Hello! It's time again for Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.
I think that's a great idea, so here are questions prepared for us.
1.What did/do you do for work and how long did you work in that position?
I'm retired. In my last job I worked for the federal (national government) as a policy advisor. I was in the department that among other things had different teams negotiating agreements with the First Nations of British Columbia over land (excluding private property), resources (fish, forests, etc.) and government powers (a broad range of powers to enable the First Nations of British Columbia to enact laws and manage the lands and resources once negotiated agreements were ratified and passed into law. Parties to negotiations were many First Nations, but not all, the Government of British Columbia and the Government of Canada. There were also many interest groups who were party to different aspects of the negotiations but who were not actual signatories to any final agreements. I worked at the job for approximately 10 years and hoped I would have continued working in the job if life didn't intervene and send me into an early retirement.
2. Of the jobs you've had throughout life, which was your favorite? If no favorite, which was the worst? Tell us why you loved/hated your job.
My last job was my favourite because it was mentally challenging, varied in duties and there was a lot of room for showcasing one's ingenuity or problem solving abilities. There were of course things I didn't like about the job. But I learned through talking to many people over the years and through my own, varied work experiences that no job is perfect and though you may really enjoy it there is probably something or several somethings which you would rather do without. It's best to try to find contentment in whatever circumstance you find yourself in or be prepared to find a new circumstance.
3. What did your job entail? Did it require a special education?
It was multi-faceted. It included analyzing, developing positions, knowing the laws of the land at the federal and provincial level, liaising with legal advisors and other policy advisors in multiple departments and ministries both at the federal and provincial levels. A big part of the daily work involved discussing government positions on subjects and issues with the negotiating teams and advise them on parameters and language for the agreements. Another aspect was developing policy positions with my counterparts in Ottawa. The job required previous policy experience and a legal degree and experience. I did however have a colleague who joined the team before I retired. She didn't have a law degree or experience but had a lot of experience in the department. I'd have to say I don't think her level of ability to advise or develop policy was anywhere near the level of the other members of the team. However, she had other skills which obviously stood her in good stead.
4. List all the jobs/occupations you have had.
I've had a diverse work background including jobs as a student like babysitting, waiting tables and washing dishes, research & working in the university library, & summer jobs in one of the legal departments of the Government of Canada. After university, I had a number of policy and research related jobs mostly dealing with issues of self-governance, land claims and legal rights of the Indigenous peoples of Canada (not just First Nations). I primarily worked for the Government of Canada & for non-governmental organizations in Canada both in Ottawa, Ontario and in Vancouver, BC.
Well that concludes my post for today. I hope you'll visit again soon. Take care and have a wonderful week.
