Senior Legal Counsel

at  Via HFR

At VIA HFR, we are re-imagining passenger rail service on behalf of the Government of Canada! Our goal is to create a new sustainable train network that that will run faster, more often and will be more reliable between Toronto and Québec City. The HFR project is Canada’s largest infrastructure project in generations.
Are you ready to take on a stimulating and impactful challenge? Look no further: VIA HFR is looking for a Senior Legal Counsel. Please note that the candidate may be based in one of our 4 offices: Montreal, Quebec City, Toronto or Ottawa.

THE REQUIREMENTS

• Law degree and member in good standing of the Quebec or Ontario Bar.
• 10 years of relevant experience, including at least 5 years in indigenous and constitutional law with a law firm, corporation or Crown corporation.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous groups.
• Understanding of how nations and band councils, as well as Indigenous businesses and organizations, operate with respect to their constitution and governance.
• Exceptional rigor.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Experience in negotiating and drafting corporate contracts.
• Able to work in a team-oriented environment and interact effectively with others.
• Bilingual (French and English). Knowledge of an Indigenous language is a strong asset.

THE ROLE

The Senior Legal Counsel will report to the Director, Legal Affairs - Development. This newly created role within the Company will work closely with the internal Indigenous Engagement team and support the Company in its duty to consult and duty to accommodate.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participate in the negotiation and drafting of various types of Indigenous rights agreements including consultation and collaboration agreements, impact and benefit agreements.
• Advise the Indigenous Engagement team on treaty rights, claims, lands and overlap, governance, Indigenous consultation processes, Indigenous socio-economic development and the establishment of business partnerships.
• Advise internal teams on the duty to consult and accommodate.
• Advise internal teams on the application of federal legislation affecting Indigenous peoples and their lands, as well as on the application of various land claims agreements.
• Ability to travel and visit, as required, the communities with which internal teams work to foster mutual understanding.