Government Relations Lead

Join a Challenger

At EQ, we're remaking banking so every Canadian gets ahead, every day. Serving nearly 4 million Canadians from coast to coast, we offer a wide variety of financial services from banking and lending, to trust and credit union solutions.

We've been at this since 1970, challenging the conventions of traditional banking with smarter, faster, and more connected financial experiences.

What's kept us moving? The people behind it all: challengers who ask better questions, push back on old assumptions, and look for a better way forward.

If you're driven to help reshape how banking works for Canadians and the businesses that power our economy, this could be your next big opportunity.

We can’t wait to get to know you!

The Associate Director, Government Relations serves as EQ Bank's senior subject‑matter expert on government relations, public policy, and legislative and regulatory affairs. Reporting to the Vice President, Head of the Office of the CEO, the role advances and protects the Bank's interests with federal, provincial, and municipal governments, regulators, industry associations, and other external stakeholders.

Operating as an individual contributor and trusted advisor, the incumbent monitors and analyzes the external public‑policy environment, translates emerging legislative and regulatory developments into clear implications for the Bank, and develops and executes advocacy strategies that support EQ Bank's purpose, strategy, and reputation as Canada's Challenger Bank. The role works closely with the Office of the CEO, senior leaders, and cross‑functional partners in Legal, Risk, Compliance, and Communications to ensure the Bank speaks with a unified, credible, and well‑informed voice in the public‑policy arena.

• Develop, recommend, and execute the Bank's government‑relations and advocacy strategy across federal, provincial, and municipal levels, aligned to enterprise priorities and reputational objectives.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with elected officials, political staff, public servants, central agencies, and regulators to advance the Bank's positions.
• Prepare and deliver advocacy materials, position papers, submissions, briefing notes, correspondence, and consultation responses, for government and regulatory audiences.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to participate in public consultations (e.g., pre‑budget consultations and regulatory consultations) and in industry coalitions and working groups.
• Ensure all lobbying activity is conducted ethically and in compliance with the federal Lobbying Act and applicable provincial lobbyist‑registration requirements, and maintain accurate registrations and reporting.

• Monitor, track, and analyze legislative and public‑policy developments relevant to the Bank (e.g., housing finance, payments, consumer protection, financial crime, and privacy) and assess their implications for the Bank's strategy, positioning, and advocacy priorities.
• Provide timely, insightful briefings and recommendations to the VP, Head of the Office of the CEO, the CEO's office, and senior leaders on policy risks and opportunities.
• Translate complex policy and regulatory matters into clear, actionable guidance for internal stakeholders and decision‑makers.
• Maintain a forward‑looking view of the political and legislative calendar and proactively anticipate issues that may affect the Bank.

• Serve as a key liaison with relevant industry and trade associations (e.g., the Canadian Bankers Association, FDATA, etc.) and represent the Bank on committees and working groups.
• Coordinate cross‑functionally with Legal, Risk, Compliance, Communications, business lines and external agencies to develop unified, well‑vetted external positions.
• Support the preparation of the CEO and senior executives for government meetings, external engagements, appearances, and industry events.

• Partner with Communications/PR and Legal to manage public‑policy‑related issues and protect the Bank's reputation.
• Provide…