News Release

Minister Finley announces revised selection process for appointments to the IRB

Ottawa, July 9, 2007 – The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada, today announced changes to the selection process for Governor in Council (GIC) appointment of members to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB). 

These changes implement the recommendations of the report of the Public Appointments Commission Secretariat’s (PACS), delivered to the Minister in January 2007.  The changes to the selection process will strengthen the merit‑based competency focus of GIC appointments to the IRB while increasing transparency and fairness.

Under the revised process, a new Selection Advisory Board (SAB) presided over by the IRB Chairperson will merge the former Advisory Panel and Chairperson’s Selection Board.  The SAB will reflect a membership that will ensure that public interest, including the interest of the IRB, is met.  It will consist of seven members: the IRB Chairperson; three persons jointly appointed by the Minister and the Chairperson from outside the IRB; and three persons appointed by the IRB Chairperson. At least two of the three members appointed by the IRB Chairperson will be senior managers from within the IRB, with an in-depth knowledge of the IRB and the role and responsibilities of Governor-in-Council-appointed decision-makers.

Other changes to the selection process include the application of a pass/fail mark to the written test taken by candidates. This will ensure a more objective assessment of the candidates while strengthening merit and increasing transparency.  It will also ensure implementation of a timely recruitment strategy based on projected and advertised vacancies.

These revisions to the Selection Process will be implemented by July 9, 2007. All current candidates will be advised in writing of their status under the revised selection process by the IRB’s Governor in Council Secretariat Services.

Created in 1989, the IRB is an independent administrative tribunal that reports to Parliament through the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. The Board has three divisions-the Refugee Protection Division, the Immigration Appeal Division and the Immigration Division. The IRB hears refugee protection claims made in Canada, considers immigration appeals, holds admissibility hearings and conducts detention reviews.

For further information (media only), please contact:

Tim Vail
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064

Marina Wilson
Spokesperson, Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650