Senior Advisor, Government & Indigenous Relations

Reference Number : 1391 

Status : Permanent - Full-time  

Annual Salary / Hourly Rate : $96,110 - $113,071

Number of positions to be filled : 1 

Application Deadline : 08/28/2026

Did you know that VIA Rail is carrying out ambitious projects to modernize its services and infrastructure? From our new ultramodern train fleet to ongoing improvement of our infrastructure, we’re building the future of transportation in Canada. Working for VIA Rail is being a part of a collective effort in sustainable mobility. 

Reporting to the Vice-President, Government Relations and Indigenous Affairs, the Senior Advisor, Indigenous Relations plays a key leadership role within VIA Rail. This position is at the heart of VIA Rail’s Indigenous Relations strategy. You will be responsible for developing and implementing this strategy, along with an action plan designed to foster strong, sustainable relationships that support both the company’s objectives and its shareholder’s commitment to reconciliation. You will engage with nearly 80 Indigenous communities across VIA Rail’s service network, with a particular focus on communities located between Winnipeg and Churchill.

You will be expected and encouraged to build meaningful relationships through ongoing meetings, consultations, discussions, and engagement activities, particularly in connection with VIA Rail’s pan-Canadian fleet renewal program and the future of passenger rail services from coast to coast.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement VIA Rail’s Indigenous Relations plan for approximately 80 Indigenous communities served by or interacting with VIA Rail across Canada, ensuring alignment with corporate business objectives;

• Define and execute a strategy to build and strengthen relationships with Indigenous peoples by identifying and understanding their needs and assessing current relationships and programs (internal and external) involving VIA Rail;

• Establish and maintain strong, long-term relationships with Indigenous communities and foster mutually beneficial partnerships with communities served by VIA Rail;

• Advise, support, and guide senior leadership in their interactions with Indigenous communities to ensure these engagements are strategic, consistent, and effective;

• Work collaboratively across the organization to manage situations that may impact VIA Rail’s relationships with Indigenous communities or the company’s reputation;

• Oversee the timely and effective development of communications directed to Indigenous communities, including letters, briefing notes, reports, and other materials;

• Monitor the political, social, and community landscape to identify emerging opportunities and issues that could affect VIA Rail’s reputation or strategic objectives;

• Provide senior management with timely strategic analysis, recommendations, and reports.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• University degree in Political Science, Communications, or a related field;
• Approximately 10 years of experience in government relations, including significant experience working with Indigenous communities and organizations;
• Strong knowledge of Indigenous communities located along VIA Rail’s operating corridors and an understanding of relevant treaties
• Excellent written and spoken English and French; knowledge of one or more Indigenous languages is considered an asset
• Demonstrated experience in crisis and issues management;
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and perform effectively under pressure;
• Strong strategic thinking skills, with the ability to assess issues from a broad perspective and develop innovative solutions;
• Proven ability to communicate, influence, and advocate effectively;
• Ability to present and debate ideas effectively;
• Excellent analytical, synthesis, and conceptual thinking skills;
• Collaborative mindset with a strong commitment to partnership and teamwork;
• Initiative, autonomy, curiosity, creativity, and adaptability;
• Willingness to travel frequently within Canada;
• Flexibility to occasionally work outside normal business hours in response to operational needs or emerging events.

At VIA Rail, we are proud to be an employment-equity employer and we strive to form teams that reflect the diversity of Canadian society. We aim to remove barriers to employment accessibility and aspire to provide an inclusive and equitable work environment where everyone is valued, regardless of their identity or differences, to enable them to reach their full potential.

If you need assistance in making the recruitment process or the position you are applying for more accessible, please let us know. Alternate arrangements may be offered to individuals who request them at any stage of the recruitment process. All information received in relation to arrangements will be kept confidential.

Note that we will only contact those who are selected for an interview.

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