Counsel

Important messages

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please use the Contact information below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Assessment accommodation

If you are unable to apply online, please contact Denise Tremblay at before the closing date.

Work environment

The Northwest Territories Regional Office (NWTRO) is responsible for the prosecution of all federal offences in the NWT. The regional headquarters is located in Yellowknife. Communities throughout the NWT are served by circuit in both the Territorial and Supreme Court and prosecutors travel by air to some 20 communities and by road to one community.

The NWTRO prosecutes Criminal Code offences, in addition to offences under other federal statutes typically prosecuted by the PPSC. The caseload of the regional office includes a high number of personal injury offences, including homicide cases, sexual assaults, aggravated assault and assault causing bodily harm or with a weapon. The region actively reviews the files of high risk offenders and applies in appropriate cases for dangerous or long-term offender status following conviction.

Yellowknife sits on the shore of Great Slave Lake, the tenth largest lake in the world. There are many attractions, seasonal festivities and plenty of activities to take part in year round for everybody to enjoy.

Additional benefits of working in the North:
1) In addition to your base salary, you will receive an Isolated Post Allowance (Northern Allowance) which ranges from $18,375 - $25,431 annually depending on your circumstances.
2) In addition to your base salary and your Isolated Post Allowance, you will also receive a Vacation Travel Assistance (VTA) once a year that will support you to travel on vacation outside of the territory. The amount allocated varies.
3) Room for growth in our organization.
4) Training opportunities.

Intent of the process

The immediate need is to staff two (2) positions on an indeterminate or specified period basis.

Positions to be filled: 2

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

Occupational Certification:
- Eligibility for membership in the Law Society of Northwest Territories.

Experience:
- LP-01: Experience in making appearances in court as counsel, articling student or law student.
- LP-02: 3+ years of experience in the last 5 years in the conduct of criminal or quasi-criminal litigation.

If you possess any of the following, your application must also clearly explain how you meet it (other qualifications)

Asset Qualification - Experience:
- Experience working as Crown Prosecutor or criminal defence counsel.

Operational Requirements:
- Possession of a valid driver’s licence. Note: the licence class must, at a minimum, authorize the driver to drive a car, van or small truck, on all roads and highways without an accompanying driver.
- Requirement to travel which may include assignments on short notice and for extended periods.
- Ability and willingness to work outside normal working hours which may include working evenings, nights and weekends based on operational needs.

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge:
- LP-01 & LP-02: Knowledge of criminal law and procedures including knowledge of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and its relevant case law.
- LP-02: Knowledge of the role and practices of Crown Counsel in the conduct of criminal litigation in the Public Prosecution Service of Canada.

Competencies:
- Specialized Skills and Knowledge
- Professionalism
- Judgement
- Communicating effectively
- Interpersonal Relationships
- Leadership

Conditions of employment

- Enhanced Reliability security clearance - Some positions may require a secret clearance.
- Member in good standing in the Bar of one of the provinces or territories of Canada.
- Authority to work and appear as counsel with respect to matters under federal and territorial jurisdiction in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Law Society of the Northwest Territories.
- Applicants must be willing to be assigned to other types of work at the same group, level and tenure within the Public Prosecution Service of Canada. Assignment of work may be made within or between the various teams of counsel within the office and will be based on operational considerations and will not require relocation of residence.
- Medical clearance.
- All conditions of employment must be met and maintained throughout the tenure in the position.

Other information

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans and to Canadian citizens, in that order, with the exception of a job located in Nunavut, where Nunavut Inuit will be appointed first.

Information on the preference to veterans

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.