Counsel Regulatory Affairs

At CN, everyday brings new and exciting challenges. You can expect an interesting environment where you’re part of making sure our business is running optimally and safely―helping keep the economy on track. We provide the kind of paid training and opportunities that long-term careers are built on and we recognize hard workers who strive to make a difference. You will be able to thrive in our close-knit, safety-focused culture working together as ONE TEAM. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us!

Job Summary

The Counsel, Regulatory Affairs is responsible for providing legal opinions on matters related to the regulatory, safety and economic frameworks applicable to CN. The role requires leadership, autonomy, flexibility, and leadership as the incumbent represents the Organization before various regulatory and judicial authorities. Moreover, the position supports all CN functions on any regulatory matters raised.

Main Responsibilities

Legal Opinions Regulatory

·       Provide legal opinions respecting the Canada Transportation Act, the Railway Safety Act, and all other statutes applicable to CN activities

·       Review confidential contracts and proposed tariff provisions to validate consistency with the regulatory framework

·       Review communication materials prepared by the Government and Public Affairs department

Advocacy

·       Make various filings with all regulatory agencies in support of CN’s position

·       Give instruction to outside counsel acting on behalf of the company in outside courts

·       Engage with government officials having a direct influence on the orders to be issued to CN

·       Attend meetings or hearings, either as Lead Counsel or to provide instructions to outside counsel, dealing with matters affecting the Organization’s interest

Cross-functional Counsel

·       Adopt a cross-functional approach in the provision of legal opinion

·       Take a leadership role in providing opinions to all functions at CN when the questions raised involve the regulatory framework

Working Conditions

The role has standard working conditions in an office environment with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday. The role requires being available on-call 24/7 to respond to critical incidences. Due to the nature of the role, the incumbent must be able to meet tight deadlines, handle pressure, and stress. The role requires occasional travel (up to 40%) within Canada.

Requirements

Experience

Regulatory Affairs

·       Between 5 to 10 years of experience with a federally regulated activity

·       Demonstrated experience in a fast-paced environment with a strong ability for prioritization and the capacity to adopt to various working models and cultures

·       Experience in the transportation or railroad industry*

*Any experience for these above would be considered as an asset

Education/Certification/Designation

·       Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD) 

·       Member of good standing of a provincial Law Society, preferably Quebec or Ontario 

Competencies

·       Demonstrates agility and drives change

·       Knows the business and stays current on industry needs

·       Applies critical thinking

·       Sets direction and inspires others

·       Communicates with impact

·       Delegates and empowers others to create accountability

·       Collaborates with others and shares information

·       Demonstrates active listening

·       Solves problems to create value

·       Leads by example for the safety and security of all

Technical Skills/Knowledge

·       Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)

·       Extensive knowledge of the Canada Transportation Act, the Railway Safety Act, and all other statutes that may apply to CN activities

·       Ability to learn and understand railway operation and activities concerning the regulatory framework

·       Fluently bilingual, written and verbal (English, French)*

*Any knowledge for any of the above would be considered as an asset

About CN

CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. As the only railroad connecting Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the Southern tip of the U.S. through a 19,500 mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship. At CN, we work as ONE TEAM, focused on safety, sustainability and our customers, providing operational and supply chain excellence to deliver results.