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Position/Title
Lawyer Member
Vice-Chair (Part-Time)
Agency
Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Appeal Tribunal
Advertisement Date
24-Nov-2025
Closing Date
08-Dec-2025
File Number
PAS-250029
Position Type
Part-Time
Remuneration
PER DIEM
Roles and Responsibilities

We are seeking a part-time Vice-Chair to serve on one or both of the following agencies: the Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Appeal Tribunal and the Normal Farm Practices Protection Board. This position may be appointed to an individual agency or cross-appointed to both.

Agency Background:

The Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Appeal Tribunal is an adjudicative agency of the Ontario government established under the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Act. Its purpose is to hear appeals and other matters under 17 statutes related to agriculture in Ontario. Most appeals or applications arise from grievances under the Drainage Act, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Act (arising from appeals of decisions made under the Farm Products Marketing Act or the Milk Act), the Assessment Act (related to properties in the farm land class), Agricultural Products Insurance Act, the Farm Registration and Farm Organizations Funding Act, 1993, and the Farm Implements Act.

The Normal Farm Practices Protection Board is established under The Farming and Food Production Protection Act (FFPPA) to rule on issues pertaining to farm practices. The FFPPA protects farmers from nuisance complaints, provided the farmer is following normal farm practices. Nuisances covered are those arising from odour, dust, flies, light, smoke, noise and vibration. The FFPPA also protects farmers from municipal by-laws that restrict their normal farm practices. 
 

Role of the Vice-Chair:

  • As Vice-Chair of the Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Appeal Tribunal or the Normal Farm Practices Protection Board, you will be responsible for chairing hearings, motion hearings, pre-hearing conferences and settlement conferences, as assigned by the Chair; and for acting for the Chair in the Chair’s absence.
  • The Vice-Chair carries out additional leadership duties relating to the functioning, responsibilities and governance of the agency and its appointees.
  • You will assist the Chair in developing and implementing processes and practices that support the agencies’ mandate and responsibilities.
  • You may also be assigned to lead sub-committees, and to carry out special projects related to the agencies’ responsibilities and operations.

Helpful Resources:

To learn more about the Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Appeal Tribunal, please go to the Tribunal’s website at: https://afraat.ca/.

To learn more about the Normal Farm Practices Protection Board, please go to the Board's website at: https://nfppb.ca/.

 

 

 

 

Qualifications

Knowledge and Experience:

Applicants for this position must be lawyers licensed to practice law in Ontario.

Vice-Chair will have all the following qualifications:

  • Leadership ability to support the Chair with the implementation of a strategic vision by ensuring appropriate plans are put into operation to deliver efficient, effective and high-quality services.
  • In-depth understanding of the administrative justice system, legal processes and context in which the agency operates, or the ability to acquire such understanding. Experience in conflict resolution.
  • Understanding of the agency's rules of practice and supporting procedures.

Skills:

  • Advanced analytical skills to resolve complex matters involving multiple interests, under public scrutiny.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills to positively influence and communicate with staff and stakeholders.
  • Commitment to respect diversity and to maintain fair, transparent processes that meet high professional standards and the agency's Code of Conduct.
  • Understanding of government values and a commitment to working within government's agency accountability structure.
  • Knowledge of and commitment to governance practices.
  • Understanding of financial and operational business processes and practices.
  • Commitment to the protection of the public interest within the mandate of the agency.
Term
2 years
The initial appointment term is up to two years, with eligibility for a reappointment of up to three years, and a further reappointment for a term of up to five years, upon the recommendation of the Chair.
Time Commitment
Meet as required
Serving as Vice-Chair may require an average of four days a month, often involving hearings that may take up to a week at a time in locations across the province. The Tribunal has shifted to virtual hearings.
Expenses
Yes
AFRAAT: The Vice-Chair receives a per diem rate of $918 and is reimbursed for eligible expenses consistent with government directives and policies. NFPPB: The Vice-Chair (Lawyer) receives a per diem rate of $680 and is reimbursed for eligible expenses consistent with government directives and policies. NOTE: only one per diem payment can be made to an appointee for a calendar day.
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