Director Government Relations & Industry Affairs

Permanent Full Time 

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Role Purpose

Provide enterprise leadership for Canada Life’s public policy and government relations agenda, translating strategy into coordinated, high‑quality execution across federal and provincial jurisdictions. The Director builds a forward‑looking policy insights engine, leads cross‑enterprise advocacy and submissions, strengthens relationships with elected officials and senior public servants, and ensures tight alignment with corporate strategy, legal, risk, and brand.

What you will do

1) Policy leadership & strategy execution

• Develop and operationalize a forward-looking public policy and industry affairs strategy into an annual workplan aligned to corporate strategy and business priorities
• Lead an integrated research and insights program, including horizon scanning, impact assessments and decision briefs for executive decision makers
• Coordinate national and regional policy intelligence to anticipate emerging trends and shape proactive responses
• Advise the Vice President of Public Policy & Government Relations on legislative, political and regulatory developments with strategic implications

2) Government relations & advocacy

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with federal, provincial and municipal officials and policymakers
• Plan and deliver advocacy campaigns (meetings, roundtables, submissions, coalitions), with clear objectives and outcome tracking
• Coordinate company positions across business units; ensure alignment and disciplined messaging

3) Industry, stakeholder & coalition management

• Represent Canada Life in industry associations and policy forums
• Guide cross‑industry initiatives and consultation responses, enhancing our reputation as an industry leader
• Cultivate strategy relationships with external stakeholders and partners to advance shared policy objectives

4) Issues management & reputation

• Run a policy pipeline and escalation framework, collaborating with communications, legal, compliance, risk, strategy and business unit leaders to ensure policy engagement, proactive storytelling and risk mitigation
• Ensure policy positions reflect enterprise risk appetite and legal/compliance guardrails
• Provide regular briefings and policy education to senior leadership
• Support executive participation in key external events and forums

What you will bring:

• 8–12+ years in public policy, government relations or regulatory affairs, including experience briefing senior executives and coordinating multi‑stakeholder submissions
• Expertise in legislative and regulatory process
• Proven ability to influence policy outcomes and build relationships
• Excellent communication and advocacy skills, including written materials, and verbal briefing ability
• Experience in financial services or adjacent sectors is an asset
• Bilingualism (English/French) is considered a strong asset

Given the size and scope of our organization, we have the flexibility for this position to be located in the following head office locations: Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Vancouver, Regina 

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The base salary for this position is between $114,200 - $164,200 annually. This represents base salary only and does not represent other variable compensation components of our total compensation ( i.e. annual bonus, commission etc). If you are selected to move forward in our recruitment process, your recruiter will be able to discuss additional details of our total rewards program with you.

Career opportunities will be open a minimum of 5 business days from the date of posting, closing dates will vary depending on the search activity. All applications received will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Grow with Canada Life 

We’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the financial, physical and mental well-being of Canadians. Our company is trusted by 1 in 3 Canadians and contributes to the strength of communities across the country.  

We’re looking for people who live our values everyday: we step up, we do the right thing, and we deliver – for our customers, communities and each other. Are you someone who always strives to do the right thing, who steps up for themselves and others, and who delivers with impact? Then we want to hear from you! 

What we offer:  

We’re committed to supporting our employees through every stage of their career. Here’s what you can expect as a full-time or part-time permanent team member: 

• Career Development: Opportunities for career advancement, access to industry-leading learning programs and up to $2,000 annually towards education reimbursement. 

• Health & Wellness: Flexible health and dental benefits, plus a $5,000 mental health benefit to support your well-being. 

• Time Off: In addition to regular vacation and personal days, we support community involvement with a volunteer day.  

• Financial Security: Company-matching pension plan, share ownership program and additional investment options. 

• Rewards and Recognition: Employee recognition programs, service milestone celebrations, employee discounts and more!  
• Emphasis on Community: We provide a workplace where employees feel connected and supported through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), mentorship programs, social clubs and events.  

Learn more about Canada Life.  

We’re committed to removing barriers and ensuring equal access to employment. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation during the application process may contact  talentacquisitioncanada@canadalife.com. All information provided will be handled in accordance with applicable laws and Canada Life policies.  

Canada Life would like to thank all applicants, however only those who qualify for an interview will be contacted. 

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