Government Relations Lead

EQ Bank | Canada's Challenger Bank • Toronto, ON

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director, Government Relations serves as EQ Bank's senior subject-matter expert on government relations, public policy, and legislative and regulatory affairs. Reporting to the Vice President, Head of the Office of the CEO, the role advances and protects the Bank's interests with federal, provincial, and municipal governments, regulators, industry associations, and other external stakeholders. Operating as an individual contributor and trusted advisor, the incumbent monitors and analyzes the external public-policy environment, translates emerging legislative and regulatory developments into clear implications for the Bank, and develops and executes advocacy strategies that support EQ Bank's purpose, strategy, and reputation as Canada's Challenger Bank. The role works closely with the Office of the CEO, senior leaders, and cross-functional partners in Legal, Risk, Compliance, and Communications to ensure the Bank speaks with a unified, credible, and well-informed voice in the public-policy arena.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration, Law, Economics, Business, Communications, or a related discipline; a graduate degree (e.g., MPP, MPA, MBA, LLB/JD) is considered an asset.
• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive experience in government relations, public affairs, public policy, or regulatory affairs - gained within government, a regulator, an industry association, a financial institution, or a public-affairs/consulting firm.
• Strong understanding of the Canadian legislative and regulatory environment, the machinery of government, and the policy-development process at the federal and provincial levels.
• Working knowledge of the financial-services regulatory landscape (e.g., OSFI, the Department of Finance, FCAC, the Bank of Canada, Payments Canada, and provincial regulators such as FSRA) is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with the federal Lobbying Act and provincial lobbyist-registration regimes.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft submissions, briefing notes, and correspondence for senior and external audiences.
• Proven ability to build relationships and influence senior stakeholders, government officials, and industry partners without direct authority.
• Strong analytical, research, and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to distill complex policy issues into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to manage sensitive and confidential matters with integrity.

Nice To Haves

• A graduate degree (e.g., MPP, MPA, MBA, LLB/JD) is considered an asset.
• Experience in a regulated industry and prior financial-services experience is considered an asset.
• An established network within government, regulatory, and/or industry-association circles is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Develop, recommend, and execute the Bank's government-relations and advocacy strategy across federal, provincial, and municipal levels, aligned to enterprise priorities and reputational objectives.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with elected officials, political staff, public servants, central agencies, and regulators to advance the Bank's positions.
• Prepare and deliver advocacy materials, position papers, submissions, briefing notes, correspondence, and consultation responses, for government and regulatory audiences.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to participate in public consultations (e.g., pre-budget consultations and regulatory consultations) and in industry coalitions and working groups.
• Ensure all lobbying activity is conducted ethically and in compliance with the federal Lobbying Act and applicable provincial lobbyist-registration requirements, and maintain accurate registrations and reporting.
• Monitor, track, and analyze legislative and public-policy developments relevant to the Bank (e.g., housing finance, payments, consumer protection, financial crime, and privacy) and assess their implications for the Bank's strategy, positioning, and advocacy priorities.
• Provide timely, insightful briefings and recommendations to the VP, Head of the Office of the CEO, the CEO's office, and senior leaders on policy risks and opportunities.
• Translate complex policy and regulatory matters into clear, actionable guidance for internal stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Maintain a forward-looking view of the political and legislative calendar and proactively anticipate issues that may affect the Bank.
• Serve as a key liaison with relevant industry and trade associations (e.g., the Canadian Bankers Association, FDATA, etc.) and represent the Bank on committees and working groups.
• Coordinate cross-functionally with Legal, Risk, Compliance, Communications, business lines and external agencies to develop unified, well-vetted external positions.
• Support the preparation of the CEO and senior executives for government meetings, external engagements, appearances, and industry events.
• Partner with Communications/PR and Legal to manage public-policy-related issues and protect the Bank's reputation.
• Provide government-relations input into enterprise-risk and reputational-risk processes.
• Support the Bank's participation in relevant public forums, submissions, and events.
• Maintain accurate records, registrations, and reporting related to government-relations activity.
• Develop metrics and reporting to track advocacy progress and the impact of government-relations initiatives.
• Ensure government-relations activities comply with applicable laws, regulatory requirements, internal policies, and ethical standards.

Benefits

• Competitive discretionary bonus
• Market leading RRSP match program
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability benefits
• Employee Share Purchase Plan
• Maternity/Parental top-up while you care for your little one
• Generous vacation policy and personal days
• Virtual events to connect with your fellow colleagues
• Professional development and comprehensive Career Development program
• A fulfilling opportunity to join one of the top FinTechs and help create a new kind of banking experience

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior