Lead Government Relations

HealthCareCAN; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A national healthcare organization is seeking a Lead, Government Relations to enhance their federal advocacy efforts. This role requires building strong relationships with government officials and advancing priorities related to health innovation and research. Ideal candidates will have at least 5 to 7 years in government relations, excellent writing skills, and a Master’s degree in a relevant field. The position allows for remote work with regular in-person meetings in the Ottawa area.

Benefits

Remote-first work environment

Culture of inclusion and diversity

Support for applicants requiring accommodation

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 to 7 years of experience in federal government relations.
• Experience with not-for-profit advocacy organizations is required.
• Demonstrated understanding of federal political processes.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with government decision makers.
• Position HealthCareCAN as the voice of healthcare stakeholders.
• Plan and support advocacy day events.

Skills

Relationship building with politicians

Advocacy planning

Strong writing skills

Analytical skills

Bilingualism (English/French)

Education

Master’s degree in political management, public policy, political science or equivalent

Job description

Location: Ottawa, ON (Ottawa–Gatineau area)

Work model: Remote-first, with a requirement to attend in-person meetings in the Ottawa–Gatineau area on a regular basis

Organization: HealthCareCAN / SoinsSantéCAN

Application deadline: February 13, 2026

HealthCareCAN is the national voice of healthcare organizations and hospitals across Canada, delivering high-quality products and services to members in support of health system innovation and transformation. We are seeking a Lead, Government Relations to help advance our federal advocacy priorities and strengthen our relationships with key decision makers and partners.

About the role

Reporting to the Vice-President, External Affairs, the Lead, Government Relations will support HealthCareCAN’s efforts to engage the federal government and promote HealthCareCAN priorities at the national level.

In this role, you will:

• Build and maintain effective relationships with members of Parliament, senators, political staff, federal officials, key influencers and opinion leaders to advance member priorities in health research, health innovation, health infrastructure and the health workforce.
• Position HealthCareCAN as the go-to voice of Canada’s hospitals, health authorities and health research institutes with the federal government and national stakeholders.
• Plan, support and participate in meetings, events and advocacy days with ministers, Parliamentarians, officials and political staff, including preparing briefing materials, presentations and follow up.
• Prepare briefing notes, speaking notes, correspondence, reports and submissions for federal decision makers, including House of Commons and Senate committees, in consultation with the Vice-President, External Affairs and with support from research and policy colleagues.
• Monitor and report on federal political, legislative and fiscal developments related to HealthCareCAN priorities, maintaining regular contact with government and stakeholder organizations.
• Coordinate and support member participation in advocacy activities, including consultation calls, advocacy campaigns, Hill events and joint letters.
• Build and maintain relationships with partner organizations, coalitions and national associations to align advocacy and identify opportunities for joint action.
• Represent HealthCareCAN at external meetings, consultations and functions, presenting priorities and gathering intelligence to inform government relations strategies.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across External Affairs and the broader organization to integrate government relations into communications, member engagement and organizational initiatives.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in political management, public policy, political science, or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 to 7 years of directly related experience in federal government relations or political roles.
• Experience with not-for-profit advocacy organizations is required.
• Candidates must meet requirements to register with the Federal Lobbyist Registry.
• Demonstrated understanding of federal political and government decision-making processes and cycles, including national party priorities and their relationship to hospitals, health authorities and health research institutes across Canada.
• Proven track record of building and maintaining relationships with members of Parliament, senators, political staff and federal officials, and converting those relationships into concrete advocacy outcomes.
• Superior writing skills in English, with experience preparing briefing notes, speaking notes, letters, reports and submissions for senior decision makers.
• Excellent verbal communication and presentation skills, including the ability to represent the organization externally and communicate effectively with individuals holding different viewpoints.
• Strong analytical and synthesis skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, persuasive messages for member and government audiences.
• Experience planning and supporting advocacy activities such as Hill days, government meetings, consultations, campaigns or coalition initiatives.
• Strong project and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple files and deadlines at once.
• Ability to travel occasionally in support of HealthCareCAN work.
• Bilingualism (English/French) is an asset.

To apply

Please submit your resumé and cover letter outlining your experience and interest in the role to [e-mail] by February 13, 2026.

HealthCareCAN enjoys a remote-first work environment and is seeking an individual based in the Ottawa area.

HealthCareCAN is committed to fostering a culture of inclusion, diversity, equity and access, where all employees and students feel respected and valued and have an equal opportunity to achieve success. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for interview will be contacted. Please contact us if you should require additional support or accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process.