SENIOR LEGAL COUNSEL -- POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Senior Legal Counsel acts as in-house counsel and provides a full range of in-depth legal advisory services to the First Nations Tax Commission (FNTC), Executive and Secretariat areas, including expert advice on alI legislation affecting the operations of the FNTC, advice on changes to the legal framework for First Nation property taxation, law which may affect the work of the FNTC, and legal opinions on problems and issues arising from specific matters under the FNTC's mandate. The Senior Legal Counsel works collaboratively with a legal team to meet the requirements of the position.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide expert legal advice and act as In-House Counsel to the Chief Commissioner and the FNTC and provides legal services to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and staff on a wide variety of issues related to administrative law, federal statutes applicable to the FNTC and to the interpretation of all relevant legislation
- Provide legal advice to the FNTC on matters of policy and legislation related to First Nation taxation under the First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FMA) and under the Indian Act, and related to First Nation jurisdiction in the broader political and legal arena
- Keeps the FNTC informed of statute and case law developments of interest, including matters having implications for the FNTC's procedures and for the obligations of the FNTC
- Develops, reviews, updates and maintains the inventory of FNTC standards and procedures and First Nation Sample Laws
- Provide senior level advice to the COO on a full range of FNTC responsibilities
- Work closely with the Law Review and Policy team to develop and recommend policy for approval by the FNTC, as well as tools and methods for the review of First Nation laws submitted for FNTC approval
- Participates as a member of the Law Working Group and the Policy Working Group in the development and management of work plans for legal and policy services
- In collaboration with the legal team, acts as or instructs legal counsel for the FNTC in Judicial Review proceedings, lawsuits and other legal forums in which the FNTC has involvement
- Maintain relationships and participates collaboratively with the FMA Institutions, and with Canada and/or with the Provinces and/or stakeholders with the aim to improve the tools of the FMA, and enhance the jurisdiction of First Nations
- May participate in special projects, such as research, teaching at the Tulo Centre, and other FNTC led initiatives if requested
Competencies:
- Accountability -- Takes responsibility for outcomes (positive or negative) of one's work; admits mistakes; takes ownership and refocuses efforts when appropriate; takes responsibility for commitments to deliver results. Holds others accountable for maintaining a high standard of performance.
- Ethics and Integrity -- Maintains a commitment to honesty; communicates intentions, ideas and feelings openly and directly and welcomes openness and honesty even in difficult situations. Represents information and data openly and completely. Maintains confidentiality.
- Leading/Living the Vision [and Mandate] -- Keeps the Institution's vision [and mandate] at the forefront of decision-making and action. Communicates the importance of the vision [and mandate] to others as key to maintain a positive and energized culture. Moves others to action by translating the vision [and mandate] into day-to-day activities and behaviours. Guides and motivates others to take actions that support the vision [and mandate].
- Strategic Focus -- Identifies key issues and relationships that impact the achievement of long-range goals and vision. Links long-range vision and concepts to daily work ranging from a simple understanding to a sophisticated awareness of the impact of the larger [political] landscape on strategies and alternatives.
- Contribution to Team Success -- Treats others with dignity and success and values their contributions. Demonstrates a spirit of pride and trust in the team. Has the desire and ability to understand and respond effectively to other people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse views.
- Planning and Organizing -- Proactively plans, establishes priorities and allocates resources to ensure work is completed efficiently. Monitors and adjusts work plans to accomplish goals and deliver to the Institution's mandate
For more information or to be considered for this opportunity, please apply today in confidence or contact Stephanie Hacksel (*********@hunterwest.ca) or Mike Aujla (****@hunterwest.ca) for a personal and confidential discussion.
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