Seeking One Public at large Board Director to Start September 14, 2027

About Us

The Vehicle Sales Authority of British Columbia (VSA) is an independent regulatory agency authorized by the provincial government to administer and enforce the Motor Dealer Act (Act) and portions of the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act, as it relates to the sale of personal-use motor vehicles in British Columbia. The administration of the legislation and regulation of the industry is conducted by an independent Registrar of Motor Dealers.

A not-for-profit organization, the VSA is currently governed by a twelve-member Board of Directors made up of six members nominated from the motor dealer industry, four from the public-at-large, and two from the Province of British Columbia. Appointments are made for three-year terms, and Board members are eligible to serve three terms (9 years in total).

The VSA is currently seeking one qualified public-at-large applicant to join the VSA Board as a new Director.

Start Date

The position will commence September 14, 2027.

Public-at-large member

A public-at-large member cannot be:

1. a person who is or has in the last three years been licensed or registered under the Motor Dealer Act,
2. a person who in the last three years has:
3. held a paid, volunteer, elected, or appointed position with,
4. had a business relationship or held shares with, or
5. has been in a position to influence the business decisions or operations of

a person or business registered or licensed under the Motor Dealer Act.

Board Responsibilities

VSA’s bylaws allocate the responsibility to ‘manage the affairs of the VSA’ to the Board and the Board delegates the responsibility for the day-to-day leadership and management of the VSA to the President.

VSA’s Directors are stewards of the Authority. They have the responsibility to oversee the conduct of the business, supervise management and ensure that all major issues affecting the business and affairs of the VSA are given proper consideration so appropriate decisions can be taken. In performing its functions, the Board also considers the legitimate interests in the VSA held by government and other stakeholders, including employees, the motor dealer industry, suppliers, customers, and communities.

As a member of the Board, each Director will:

• Fulfill the legal requirements and obligations of a Director, which include a comprehensive understanding of the statutory and fiduciary roles;
• Provide thoughtful advice and attention to the governance of the VSA, ensuring that the best interests of the VSA are paramount and that the VSA delivers on its public interest mandate; and
• Participate in the review and approval of VSA policies and strategies and in monitoring their implementation.

To Qualify

A candidate for membership on the Board must:

• Be a resident of British Columbia and at least 19 years of age,
• Agree to the completion of any reasonable background checks required by the Governance and Human Resources Committee,
• Provide two letters of reference from different referees, substantiating the candidate’s qualifications,
• Be committed both to the success of the organization and to the importance of the governance role, and
• Be ready, willing, and able to put in the required time to learn their responsibilities, get to know the organization, prepare for meetings, and participate fully as part of the Board and Committees.

A person is disqualified from being a Board member if:

• A court in Canada or elsewhere has ruled the person incompetent to manager their own affairs,
• They are an undischarged bankrupt,
• Convicted for an offence in connection with promoting, forming, or managing a corporation or unincorporated entity, or convicted for an offence involving fraud, unless:
• 5 years has lapsed since the expiration of a sentence, term of imprisonment, term of probation or imposition of a fine, or
• a pardon or record of suspension was ordered.
• They are an employee of the VSA,
• They are an employee of a motor dealer industry organization including a manufacturer,
• They are a corporation, and
• They are considered ineligible for reasons that prevent them from being able to fulfill the roles and responsibilities of a director.

You must also meet the qualifications for being a public-at-large member noted above.

Skills, Experience, and Personal Attributes

• Experience with detailed analysis,
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills,
• Well-developed reading comprehension skills, including the ability to quickly review and understand complex documents,
• Ability to work well in group settings,
• High ethical standards in professional and personal dealings,
• Willingness to commit the time required for attending Board meetings, including any required travel, and
• The candidate’s potential contribution to the gender and ethnic diversity of the Board.

Desired Specific Skills, Experience and Personal Attributes

Currently, the Board is looking for someone with any of the following skills and experiences:

• Board Governance and director recruitment
• Information Technology, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity
• Legal experience
• Marketing
• Financial acumen with a preference for someone with a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation

Length of Term

VSA director appointments are for a term of three years, subject to performance reviews. The maximum term of service is nine years in total.

Meetings and Time Commitment

The Board plans for a minimum of four meetings per year, two virtual meetings and two in-person meetings. Meetings are usually held in Metro Vancouver and virtually. Annually, there is a full day strategic planning session. Special meetings may be held by teleconference or in locations as decided by the Board.

There are three Board Committees: Governance & Human Resources, Finance & Audit, and Enterprise Risk and Strategy, which meet quarterly. Board members are expected to participate on at least one committee. Committee meetings are held separately to Board meetings and are currently virtual meetings.

It is expected that Directors will spend sufficient time to fulfill their responsibilities, including:

• Preparation for and attendance at Board and Committee meetings;
• Additional meetings or phone calls for consultation with the Board Chair and/or President;
• Site visits; and
• Other related activities.

The successful candidates will participate in a Board orientation which consists of a combination of self-directed online learning, and in-person/virtual training sessions. The VSA Board also has a director buddy system for new board directors.

Board meetings are scheduled for five hours but usually last four hours. Committee meetings are scheduled for two hours. The annual strategic planning session is scheduled for eight hours. Meeting materials are provided one week in advance of the meeting.

Remuneration & Expenses

Board Directors receive $591.70 for attending each board meeting and $398.05 for attending each committee meeting. Expenses to travel to meetings or conduct VSA Board business, including accommodation, is covered by the VSA using government rates. Board members also have available to them an annual education allowance of $1,000.

How to Apply

Please submit your cover letter and resume to [email protected] for consideration.

Please note, successful applicants must undergo a criminal background check.

We thank all candidates for applying; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.