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

Assessment accommodation:
At the Public Prosecution Service of Canada, the well-being of candidates and our staff is a top priority. As you are aware, the COVID-19 situation is evolving rapidly. We encourage you to let us know if you require any accommodations that may affect your participation in the evaluation.

Work environment

The Manitoba Regional Office is based in Winnipeg. The PPSC prosecutes offences under federal jurisdiction throughout Manitoba. Prosecutions include those involving drugs, organized crime, regulatory and economic crime, and terrorism-related cases. For the past few years, the office has been involved in a number of high-profile interprovincial drug trafficking prosecutions.

Prosecutors play a key role in the Canadian criminal justice system. As Counsel at the PPSC, you will conduct criminal prosecutions on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions on many significant and complex cases related to drugs, organized crime, terrorism, money laundering, human trafficking, war crimes, and so on. You will quickly gain a breadth of knowledge and experience as you work on a variety of prosecutions. Unlike in private practice, where little time is spent in court, prosecutors can go to court every day. You can acquire immediate trial experience that many private litigators must wait years to get.

For those coming in at the LP-01 level, the Federal Prosecutor Development Program is an organization-wide program designed to ensure that new federal prosecutors gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to be effective working-level prosecutors (LP-02). The program offers a standardized framework for learning and career progression, ensuring transparency and consistency in the development of prosecutors. The program provides a diversity of experiences and activities, including learning, training, work activities, on-the-job training, and mentoring, to ensure prosecutors have the competencies necessary to fulfill the PPSC's mandate.

In addition, the Manitoba Regional Office offers the opportunity to work on complex, quality files, along with high quality continuing professional development and a formal mentorship program. You will have access to training initiatives on various legal topics and subjects that embrace and promote wellness and diversity and inclusion in both the workplace and criminal justice system.

Joining the Public Prosecution Service of Canada will be a transformative experience, both professionally and personally.

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 Bar of Manitoba at the time of appointment.

Experience:
- Experience in making appearances in court as counsel, articling student or law student.

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

Asset Qualification - Experience:
- Experience that demonstrates an interest in criminal law.
- Experience in criminal litigation.
- Experience working as Crown Prosecutor or criminal defence counsel.
- Experience in the conduct of litigation related to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
- Experience in the conduct of Charter litigation (including sections 8, 9 and 24 (2)).
- Experience litigating issues relating to confidential informers.
- Experience making appearances in court as Counsel, articling student or law student regarding criminal matters in the Provincial Courts of Manitoba, Manitoba Court of Queen’s Bench and/or Manitoba Court of Appeal.

Organizational Needs:
- The organization is committed to establishing and maintaining a representative workforce. Qualified applicants who self-declare as members of a visible minority group, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities, and/or women may be selected for appointment to fulfill organizational needs.
- Persons self-identifying as Nunavut Inuit enrolled under the Nunavut Agreement may be selected for appointment in Nunavut to fulfill organizational needs.

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:
- Basic* knowledge of criminal law and procedures including knowledge of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and its relevant case law.

*Basic is defined as fundamental and developmental constituting the basis or starting point.

Abilities/Skills and Personal Suitability:
- Specialized Skills and Knowledge (such as understanding one’s role, legal skills and legal knowledge)
- Professionalism (such as professional conduct, professional fortitude, service orientation and self assessment)
- Judgement (such as decision making, critical thinking, and adaptability)
- Practice Management (such as file management)
- Communicating effectively (such as verbally, in writing and by listening attentively)
- Interpersonal Relationships (such as building relationships and emotion management)
- Leadership (such as coaching and mentoring, influencing others and teamwork)

Conditions of employment

Conditions of Employment:
- Reliability and Security: Secret
- Member in good standing in the Bar of one of the provinces or territories of Canada.
- Must be a member, in good standing, of the Law Society of Manitoba within 100 days of appointment.
- 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.
- 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.