Smart Cities Challenge Jury

The selection process for the Jury is currently under way. The callout for applications is now closed.

We know that our country is stronger — and our government is more effective — when decision-makers reflect Canada's diversity.

Through a transparent and merit-based process, Infrastructure Canada will select a Smart Cities Challenge Jury that reflects the diversity of Canada in its appropriate representation of Indigenous peoples and minority groups in positions of leadership.

We are searching for Canadians who reflect the values of inclusion, honesty, fiscal prudence, and generosity of spirit.


An independent Jury of up to 15 members, including a Chair, will advise the Minister on the selection of finalists and winners of the Smart Cities Challenge.

Duties of a Jury member

This volunteer appointment will carry a commitment extending from Spring 2018 to early 2019. The total time commitment is not expected to exceed a total of 10 days. 

Jury members will be expected to undertake independent work to review proposals submitted to the Challenge. They will also participate in two, one-and-a-half day meetings in the National Capital Region: one meeting between May and July 2018 and another during winter 2018/2019. Jury members may also be asked to take part in communications activities.

One Jury member will be selected for the role of Chair. As this position will include the duties of a Jury member in addition to responsibilities for the management of the process, liaising with Infrastructure Canada, and presiding over meetings, the Chair role requires a greater time commitment.

To conduct its work, the Jury will be offered secretariat support by Infrastructure Canada.

Jury selection process

Potential candidates are invited to send a cover letter of under 500 words and their CV to infc.sc-vi.infc@canada.ca. The deadline for submission has been extended from January 12 to January 31, 2018.

  • Cover letters should clearly indicate the candidate's experience, skills, and relevant information about their personal background. Candidates are encouraged to disclose their ability to speak and understand their second official language.
  • Candidates interested in serving as the Jury Chair should disclose their interest in doing so.

Candidates' cover letters and CVs will be reviewed by Infrastructure Canada against the following criteria:

  • the extent to which candidates are accomplished and publicly recognized in their field;
  • the extent to which they have a strong track record of leadership; and
  • their demonstrated interest in public issues or public service.

Bilingual proficiency will be a requirement for the Chair, and an asset for all Jury positions.

Candidates selected for an interview will be contacted by Infrastructure Canada to discuss their experiences and skills.

The final selection of Jury members will aim to represent people from different backgrounds and with different skillsets, and to ensure appropriate representation of women, Indigenous peoples, minority groups and people with disabilities.

The jury selection committee will make recommendations to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, who will appoint the Jury.

Experience and Skills Sought

Efforts will be made to achieve a range and balance of fields of experience related to smart cities, which could include:

  • technology and innovation (e.g. research and development, commercialization)
  • entrepreneurship (e.g. start-ups, venture capital, incubation and acceleration)
  • business (e.g. corporate boards, C-suite in large corporations, finance)
  • civil society (e.g. philanthropy, not-for-profit service delivery)
  • arts and culture (e.g. cultural industries, arts and culture programming and education)
  • social and environmental advocacy (e.g. not-for-profit advocacy)
  • academia (e.g. research on community issues)
  • municipal affairs (e.g. municipal or local government community leadership)
  • Indigenous affairs (e.g. Indigenous community leadership)
  • Northern issues (e.g. management of major projects or initiatives in the North) 

In addition, efforts will be made to reflect a range and balance of professions and skills related to smart cities, which could include:

  • urban planning
  • land-use planning
  • design
  • architecture
  • landscape architecture
  • engineering
  • information technology
  • research
  • marketing
  • project financing
  • corporate governance
  • law
  • social work
  • administration
  • policy innovation
  • data and measurement
  • project management
  • grant and contribution program delivery

Conditions of Appointment

Candidates who are appointed as Jury members or the Jury Chair must comply with all relevant Government of Canada requirements, including those concerning confidential information, affiliations and interests, and required security levels.

Jury Members and Jury Chair will be reimbursed for expenses incurred on approved travel, according to the Treasury Board's Directive on Travel, Hospitality, Conference and Event Expenditures.

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