The General Counsel (“Counsel”) is responsible and accountable for the provision of legal advice, guidance and services to the Commission’s Executive Management Team and ensures that the Commission conducts its business in compliance with its governing statute and other applicable legislation and regulations. The Counsel reports to the General Manager and provides and oversees all legal services and corporate governance practices. This includes providing advice, guidance and interpretation for property and land purchases, contract reviews and negotiations, regulatory affairs, key project management initiatives, and supporting the organization’s Human Resources functions. Furthermore, the Counsel is involved in enforcement and interpretation of governing legislation and regulations. The Counsel in the role of Secretary to the Commission Board provides centralized corporate secretarial services to the Board and ensures continuous improvement and implementation of best practices in corporate governance.
You will be responsible for your personal safety and that of your co-workers by observing all Occupational Health and Safety Rules and Regulations and Halifax Water’s Occupational Health and Safety Program Manual.
- Engages in ongoing corporate reviews of all contracts including construction contracts.
- Participates in and supports operational personnel in the negotiation of contracts, settlements and insurance claims.
- Provides legal services in the area of property transactions (e.g. easements), purchase and sale of land and review of lease agreements.
- Assists the Commission Staff in the establishment of business structures.
- Acts as a legal advisor to operational and senior staff throughout major infrastructure projects by providing legal advice and guidance.
- Serves as Corporate Secretary.
- Provides advice on amendments to rules and regulations consistent with the Public Utilities Act and Halifax Regional Water Commission Act Utilities Act and Halifax Regional Water Commission Act.
- Monitors changes in the diverse legislation that impact Halifax Water and advises Senior staff on such impacts.
- Prepares and participates in applications and regulatory hearings before the NSUARB
- Liaises with HRM’s Privacy Officer in relation to. Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPOP) applications to Halifax Water; and oversees guidance documents of Halifax Water’s Corporate Records Management, Privacy, and Data Breach Policies.
- Participates in Enterprise Risk Management and establishment of risk mitigation strategies; and assists with administration of insurance matters.
- Assists Halifax Water in ensuring that its governance and accountability frameworks support effective service delivery and contribute to solid public policy.
- Work collaboratively with the Executive Management Team and support the development of Strategic Business Planning processes.
- Co-ordinates and advises on the use of all external lawyers and maintains professional effective communications and working relationships with them.
- Leads procurement process for acquisition of external legal services.
- Works with the General Manager and members of the Executive Management Team to determine the appropriate roles of both internal and external legal counsel.
- Works closely with the General Manager to develop and implement a robust risk management system for the utility.
- Represent the organization or its officials in various legal proceedings (including court),
- Anticipate and recommend procedural improvements to guard against legal risks facing the organization.
- Conduct and co-ordinate research into a variety of legal issues.
- Develop and recommend company policy and position in legal issues.
- Ensure compliance with applicable statutes and regulations.
- Organize meetings of the Board of Commissioners and Committees of the Board, including preparing minutes of such meetings, as required.
- Preparation of written resolutions of the Board, as required from time to time.
- Liaise with Executive Team members as well as with outside service and government agencies.
- Co-ordinate annual litigation representation statement to outside auditors and complete periodic updates of same, as required.
- Maintain custody and control over the corporate seal, minute books and other corporate documents.
Reports to: General Manager
Supervises: Lawyer(s); Legal Assistant; Governance Coordination Assistant; Records & Information Coordinator; and Land Management Technician
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
- Holds an LL.B. or J.D. from a recognized common law school.
Experience:
- A minimum of 10 years’ experience as a practicing lawyer, either as a Corporate Counsel or member of a law firm.
- Broad knowledge of commercial / corporate law.
- Experience with Regulated Industries would be an asset.
Certificates / Licenses / Registrations:
- Is a member or is eligible for membership in the Nova Scotia Bar.
- Must be willing to undertake and maintain the following safety training:
- First Aid
- Globally Harmonized System (GHS) (Formerly WHMIS)
- Additional safety training as identified based on legislative and operational requirements
- Professionalism, tact and diplomacy.
- Excellent communication skills and commitment to customer service.
- Strong work ethic and commitment to promoting ethics and integrity within the utility.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.
- Strong organizational, analytical and strategic skills.
- Ability to analyze case law and provide recommendations to Executive staff.
- Thorough knowledge of Provincial Acts, Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater Regulations, By-Laws and Policies.
- Ability to work extended hours in emergent situations.
- Ability to work under stressful situations to accommodate time limits and program changes.
- Proven ability to balance multiple demands, conflicting priorities and manage change.
- Demonstrated ability to carry a heavy workload and perform under pressure while maintaining a high degree of accuracy.
Applicants who applied previously for this competition do not need to reapply.
Completed cover letters and application forms [PDF] or resumes, stating Competition #HW24-43E must be received by 12 noon, May 3, 2024. Please forward to:
- Halifax Water
HR Department
P.O. Box 8388, RPO CSC
Halifax, NS
B3K 5M1
Fax
-
902-490-6934
Please note: Only applicants invited for an interview will be contacted.
Conditional Items Required for Employment:
- Satisfactory background check
- Satisfactory pre-employment testing
Halifax Water is an equal opportunity employer.
Halifax Water’s goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the community we serve, at all job levels. Halifax Water believes a diverse workforce positively contributes to its success, and the success of our community. We encourage applications from qualified African Nova Scotians, LGBTQ+ community, racially visible persons, women in non-traditional positions, persons with disabilities and Indigenous persons. Halifax Water encourages applicants to self-identify in the cover letter.