Officer, Government & Indigenous Relations

VIA Rail Canada•Montreal, QC

2d•CA$77,112 - CA$90,720•Onsite

About The Position

VIA Rail is undertaking ambitious projects to modernize its services and infrastructure, including a new train fleet and ongoing infrastructure improvements, aiming to build the future of transportation in Canada. Working for VIA Rail means contributing to sustainable mobility. Reporting to the Senior Advisor, Government and Community Relations, and indirectly to the Vice-President, Government and Indigenous Relations, the Advisor supports the Government Relations team in achieving the Corporation’s objectives through various projects and activities. The role involves managing parliamentary questions and appearances, overseeing the parliamentary rail pass program, publishing a quarterly external newsletter, and handling partnership requests, including contract execution. The position also requires providing strategic input for Government Relations and Indigenous Relations plans and preparing briefing notes for senior executives.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree in Political Science, Communications, Law, or another related discipline combined with relevant experience.
Excellent command of both English and French, spoken and written.
Minimum of 5 to 7 years of relevant experience, preferably within a minister’s office, ideally at the federal level.
Strong knowledge of the political environment across all levels of government.
Proficiency with standard Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, and Outlook).
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly with respect to follow-up and coordination.
High level of integrity and respect for confidentiality.
Strong team player with flexibility and the ability to work independently.
Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and perform effectively under pressure.
Strong strategic thinking skills, with the ability to assess issues from a broad perspective and develop innovative solutions.
Proven ability to communicate, influence, and advocate effectively.
Ability to present and debate ideas effectively.
Excellent analytical, synthesis, and conceptual thinking skills.
Collaborative mindset with a strong commitment to partnership and teamwork.
Initiative, autonomy, curiosity, creativity, and adaptability.
Willingness to travel frequently within Canada.
Flexibility to occasionally work outside normal business hours in response to operational needs or emerging events.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of or experience in Indigenous relations is considered an asset.
Knowledge of artificial intelligence tools is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Receive, track, and manage parliamentary questions within the deadlines established by Parliament, and contribute to the preparation of the Corporation’s appearances before House of Commons and Senate committees.
Coordinate the rail pass program for Members of Parliament and Senators, as well as requests for information or intervention from federal, provincial, and municipal elected officials.
Prepare briefing notes for senior management in support of speaking engagements, tours, and meetings with elected officials and stakeholders. Contribute to the strategy and coordination of executive tours and activities associated with Board of Directors meetings.
Coordinate all stages of partnership development, including negotiations, visibility opportunities, and the organization’s presence within partnership initiatives.
Participate in the development of the Government Relations plan and in the implementation of identified activities.
Act as the lead project coordinator for initiatives involving other business units, including the organization of events and activities such as Canada Day celebrations, parliamentary days, and similar initiatives.
Attend selected political meetings alongside the Senior Advisor or Vice-President, prepare meeting summaries, and ensure the required follow-up actions are completed.
Monitor government activities and developments, keeping colleagues informed of any information that could potentially affect the Corporation’s operations and interests.
Prepare and write a quarterly newsletter intended for external stakeholders.
Support Government Relations team initiatives as required by supervisors.