ARTICLING PLACEMENT

Transport Canada

Position Title Policy & Research Assistant (Articling Student)

Organization Transport Canada

Safety And Security
Rail Safety
Regulatory Affairs
Legislative and Operational Policy

Work location We are located at:

Transport Canada
427 Laurier, 14th floor
Ottawa, Ontario

Placement start date As soon as possible

Placement duration 10 months

Hours per week 37.5 hours / week (8:30 am to 4:30 pm)

Salary To be determined, based on education and experience, in accordance

with Treasury Board policy. For more information, consult the
Treasury Board Secretariat’s website (http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/psm-
fpfm/pay-remuneration/rates-taux/student-etudiants-eng.asp).

Description of duties About the Directorate, Branch and Department:

The Rail Safety Directorate is responsible for advancing the safety of

the Canadian rail transportation system through regulations, outreach
and oversight. For example, we:
• Conduct audits and inspections of railway operations;
• Develop policies and regulations;
• Promote education and awareness of rail safety hazards;
• Issue notices and orders to address safety threats identified by
our inspectors;
• Consult with stakeholders and the public on policy and
regulatory development; and,
• Support funding programs, particularly for crossing
improvements.

The Regulatory Affairs Branch is responsible for the development of

legislation, regulation, policy development and interpretation. The
Branch is also responsible for international, intergovernmental,
 departmental and interdepartmental relations. The Branch is the focal
point for processing and issuing Railway Operating Certificates,
Ministerial Orders, Notices, and Exemptions. It also serves as liaison
between Transport Canada and the Transportation Safety Board.

Transport Canada (TC) employs over 6,000 talented and motivated

employees working in the Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, Prairie and
Northern, Pacific Regions, and at the National Headquarters in
Ottawa. We strive to serve the public interest through the promotion
of a safe and secure, efficient and environmentally responsible
transportation system in Canada.

Student Responsibilities:

The articling student will be responsible for helping to provide

research and policy advice and guidance on the implementation of
various regulatory instruments as related to the Railway Safety Act,
and support other projects as required.

Key activities may include the following:

• Providing research of relevant laws and regulatory instruments

to inform operational policy development;
• Preparing options and recommendations to address operational
rail safety issues (existing and emerging);
• Drafting correspondence, assist with incoming requests and
(subject to obtaining the appropriate security clearance)
support legislative drafting instructions as required;
• Participating in various meetings and committees and
collaborating with colleagues across the Department;
• Monitoring and supporting preparing for tribunal and court
proceedings that are relevant to the Rail Safety Act; and,
• Ensuring documents are tracked, organized and are easily
accessible.

Other information The articling placement is administered under the Federal Post-
Secondary Cooperative Education and Internship Program. As an
articling placement through the Law Society of Upper Canada is an
approved internship program, students are eligible to be recruited into
the federal public service following the completion of their placement.
For more information, visit the Federal Post-Secondary Cooperative
Education and Internship Program’s website
(https://www.canada.ca/en/public-service-
commission/jobs/services/recruitment/students/coop-internship.html) .
 The placement would be considered a National Articling Placement.
For more information on National Articling Placements, consult the
Law Society of Upper Canada’s website (https://lso.ca/becoming-
licensed/lawyer-licensing-process/articling-candidates/beginning-a-
placement#national-and-international-articling-6)
Applicant requirements • Demonstrated interest in the intersection of law and policy;
• Strong writing and communication skills;
• Graduation with a law degree from a recognized university,
including a demonstrated specialization in policy work,
government law, or transportation law/privacy
law/constitutional law (e.g., through an intensive program,
work experience, research experience, coursework etc.);
• Eligibility for participation in the Law Society of Upper
Canada’s Articling Program;
• Preferably an ability to understand and speak both official
languages (French – English); and,
• Enhanced reliability security clearance (to be obtained by
successful candidate after interview process).

How to apply Please send the following documents by email to

Alexandra.beauchampmiljour@tc.gc.ca:

• Cover letter;
• C.V./résumé,
• Upper year course list;
• Recent legal writing sample on social and economic issues(e.g.
article, essay, blog post, etc.); and
• Indication of your proficiency in English and French.

Other comments COVID-19 context:

 Interview/Exam will be conducted virtually.
 Work location may vary – student may be performing work
from home until further notice.

Application deadline October 16, 2020

Contact Sheila Honoré

Chief, Legislative and Operational Policy
Principal Member, Law Society of Ontario
Telephone : 613-601-6048
Email : Sheila.honore@tc.gc.ca