Annual General Meeting (typically held in October)

The Government of Canada is committed to diversity and encourages applications from women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and visible minorities. Bilingual proficiency (English/French) and knowledge of Indigenous languages are assets.

How to Apply

Submit your application by email to the GNBC Secretariat at: [email protected]

Your application must include:

  • Your curriculum vitae (CV)
  • A cover letter of no more than three pages addressing how you meet the Education & Experience, Knowledge/Skills/Abilities, and Personal Attributes criteria
  • Contact information for two references

Deadline: June 12, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Review of applications begins June 15, 2026. Late applications may be considered until appointments are made.

Learn More

GoGeomatics shares this opportunity as a service to the Canadian geomatics community. For questions about the role, contact the GNBC Secretariat directly at [email protected].

To apply for this job please visit natural-resources.canada.ca.