Counsel, Labour and Employment

At CN, every day 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, Labour and Employment (Canada) is responsible for advising on all Labour Relations (LR) and Human Resources (HR) legal issues in Canada. The role provides general and strategic advice on labour and employment law. The position drafts policies and manages litigation and complaints to third party agencies. The incumbent leads the Workers Compensation Group.

Main Responsibilities

General Employment Advice

1. Advise and oversee third-party investigations of complaints
2. Advise internal clients on any other employment-related legal matters as requested including internal investigations, performance management, discipline, leaves, occupational health and safety matters, and requirements under the Canada Labour Code
3. Review and draft employment related policies

Oversight of complaints and litigation

1. Advise on the company’s response to complaints and lawsuits
2. Instruct external counsel handling CN’s response
3. Assist external counsel in collecting relevant documentation from inside CN
4. Make decisions on strategy including settlements
5. Collaborate with executives and managers from other functions to ensure alignment

Oversight of Workers Compensation Team

1. Lead a team that manages the Workers Compensation team in Canada
2. Develop and implement strategies to achieve results

Working Conditions

The role has standard working conditions in an office environment with a regular work week from Monday to Friday and is eligible to participate in CN's hybrid work policy of 3 days in the office and 2 days remote. Due to the nature of the role, the incumbent must be able to meet tight deadlines, handle pressure and stress. The role requires minimal travel (10%) within Canada.

Requirements

Experience

1. Labour and Employment Law
2. Minimum 5 years of experience in labour and employment law, either as in-house or external counsel
3. Experience providing general labour and employment law advice including advice related to the Canada Labour Code
4. Experience advising on internal complaints as well as complaints to third-party agencies
5. Experience advising a federally regulated entity with a large-unionized population*
6. Experience working in the transportation, trucking, or railroad industry*
7. Experience providing advice on the Official Languages Act*

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

Education/Certification/Designation

1. Juris Doctor or Equivalent from a recognized law school
2. Member of the Bar in a province where CN has substantial operations

Competencies

1. Collaborates with others and shares information
2. Communicates with impact
3. Demonstrates agility and drives change
4. Knows the business and stays current on industry needs
5. Applies critical thinking

Technical Skills/Knowledge

1. General Microsoft Office skills
2. Knowledge of employment laws, including the Canada Labour Code, complaints, and litigation procedures
3. Fluently bilingual, both written and verbal (English, French)*
4. Knowledge of CN Operations*

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.