Employees

Senior Economist-Negotiator

Employee Name:

Michael Matsubuchi

Title:

Senior Economist-Negotiator

Ministry:

Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation

Background:

Education: Master's Degree in Business Administration (UVic); Bachelor of Arts in Economics (UVic)
Member of the BC Public Service Since: 2000

My Role

In general, I negotiate the financial aspects of treaties and other fiscal related agreements. A recent accomplishment is that I was the Fiscal Negotiator responsible for negotiating the financial aspects of the Tsawwassen First Nation Treaty Settlement (i.e. first urban treaty in Canada). Currently, I represent the Provincial Government in renegotiating the Nisga'a Fiscal Financing Agreement, a multi-million dollar tripartite agreement between Canada, B.C., and the Nisga'a Nation. It requires that Canada, B.C. and Nisga'a renegotiate a funding arrangement which currently has a term of five years to provide programs and services to Nisga'a people.

Career Path:

I actually started in construction and decided to go back to university. I was aiming for a commerce focus, but I found my co-op in economics so interesting that I continued on. I moved progressively from Analyst to Economist to my current position as Senior Economist-Negotiator.

What I Like Best:

When I am at the negotiating table, I represent the province of BC; subsequently, I enjoy the challenges of my work and my role and the influence I have to positively benefit our province, including all parties in the negotiations. The people are progressive and forward-thinking.

Ideas At Work:

I believe the ideas and contributions that I make are often reflected in the outcomes and I have the opportunity to provide advice to the Executive of the Ministry. Although the provincial public service is a large organisation, the Ministry consciously aims to ensure that there is access to executives and that information channels flow relatively freely in both directions. We are trying to finalize outstanding issues between First Nations, British Columbia and Canada; we should be all one group, that's what we are trying to achieve.

Advice:

My advice to someone thinking of entering my line of work would be to have an open mind. The work done at our ministry is innovative and progressive. Solutions are never black and white or discreetly wrong or right - especially in this line of work. Working in the area of Aboriginal Relations is exciting and requires thinking to always challenge the status quo. A great asset would be to be creative and able to think outside the box. Course work in Political Science is helpful, as is education in any course relevant to what you are aiming for. Co-op opportunities are a great way to get your foot in the door.