Government Relations Lead
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Job Summary
Join a Challenger
At EQ were remaking banking so every Canadian gets ahead every day. Serving nearly 4 million Canadians from coast to coast we offer a wide variety of financial services from banking and lending to trust and credit union solutions.
Weve been at this since 1970 challenging the conventions of traditional banking with smarter faster and more connected financial experiences.
Whats kept us moving The people behind it all: challengers who ask better questions push back on old assumptions and look for a better way forward.
If youre driven to help reshape how banking works for Canadians and the businesses that power our economy this could be your next big opportunity.
We cant wait to get to know you!
The Associate Director Government Relations serves as EQ Banks senior subject-matter expert on government relations public policy and legislative and regulatory affairs. Reporting to the Vice President Head of the Office of the CEO the role advances and protects the Banks interests with federal provincial and municipal governments regulators industry associations and other external stakeholders.
Operating as an individual contributor and trusted advisor the incumbent monitors and analyzes the external public-policy environment translates emerging legislative and regulatory developments into clear implications for the Bank and develops and executes advocacy strategies that support EQ Banks purpose strategy and reputation as Canadas Challenger Bank. The role works closely with the Office of the CEO senior leaders and cross-functional partners in Legal Risk Compliance and Communications to ensure the Bank speaks with a unified credible and well-informed voice in the public-policy arena.
Government Relations & Advocacy Strategy
Develop recommend and execute the Banks government-relations and advocacy strategy across federal provincial and municipal levels aligned to enterprise priorities and reputational objectives.
Build and maintain trusted relationships with elected officials political staff public servants central agencies and regulators to advance the Banks positions.
Prepare and deliver advocacy materials position papers submissions briefing notes correspondence and consultation responses for government and regulatory audiences.
Identify and pursue opportunities to participate in public consultations (e.g. pre-budget consultations and regulatory consultations) and in industry coalitions and working groups.
Ensure all lobbying activity is conducted ethically and in compliance with the federal Lobbying Act and applicable provincial lobbyist-registration requirements and maintain accurate registrations and reporting.
Policy Monitoring Analysis & Advisory
Monitor track and analyze legislative and public-policy developments relevant to the Bank (e.g. housing finance payments consumer protection financial crime and privacy) and assess their implications for the Banks strategy positioning and advocacy priorities.
Provide timely insightful briefings and recommendations to the VP Head of the Office of the CEO the CEOs office and senior leaders on policy risks and opportunities.
Translate complex policy and regulatory matters into clear actionable guidance for internal stakeholders and decision-makers.
Maintain a forward-looking view of the political and legislative calendar and proactively anticipate issues that may affect the Bank.
Stakeholder & Industry Engagement
Serve as a key liaison with relevant industry and trade associations (e.g. the Canadian Bankers Association FDATA etc.) and represent the Bank on committees and working groups.
Coordinate cross-functionally with Legal Risk Compliance Communications business lines and external agencies to develop unified well-vetted external positions.
Support the preparation of the CEO and senior executives for government meetings external engagements appearances and industry events.
Issues Management & Reputation
Partner with Communications/PR and Legal to manage public-policy-related issues and protect the Banks reputation.
Provide government-relations input into enterprise-risk and reputational-risk processes.
Support the Banks participation in relevant public forums submissions and events.
Governance & Reporting
Maintain accurate records registrations and reporting related to government-relations activity.
Develop metrics and reporting to track advocacy progress and the impact of government-relations initiatives.
Ensure government-relations activities comply with applicable laws regulatory requirements internal policies and ethical standards.
Undergraduate degree in Political Science Public Policy Public Administration Law Economics Business Communications or a related discipline; a graduate degree (e.g. MPP MPA MBA LLB/JD) is considered an asset.
Minimum 810 years of progressive experience in government relations public affairs public policy or regulatory affairs - gained within government a regulator an industry association a financial institution or a public-affairs/consulting firm.
Strong understanding of the Canadian legislative and regulatory environment the machinery of government and the policy-development process at the federal and provincial levels.
Working knowledge of the financial-services regulatory landscape (e.g. OSFI the Department of Finance FCAC the Bank of Canada Payments Canada and provincial regulators such as FSRA) is strongly preferred.
Familiarity with the federal Lobbying Act and provincial lobbyist-registration regimes.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills including the ability to draft submissions briefing notes and correspondence for senior and external audiences.
Proven ability to build relationships and influence senior stakeholders government officials and industry partners without direct authority.
Strong analytical research and critical-thinking skills with the ability to distill complex policy issues into clear actionable recommendations.
Sound judgment discretion and the ability to manage sensitive and confidential matters with integrity.
Experience in a regulated industry and prior financial-services experience is considered an asset; an established network within government regulatory and/or industry-association circles is an asset.
Equity Diversity & Inclusion
EQ is committed to building an inclusive accessible environment where every employee feels valued respected and supported. We believe our organization is stronger and our people thrive when we honour and celebrate diverse experiences identities and perspectives. Were equally committed to supporting your growth both professionally and personally.
We provide a barrierfree recruitment process and work environment. If you require accommodations at any stage we will work with you to ensure you can bring your best self to the process and beyond.
As part of our recruitment process EQ uses AI to help screen assess and/or select applicants for this position. All AI-enabled outputs are reviewed and validated by our talent team. All candidates considered for hire must successfully complete a criminal background check and credit check. While we appreciate every application an EQ recruiter will contact only those whose skills and experience most closely match the requirements of the role.
EQB Inc. (TSX: EQB) is the parent company of Equitable Bank the countrys seventh-largest Schedule I bank by assets which operates EQ Bank Canadas Challenger Bank. EQB Inc. serves nearly 4 million Canadians and manages approximately $150 billion in combined assets under management and administration.
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About Company
At Equitable Bank, we specialize in providing branchless financial services that meet the unique needs of all Canadians. Our range of mortgages, savings accounts and investment options are designed to offer the right solutions to match any unique circumstance.
