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

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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.

Be your best at Canada Life- Apply today!

Being a part of Canada Life means you have a voice. This is a place where your unique background, perspectives and talents are valued, and shape our future success.

You can be your best here. You’re part of a diverse and inclusive workplace where your career and well-being are championed. You’ll have the opportunity to excel in your way, finding new and better ways to deliver exceptional customer and advisor experiences.

Together, as part of a great team, you’ll deliver on our shared purpose to improve the well-being of Canadians. It’s our driving force. Become part of a strong and successful company that’s trusted by millions of Canadians to do the right thing.

Canada Life serves the financial security needs of more than 13 million people across Canada, with additional operations in Europe and the United States. As members of the Power Financial Corporation group of companies, we’re one of Canada’s leading insurers with interests in life insurance, health insurance, investment and retirement savings. We offer a broad portfolio of financial and benefit plan solutions for individuals, families, businesses and organizations. 

We are committed to providing an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and customers feel valued, respected and supported. We are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live, and to creating an environment where every employee has the opportunity to reach their potential. 

It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment. A Human Resources representative will work with applicants who request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Canada Life policies. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact talentacquisitioncanada@canadalife.com.

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

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