Senior Legal Counsel

Business Unit

Regular, Full time

Closing Date: April 10, 2025

The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) is the statutory body responsible for regulating Ontario’s capital markets in accordance with the mandate established in the provincial Securities Act and the Commodity Futures Act. The mandate of the OSC is to provide protection to investors from unfair, improper or fraudulent practices, to foster fair, efficient and competitive capital markets and confidence in the capital markets, to foster capital formation, and to contribute to the stability of the financial system and the reduction of systemic risk. This mandate is performed through policy, operational, and enforcement activities. The OSC also contributes to national and global securities regulation development.

We offer a diverse, fair, and flexible work environment and take pride in our challenging and rewarding work.

Senior Legal Counsel, Domestic Affairs

Communications, International and Stakeholder Affairs
 

The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) is the statutory body responsible for regulating Ontario’s capital markets in accordance with the mandate established in the provincial Securities Act and the Commodity Futures Act. The mandate of the OSC is to provide protection to investors from unfair, improper or fraudulent practices, to foster fair, efficient and competitive capital markets and confidence in the capital markets, to foster capital formation, and to contribute to the stability of the financial system and the reduction of systemic risk. This mandate is performed through policy, operational, adjudication and enforcement work. The OSC also contributes to national and global securities regulation development through the Canadian Securities Administrators group (CSA).

What We Do:

The Communications, International and Stakeholder Affairs (CISA) Division plays an integral role in advancing the OSC’s position domestically and globally as a trusted and influential voice on capital markets. The division works to uphold public confidence in the OSC’s work and Ontario’s capital markets by facilitating strong relationships with stakeholders and regulatory partners, alignment with government priorities and international standards, and the effective communication of OSC priorities, policies, and actions.

The CISA team engages internal, external, domestic, and international stakeholders through direct outreach, policy forums, executive thought leadership, corporate reporting materials, website and enterprise social media channels.

CISA supports the Commission’s accountability to the Government of Ontario and the Minister of Finance, advises on key developments in other jurisdictions, promotes regulatory cooperation and information-sharing to improve cross-border supervision, and supports the development of global regulatory standards.

The Opportunity:

Reporting to the Vice President, Media and Governmental Affairs, the Senior Legal Counsel, Domestic Affairs will develop, implement and advise on strategies that involve engagement with governments and regulators in Canada. This role proactively draws on their legal expertise, familiarity with the Canadian securities regulatory landscape and knowledge of the political and public administration process to identify, track and make recommendations to senior leadership on responding to government and regulatory developments. 

This role will also manage strategic corporate projects, internal research and reporting requirements, and build relationships with key government and regulatory stakeholders.

What you will be doing:

• Within Domestic Affairs, assume responsibility for federal portfolio, serving as the central point of contact within the OSC for all contemplated and planned interactions with the federal government, as well as outreach from federal entities to the OSC.
• Work with government representatives and regulators in Canadian jurisdictions on a broad range of securities-related issues.
• Advise members of Domestic Affairs on interactions with provincial government, where legal advice or perspective is required.
• Consider and advise on shifts in government priorities and implications for OSC’s work, flagging potential areas of concern, being live to and constantly monitoring, key stakeholder interest and issues.
• Monitor, advise and produce briefing notes on government policies, regulatory developments and emerging issues.
• Negotiate information-sharing agreements with other jurisdictions in Canada.
• Coordinate and contribute to submissions to governments in Canada.
• Prepare Executives for meetings with Ontario and federal government representatives, Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA), and other key stakeholders.
• Produce written reports and give presentations to the Board and Senior Leadership Team on the work and priorities of the Domestic team.

What you bring:

• Law degree, and university degree in economics, finance, public policy, political science or related discipline.
• Membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario and a minimum of 8 years relevant securities/industry experience since your call to the bar.
• Senior-level experience in law, securities industry, financial regulatory sector, government or a related field. Preferably related operational experience at a securities firm.
• A strong understanding of the Canadian securities regulatory environment, underlying public policy issues and the ability to strategically assess the impact of various regulatory actions on stakeholders and the markets.
• The ability to break down complex problems, research and seek out new information, analyze and anticipate obstacles and potential risks, and develop appropriate recommendations.
• The ability to balance regulatory objectives with practical business considerations.
• Excellent research skills and communication skills with the ability to speak and write clearly, concisely and persuasively.
• Policy development experience an asset.
• Excellent judgment and big-picture thinking.

What we offer:

• Competitive compensation package which includes performance-based incentives and a premier pension plan
• Generous vacation and personal time entitlements 
• Best in class comprehensive health and wellness benefit package which includes gym membership discounts with Goodlife Fitness
• Tuition reimbursement program  
• Training and development programs
• Flexible hybrid work environment (3 days in office each week at 20 Queen Street West).

Grow your career and make a difference working at the OSC.

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We thank all applicants for their interest in the Ontario Securities Commission. We will contact those selected for an interview.

The OSC is committed to diversity and providing an inclusive workplace and providing accommodation in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Human Rights Code. It is our priority to ensure employment opportunities are visible and barrier-free to all under-represented groups including but not limited to, Indigenous, Black and racialized groups, people with disabilities, women and people from the 2SLGBTQI+ community, to achieve an employee demographic profile reflective of the demographic profile of Ontarians.

The OSC is a proud partner with the following organizations: Ascend Canada, BlackNorth Initiative, Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, and Pride at Work Canada

If you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know by contacting our confidential inbox HRRecruitment@osc.gov.on.ca.  
 

Visit Accessibility at the OSC to review the OSC’s policies on accessibility and accommodation in the workplace.