Job Description

Permanent Full Time

We’re looking for a Legal Counsel, Workplace Benefits and Retirement.

Reporting to the Managing Counsel, Workplace Benefits and Retirement, you will be a key member of the legal team providing support to our Canadian business units by delivering practical and timely legal advice on tactical and strategic business issues. You will work closely with legal professionals, business leaders, claims professionals and operational teams on a broad range of insurance, benefits and regulatory matters, with a primary focus on Quebec law and regulatory requirements.

The successful candidate will primarily provide legal support to Canada Life's Workplace Benefits and Retirement businesses. Your work will be wide-ranging and will provide the opportunity to develop expertise in dynamic practice areas, including group benefits, Quebec regulatory compliance, beneficiary disputes and contested claims. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a highly accomplished team of legal professionals supporting one of Canada's leading financial services companies.

Key Accountabilities

• Provide practical, independent and business-focused legal advice on a wide variety of issues
• Support Workplace Benefits and Retirement (“WBR”) (group insurance) products and product development, including contract drafting, policy administration and general internal legal support
• Develop expertise in insurance coverage, eligibility, plan interpretation and benefit entitlement issues under Quebec law, Quebec’s prescription drug insurance regime and group insurance-related licensing matters.
• Support business initiatives, including the development of digital tools, operational enhancements and customer-facing solutions
• Support the interpretation, negotiation, drafting and implementation of agreements involving industry stakeholders, service providers and others
• Collaborate with business and legal stakeholders on strategic initiatives and emerging regulatory issues, including implementation of new legislative and regulatory requirements impacting products, communications, processes and administrative practices
• Participate in industry committees, working groups and stakeholder initiatives

Qualifications and Competencies

• Law Degree and a member in good standing of the Barreau of Quebec (required). Membership in another Canadian law society is considered a strong asset
• 3 to 5 years of relevant legal work experience (law firm or in-house)
• Knowledge and experience with group insurance and pension matters in Quebec is considered an asset
• Self-motivated with the ability to work well independently and collaboratively
• Bilingualism (fluent in French and English) required, as the position will regularly serve our clients with English and French-speaking need
• Strong communication skills with a practical, solution-oriented approach, including the ability to convey legal concepts clearly to non‑lawyers
• Knowledgeable in conducting in-depth legal research, including use of professional research tools (e.g., Westlaw Edge)
• Demonstrated skill in legal drafting, reviewing and negotiating agreements
• High attention to detail
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to explain and resolve complex issues
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with experience handling multiple projects at once
• Knowledge and experience with life and health insurance considered an asset
• Reliability Status Security Clearance – this can only be completed with candidates who receive an offer of employment. This is a personal security status that is required as a condition of employment before an employee can gain access to Protected B information, assets or work sites as outlined by the Government of Canada website. The cost of submitting these checks will be covered by Canada Life

This position will be located in the Montreal head office and follows a hybrid work model, with an in-office presence required three days per week.

The base salary for this position is between $130,800 - $180,800 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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