“The Act is silent on the number of times the members of the decision-making body can be reappointed, which leaves open the possibility of unlimited tenure. The SCA acknowledges information from the CHRC that in practice the CHRC members have never been re-appointed. 

An appropriate minimum term of appointment is crucial in promoting the independence of the membership of the NHRI, and to ensure the continuity of its programs and services. An appointment period of three (3) years is considered to be the minimum that would be sufficient to achieve these aims.  

As a proven practice, the SCA encourages that a term of between three (3) and seven (7) years with an option to renew once be provided for in the NHRI’s enabling legislation. 

The SCA recommends that the CHRC advocates for amendments to its Act to provide for term limits for the members of the CHRC decision-making body. 

The SCA refers to Paris Principle B.3 and to its General Observation 2.2 on ‘Full-time members of an NHRI’.”