Vice President, Indigenous Relations

At VIA HFR, we don't just build railroads; we shape the future of passenger transportation. We are committed to innovation, passenger safety and sustainable development. We're revolutionizing the rail industry in Canada.

The participation of Indigenous peoples is a key pillar of this transformative project and essential to its success. VIA HFR is committed to fulfilling the constitutional duty to consult and, where appropriate, accommodate Indigenous peoples through meaningful consultation and collaboration with Indigenous peoples throughout the project. VIA HFR will collaborate with Indigenous peoples to build strong relationships and create mutually beneficial socio-economic development opportunities.

Are you ready to take on an exciting challenge? Look no further: VIA HFR is looking for a Vice President, Indigenous Relations for this once-in-a-lifetime infrastructure project which will transform passenger rail travel in Canada's most populous region, between Toronto and Quebec City.

**The role & responsibilities**
- Build and lead a multidisciplinary team responsible to implement the Indigenous Relations Strategy.
- Engage in constructive dialogue with potentially impacted First Nations to understand their needs, concerns, perspectives, and aspirations.
- Integrate Indigenous perspectives to enrich project outcomes, mitigate impacts and, where appropriate, accommodate Indigenous people.
- Propose a proactive and innovative approach to developing and executing collaborative agreements that will confirm consultation and collaboration processes and support meaningful participation in the planning and co-development phases of the project.
- Identify economic opportunities for indigenous communities, such as employment, contracts, and partnerships.
- Explore, with communities and organizations, viable options for Indigenous economic participation throughout the project life cycle.
- Provide VIA HFR staff with training on Indigenous history and culture to enable respectful and positive interactions with communities.
- Advise management on project challenges and opportunities.
- Implement the Indigenous Participation Plan(s) and maintain ongoing relationships.

**The requirements**
- Master’s degree in administration or other field of study relevant to the role.
- 15 years experience in community relations or relevant fields of expertise.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships with diverse communities.
- Ability to simplify complex concepts, communicate them effectively and oversee the drafting of well-structured documents that demonstrate this.
- Knowledge and direct experience in engaging with Indigenous communities, including Indigenous history and rights, on cultural protocols and norms, on Indigenous politics and the ability to successfully engage with Indigenous peoples.
- A thorough understanding of the issues, traditions, and laws specific to Indigenous communities in Canada.
- Proven experience in navigating complex policy environments and the ability to work effectively with diverse government stakeholders.
- Results Oriented with the ability to manage financial and human resources, consider risks, and deliver on corporate objectives in a timely fashion.
- Ability to travel - up to 20 to 30 percent of the time.
- Fluency in written and spoken French and English is a strong asset. The ability to communicate in one or multiple Indigenous language(s) is an asset.

**Why join our innovative team?**
- Group insurance that is fully paid for you and your family, including medical, dental, life, disability, etc.
- A pension plan and saving options (RRSP and TFSA)
- Flexible benefits: access to wellness and health accounts to support your lifestyle
- Vacation based on experience, available as soon as you're hired
- Incentive bonus program
- Work in flexible hybrid mode
- A work environment that encourages initiative, innovation and forward-thinking solutions
- A unique opportunity to craft the future of transportation in Canada

**We strive to create strong and diverse teams**

At VIA HFR, we believe in the strength of diverse teams. We aspire to offer an inclusive and equitable work environment where everyone can develop and flourish. We therefore invite all qualified individuals, whatever their identity or specificity, to apply. You can learn more about the whole project on our VIA HFR webpage.

Please let us know if you require any adjustments during the recruitment process. We will do our utmost to provide you with a fair and pleasant experience, while keeping any adjustments confidential.