Legal Counsel - Labour and Employment Law (Ottawa)

Legal Counsel - Labour and Employment Law

Location: Ottawa, ON; Ancaster, ON; Vancouver, BC; Saint John, NB; Sudbury, ON; Edmonton, AB; London, ON; Toronto, ON; Brampton, ON; St. John's, NL; Calgary, AB; Dartmouth, NS; Winnipeg, MB.

Employment Status: Regular full‑time
Start Date: 2026‑07‑20
Salary: $114,800 – $135,100 per annum

Overview

Canadian Blood Services is looking for a Regular Full‑time Legal Counsel – Labour and Employment Law to join its dynamic Legal Services team. The team provides legal, privacy, ethics, governance, policy, and risk leadership across our product and service areas.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Managing Counsel, Labour and Employment Law, the role supports the management of all labour and employment‑related matters within the organization. You will advise on employee relationships, collective agreements, grievances, arbitrations, policies and programs related to employees, internal workplace investigations, regulatory compliance, occupational health and safety, immigration matters, and cross‑functional legal partnerships.

Formula for Success

• Provide accurate, relevant, timely advice on a variety of labour and employment matters, including hiring practices, employment agreements, termination issues, severance agreements, collective bargaining, grievances, disability and accommodation issues, and discrimination and harassment.
• Advise on regulatory compliance with occupational health, safety and environmental requirements and organisational policies.
• Support and advise on internal workplace assessments and investigations.
• Provide legal guidance to business units, employee & labour relations teams, occupational health and safety teams, and other internal stakeholders.
• Provide support and advice related to immigration matters affecting employees.
• Contribute to a positive, proactive, high‑performance environment that encourages collaboration and continuous improvement.

Desired Education and Skills

• A law degree from a recognised academic institution.
• Membership in good standing in a law society for a Canadian province or territory.
• Other legal and ethics related credentials an asset.
• At least five years of legal experience in labour and employment law in a law firm or in‑house environment.
• Substantial knowledge of relevant legislative and regulatory frameworks and case law.
• Ability to practise law with minimal supervision.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to translate complex issues and provide practical legal advice to clients, communicating in a clear and accessible manner and incorporating all relevant business risks.
• Ability to understand and think critically about business needs and tailor advice accordingly.
• Ability to provide responsive client service in the context of competing demands.

What We Offer You

• Four weeks' vacation.
• Annual performance award up to ten percent.
• Comprehensive group health, dental and vision benefits for you and your family.
• Employee discounts, wellness programme, professional resources.

What You Can Expect

• Work in a hybrid setting; required to be on‑site at a Canadian Blood Services location at least 40% of the time (two days a week).
• Role may require occasional travel depending on operational and legal requirements.

Diversity and Inclusion

We acknowledge that the work of Canadian Blood Services spans many Territories and Treaty areas across the country, and we are grateful for the Traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who have guided us in this important work. We recognise the land and waters that have inspired our work and offer gratitude to those Indigenous peoples on whose territory we work, live and play.

Diversity and inclusion play a vital role in ensuring health equity for patients across Canada. We are committed to reflecting Canada’s population in our organization and fostering an environment where all employees can be their authentic selves, with equal opportunities to succeed and contribute.

Applicants who require accommodation should discuss their needs with us.