Organization Profile - Law Commission of Canada

The Commission consists of a President and four other Commissioners, to be appointed by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister of Justice. The Commissioners hold office during pleasure for such term, not exceeding five years, as the Governor in Council may fix so as to ensure, as far as possible, the expiration of not more than two terms of office in any year. The President holds office on a full-time basis and the other Commissioners hold office on a part-time basis. A Commissioner is eligible for reappointment to the Commission in the same or another capacity.

The Commissioners shall elect one of themselves as Vice-President of the Commission.

The President is the chief executive officer of the Commission and presides at meetings of the Commission. The President must reside in the area of the head of office of the Commission.

If the President is absent or unable to act or if the office of President is vacant, the Vice-President has all the powers, duties and functions of the President.

In recommending persons for appointment as Commissioners, the Minister of Justice shall not restrict consideration to members of the legal community. As a group, the Commissioners should be broadly representative of the socio-economic and cultural diversity of Canada, represent various disciplines and reflect knowledge of the common law and civil law systems.