Counsel, Environment and Indigenous (CN)

Counsel, Environment and Indigenous (CN)

Location: Montreal, QC (Hybrid)

As a leader in transportation and logistics in North America, CN is a true pillar of the economy. With a team of approximately 25,000 railroaders, CN's priority is to move the business and the economy forward. CN moves US$200 billion worth of goods annually for a wide range of sectors, such as natural resources, manufactured and consumer goods, on a 20,000-mile network that covers Canada and the central United States. CN is the only Canadian company to be listed in the transportation and transportation infrastructure sector category of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI). Created in 1999, the DJSI is the benchmark index for sustainable development. CN works as ONE TEAM focused on safety and putting customers first, delivering operational and supply chain excellence to deliver results.

SUMMARY

The Counsel, Environment and Indigenous Affairs is responsible for advising on all legal questions relating to environmental and Indigenous law for CN’s Canadian operations. The role manages and collaborates with external counsel on litigation relating to Indigenous and environmental law, works with internal clients on compliance programs, and advises stakeholders during emergency situations. Furthermore, the incumbent must partner with various departments on public reporting, including sustainability and annual reports.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Receive questions from clients (individuals across CNs departments, including Environment and Indigenous, Real Estate, P&SM, HR)
• Review documents and carry out required research
• Contact external counsel to provide written and verbal advice
• Redact and provide comments on documents
• Advise on permits required for construction projects, jurisdiction issues (Provincial and Federal), capacity projects, new regulations coming into force, as well as corporate and commercial matters
• Manage external counsel and collaborate with them
• Contribute to the development of legal strategies when it comes to litigation issues
• Provide advice to internal and external on applicable regulations during emergency situations
• Collaborate with CN departments when it comes to producing public reports
• Work with internal clients on compliance programs including internal review of compliance with specific regulations

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 10 years of experience with environmental and Indigenous law
• Bachelor’s Degree in Law
• Member of a Provincial Bar
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, with an ability to summarize complex legal issues and make them accessible and easy to understand for a variety of internal clients
• Fosters diverse representation, and diversity of thought and experience as a strategic advantage
• Influences by translating expertise into practical business outcomes
• Deals with pressure and change by staying calm to quickly adapt to changes
• Political acumen
• Knowledge of environmental and indigenous laws in Canada, as well as constitutional law and transport law
• Fluently bilingual both written and verbal (English, French)

Please note that only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Note that this is an exclusive mandate with SHORE & Associates. All CVs/résumés sent directly to CN will be redirected to SHORE & Associates for review and consideration.