In 2018, the Government of Canada made a historic commitment toward reducing poverty through Opportunity for All – Canada’s First Poverty Reduction Strategy, which included the creation of the National Advisory Council on Poverty (NACP).
The NACP consists of 8 to 10 members representing a range of expertise in poverty reduction or lived experience with poverty. It advises the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development on programs, funding and activities that support poverty reduction in Canada, reports each year on progress made toward reaching Canada’s poverty reduction targets and continues a national dialogue with Canadians on poverty.
Government of Canada launched a call for applications to fill current and future vacancies on the NACP. Applications are being sought for all positions: chairperson, member with particular responsibilities for children’s issues, and general members, including those with lived experience of poverty.
The Government of Canada values the knowledge and expertise of those with lived experience of poverty and has modified the application process to reduce barriers for those wishing to participate. Specifically, candidates with lived experience of poverty applying to become a general member may submit a narrative describing their experience living in poverty, instead of submitting a curriculum vitae (CV). Women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minority groups are especially encouraged to apply.
Members will be chosen through an open, transparent and merit-based Governor in Council selection process. This process will strive to reflect Canada’s diversity in terms of gender, geography and official language representation. Members of the NACP will serve a term of up to three years with the possibility of reappointment. The positions of chairperson and the member with particular responsibilities for children’s issues are full-time. General members may be appointed as either full-time or part-time. Part-time positions require approximately 15 to 20 days of remunerated work per year.
Those interested in applying are encouraged to consult the three Notice of Appointment Opportunity posters on the Governor in Council appointment website and submit their applications online by April 14, 2023.
Organizations providing services and supports to people living in poverty are encouraged to share the attached ready-to-print poster with their clients, communities and partner organizations encouraging them to apply. Recognizing that some potential applicants with lived experience of poverty may not have easy access to the Internet, organizations may choose to post this poster in publicly accessible locations and provide support in the application process, if possible.
Links:
Governor in Council Appointments
Apply to become a member of the National Advisory Council on Poverty