Senior Legal Counsel, Labour and Employment Law

Take a central role

The Bank of Canada has a vision to be a leading central bank—dynamic, engaged and trusted—committed to a better Canada. No other employer in the country offers you the unique opportunity to work at the very center of Canada’s economy, in an organization with significant impact on the economic and financial well-being of all Canadians. You will be challenged, energized and motivated to excel in our environment. 

Building on the principles that have always guided us – excellence, integrity and respect – we strive to be forward-looking and innovative, to welcome people with diverse perspectives and talents, and to earn trust by living up to our commitments and by clearly explaining the intent of our policies and actions.  

With our defined-benefit pension plan, benefits, and high flexibility for work life balance - find out more about why we are annually ranked as one of Canada's top employers:  Working Here - Bank of Canada

Find out more about the next steps in our Recruitment process. 

Did you know?

The Bank of Canada is a federal Crown corporation and Canada’s central bank. The Bank is based in downtown Ottawa and has over 2000 employees. Its role is to promote the economic and financial welfare of Canada by fostering a stable and efficient financial system, which includes banks and credit unions, the financial markets, and clearing and settlement systems.

Our main areas of responsibility are:

• Monetary policy: We influence the supply of money circulating in the economy, using our monetary policy framework to keep inflation low and stable.
• Financial system: We promote safe, sound and efficient financial systems, within Canada and internationally. We also conduct transactions in financial markets in support of these objectives.
• Currency: We design, issue and distribute Canada’s bank notes.
• Funds management: We are the “fiscal agent” for the Government of Canada, managing its public debt programs and foreign exchange reserves.
• Regulatory Oversight: We oversee Canada’s payments and financial market infrastructures to ensure they are safe, resilient and stable. We also support the evolution of the payments ecosystem, including new mandates for stablecoins and consumer driven banking.

What you will do

Reporting to the Assistant General Counsel, you provide the Bank with expert legal services in the areas of  employment and labour law and other related areas, such as human rights, privacy, ethics, access to information and procurement.

As Senior Legal Counsel, you will also engage and manage outside counsel autonomously to represent the Bank in litigation matters and other situations where specialist advice is required. You will be required to collaborate with internal clients and legal counsel at other organizations to support evolving Bank or departmental needs.

Specifically, you will;

• Provide general legal advice on a wide range of employment law matters, including recruitment and employment contracts, benefits, health and safety, accommodation requests, workplace issues, internal investigations and disciplinary measures.
• Provide labour advice in relation to the small group of Bank employees covered by collective agreements.
• Advise on and manage claims and complaints under the Canada Labour Code, the Canadian Human Rights Act and other relevant legislative frameworks.
• Provide strategic advice and assist with the development and revision of internal Bank policies and practices.
• Perform other legal advisory duties to the Bank as may be assigned.

What you need to succeed

You have expert knowledge of Canadian employment and labour law, with significant exposure to the federal sector. You have the ability to provide practical legal advice to clients, whether developed in-house or in a law firm environment. You have strong relationship-building and client-facing skills and can function both independently and as part of a team.

This position also requires you to possess strong research skills, combined with a deep interest in evolving legal issues, highly developed analytical skills and the ability to analyze and quickly grasp the essence of complex issues that have an impact on the Bank and its workforce, and to work independently to develop appropriate responses. You have a demonstrated ability to anticipate and adapt to change, enhancing and reinforcing skills to respond to the emerging issues such as the adoption of AI within the organization and its ongoing development as a tool supporting legal work.

You are required to understand the mandate, needs and objectives of the Bank and provide high-quality, pragmatic and focused legal advice. We also require you to have strong verbal communication and writing skills as well as good planning and project management skills to successfully manage complex, sensitive and changing priorities while being able to adapt to unexpected circumstances.

Nice-to-have

• experience responding to complaints under the Canada Labour Code and the Canadian Human Rights Act.
• experience with negotiation and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, such as mediation
• experience advising on privacy law, access to information, pension and benefits administration
• experience with consulting and other services agreements
• knowledge of the Pay Equity Act, the Pension Benefits Standards Act and the Accessible Canada Act.
• experience managing workplace investigations
• prior work experience with a leading law firm, financial institution, government agency or official international organization
• knowledge of Crown corporations, the financial sector and/or the general structure and core functions of the Bank of Canada

Your education and experience

This position requires a Law degree and membership in a Canadian provincial law society with a minimum of five post-call years of experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in appropriate circumstances.

Innovative Mindset
We value candidates who demonstrate adaptability, curiosity, and a willingness to learn new technologies, including AI and digital tools. We seek individuals who can think critically about data, question existing processes, and find ways to simplify our work while embracing change and new ways of doing things. 

Language requirement

The Bank’s work environment is conducive to the use of both of Canada’s official languages - English and French.  The position language requirement is Level 5 (Fully Functional).  If a qualified candidate who meets the language requirement of the position is not found, a qualified candidate who does not meet the language requirement may be considered. Training may be provided to help reach the required level.  Both bilingual and unilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. 

What you need to know

• Priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents
• Security level required: Be eligible to obtain Secret 
• Relocation assistance may be provided, if required
• Please save a copy of the job poster. Once the closing date has passed, it will no longer be available.

Hybrid Work Model
The Bank offers work arrangements that provide employees with flexibility, enable high-performing teams, and support an excellent workplace culture. Most employees can telework from home for a portion of each month as part of the Bank’s hybrid work model, and they are expected on site at the Bank location a minimum of 12 days per month to help build connections between colleagues. You must live in Canada, and within reasonable commuting distance of the office. 

What you can expect from us
This is a great opportunity to join a leading organization and be part of a high-performing team. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet your needs at every stage of your life and career. For more information on key benefits please visit A great deal to consider. 

• Salaries are based on qualifications and experience and typically range from $177,681 to $209,037 (job grade 20)
• The Bank offers an incentive for successfully meeting expectations at  7 to 10% of your base salary. The Bank offers additional performance pay (5%) for those who exceed expectations. Exceptional performers who far exceed expectations may be eligible for higher performance pay.
• Flexible and comprehensive benefits so you can choose the level of health, dental disability and life and/or accident insurance coverage that meets your needs
• Extra vacation days (up to five each year) that you can purchase to add to your vacation entitlement
• Indexed, defined-benefit pension

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.