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Request for Proposal 

Amnesty International Canada 2024 

Amnesty International Canada (ES)  

312 Laurier Ave E 
Ottawa ON K1N 1H9 
 
Procurement Contact person: Jina Rodas-Wright 

Email: ea@amnesty.ca
 
 
1. Background & Introduction  

Amnesty International Canada Section English-Speaking (AICSES) is part of the global Amnesty International movement, dedicated to the protection and promotion of human rights both within Canada and around the world. As an organization steadfast in its mission, Amnesty International Canada (ES) engages in rigorous research, advocacy, activism and public education to address a spectrum of human rights issues. These include, but are not limited to, the protection of prisoners of conscience, the abolition of the death penalty, climate justice, racial justice, safeguarding the rights of refugees and Indigenous peoples, and fighting gender-based violence. Our work is grounded in the principle of impartiality; we do not accept government or political organization funding for our campaigns to maintain our independence and ensure the objectivity of our human rights work. AICSES currently supports over 50 staff in a unionized and non-unionized environment.  
 
In alignment with our unwavering commitment to human rights and justice, Amnesty International Canada is actively seeking proposals for labour and employment legal counsel services. We aim to engage legal firms and practitioners who not only exhibit a strong track record in labour and employment law but also possess a profound understanding of the unique challenges faced by non-governmental organizations. A commitment to anti-racism and anti-oppression and the promotion of equitable work environments is paramount to our work.  
 
 
2. Project Goals and Scope of Services  
 
The legal counsel selected through this process will be tasked with providing comprehensive legal support to Amnesty International Canada, focusing specifically on labour and employment matters. This support includes, but is not limited to: 

• Advisory Services: Offering strategic advice on labour relations, employment standards, and workplace safety and health to ensure our practices are both compliant and reflective of our organizational values. 
• Legal Representation: Acting on our behalf in negotiations and before tribunals or courts, handling disputes, grievances, and any other matters requiring legal intervention. 
• Legal Analysis and Compliance: Conducting thorough analyses of current and upcoming labour and employment legislation to guide policy development and organizational decision-making. Ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations is a critical aspect of this role. 
• Training and Education: Providing workshops and training sessions to our management and staff on labour laws, rights and responsibilities under employment contracts, and best practices in human resources management. 

Partnership Goals 
 
This partnership is crucial for ensuring that Amnesty International Canada not only continues to operate with the highest standards of integrity and legal compliance but also fosters a work environment that embodies our dedication to human rights and justice. Legal counsel will play a pivotal role in enabling our organization to navigate the complexities of labour and employment law, safeguarding the rights of our employees, and promoting a culture of respect and equity within our workplace. Through this collaboration, we aim to advance our mission of promoting and protecting human rights across Canada and around the globe, ensuring our internal practices align with the principles we stand for. 

 
1. Anticipated Selection Schedule  
The Request for Proposal for timeline is as follows: 

• Request for RFP: March 22, 2024 
• Deadline to submit Bid: April 12, 2024 
• Selection of Top Bidders / Notification to Unsuccessful Bidders: April 15- April 26, 2024 
• Contract Award / Notification to Unsuccessful Bidders: April 29, 2024 

 
2.Time and Place of Submission of Proposals 

Respondents to this RFP must submit copies of their proposal by email to the procurement contact by 5 pm EST on April 12, 2024. 


3. Submission requirements  
 
To ensure a thorough and equitable selection process, Amnesty International Canada outlines the following submission requirements for legal firms and practitioners interested in providing labour and employment legal counsel services. Submissions that do not comply with these requirements may not be considered. 

Firm or Practitioner Profile 

• Provide a detailed overview of your firm or individual practice, including the year of establishment, size and diversity of your team (if applicable), and key areas of expertise. 
• Highlight your experience and track record in handling labour and employment matters, especially those relevant to non-governmental organizations. Include examples of previous cases, outcomes, and any specific expertise in human rights-related labour issues. 

 
Understanding of Not-For-Profit organizations  

• Demonstrate your understanding of the unique challenges and legal needs faced by non-governmental organizations, particularly in the context of labour and employment and unionized work environments. 
• Explain how your work aligns with the principles of anti-racism and anti-oppression and human rights, emphasizing your expertise to promoting fair and equitable workplace practices. 

 
 Proposed Services and Approach 

• Detail the range of services you are prepared to offer, including advisory services, legal representation, compliance checks, and training programs. Be specific about how you will address Amnesty International Canada's needs. 
• Outline your approach to providing these services, including how you will ensure legal compliance, manage complex legal issues, and support Amnesty International Canada's mission. 

 
Fee Structure 

• Pricing Information: Provide a detailed fee structure for your services, including any retainer fees, hourly rates, and estimates for typical services. Explain any conditions or scenarios that might affect pricing. 

 

Evaluation Criteria 
 
The successful respondents will meet the following criteria: 

• Licensed in Ontario and British Columbia. 
• Expertise related to the requested services 
• Proven commitment to anti-racism and anti-oppression 
• Competitive cost of services