Marie-Yosie Saint-Cyr, LL.B.-| www.linkedin.com/in/yosiesaintcyr
175 George St. Hamilton, ON, L8P 1E6 |-
Professional Summary
Highly experienced legal professional with over 30 years of expertise in compliance-based content
creation, development and management. Proven track record as a Managing Editor, writer and content
specialist.
A resourceful, driven leader who fosters a culture of learning, collaboration, and strategic problemsolving. Adept at delivering clear, tactful communication to diverse stakeholders, managing multiple
priorities, and adapting to dynamic environments. Proficient in interacting with business contacts,
regulatory authorities, government officials, and external partners in a professional and confident
manner.
Core Competencies:
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Strategic Planning
Policy Development
Communication Strategies and Implementation
Editorial Oversight
Editorial Planning
Content Editing
Proofreading
Content Strategy
Content Creation
Content Management
Detail-oriented copywriter
Content Writing
Legislative and Regulatory Compliance
Corporate Governance
Risk Management
Training
Public Speaking
Thought Leadership
Legal Drafting
Legal and Business Documentation
Reporting
WordPress
Google docs
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Microsoft line of products
HTML
Professional Experience
Managing Editor | Editorial and Content Leadership
First Reference Inc. | April 1999 – January 2025 | Thornhill, Ontario (Remote since May 2020)
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Directed daily operations and production of online HR, payroll, and internal controls compliance
platforms and products. Responsible for overseeing and producing content that provides
organizations with legally reviewed answers to their daily employment, labour law, payroll and
internal control questions.
Developed and executed editorial and production strategies aligned with business objectives.
Led a team of writers and editors, overseeing content accuracy, quality, and compliance.
Conducted research and authored in-depth commentaries, articles, reports, blogs and
whitepapers on employment and labour law and internal controls topics across all 14 Canadian
jurisdictions, with the ability to adapt to different audiences and formats.
Provided compliance-based advisory insights through an Ask the Editor platform to public bodies,
businesses and non-profit organizations.
Spearheaded social media strategies and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Keyword Search
strategies with the sales and marketing department to enhance brand awareness and
engagement.
Key achievements:
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Conceptualized, developed and launched HRinfodesk® and First Reference Talks blog, which is
widely recognized for HR law, payroll and internal controls insights.
A portfolio of published content demonstrating creativity, versatility, and quality. Published
extensively in The Human Resources Advisor™, PaySource®, PolicyPro®, First Reference Talks and
HRinfodesk®.
Recognized as one of Canada’s most respected HR law and payroll authors, with a significant
following among practitioners, employers, and HR and payroll professionals alike.
Widely recognized for the ability to present complex legal information in an accessible manner.
Provided compliance expertise to thousands of businesses and non-profits for over a decade.
Instrumental in helping businesses across Canada navigate and comply with ever-changing
Canadian legislation and best practices.
Contributed articles to Slaw, HRPA, and National Payroll Institute publications.
As of 2025, Marie-Yosie continues to be active in her field, providing valuable insights and
expertise to Canadian businesses on compliance, employment law, and HR matters
Also had Human Resources, Payroll and Corporate Advisor Responsibilities:
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Provided HR and payroll consulting and advisory services in overseeing daily HR management,
employee relations, health and safety, workers' compensation, privacy and human rights.
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Drafted, implemented, and maintained HR and payroll policies and best practices.
Drafted and implemented accommodation agreements.
Conducted internal audits, risk assessments, and corporate governance evaluations.
Managed government agency investigations, audits, and compliance filings.
Drafted employment and commercial contracts, ensuring compliance with applicable laws.
Provided advisory services on regulatory matters, including ESG, anti-spam laws, and DEI
initiatives.
Acted as a liaison with external legal advisors, ensuring legal and regulatory adherence.
Addressed the key areas of emergency management: prevention, mitigation, preparedness,
response and recovery.
Meeting the requirements, policies and plans under the accessibility standards under the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA).
Prior Experience
Freelance Writer and HR & Policy Consultant
Yolagie Production |- | As a Freelance Writer and HR & Policy Consultant at Yolagie
Production, Marie-Yosie collaborated with diverse clients to provide consulting services, project
management, and content creation. The work included ghostwriting for artists, translating documents,
and crafting human resources policy manuals for businesses. She also edited and created content to
support various projects, grants, and subsidy proposals, contributing to the success of clients.
Lawyer – Business, Employment & Labour Law
Saint-Cyr & Associates |-
Jasmin & Associates |-
In her role at Saint-Cyr & Associates, she successfully advocated for employers in litigation, reducing
company risk and ensuring compliance with employment legislation. She conducted client intake,
drafted legal documents, and provided expert legal advice on commercial, corporate, and employment
law matters. In her role as an articling student and lawyer at Jasmin & Associates, she provided legal
services in a wide range of areas, including municipal, corporate, family, criminal, and fiscal law. She
worked under the supervision of Michel Jasmin, gaining valuable experience in client intake, legal
drafting, and compliance with legislation. Her work as a business advocate enabled her to develop
practical skills in negotiation, litigation, legal research and drafting.
Club Manager & Customer Success Lead
Nautilus Plus |- | Managed a team of 72 employees and a million-dollar budget as the Club
Manager at Brossard Club, overseeing operations and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Education and Certification
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BrainStation | Certificate in Artificial Intelligence (Feb–Mar 2025)
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York University – Glendon College | Certificate in Technical & Professional Communication
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Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) | LL.B. in Civil Law -)
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Édouard-Montpetit College (CEGEP) | DEC in Humanities -)
Bar Admission
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Admitted to the Barreau du Québec in September 1988 (Member in good standing)
Languages
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English: Fluent (spoken & written)
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French: Fluent (spoken & written)