Unparalleled depth and dedicated expertise in Environmental, Regulatory and Aboriginal Law

In an ever-changing landscape with high stakes from social, economic and political influences, our National Environmental, Regulatory and Aboriginal Group handles some of Canada’s largest and most sophisticated matters requiring innovative and forward-thinking strategies. We offer well-grounded and practical legal advice that protects your business, investments and reputation. 
Whether it’s a commercial transaction, daily operations or the development of the world’s largest operation nuclear power project in Ontario, an LNG or pipeline project in British Columbia, an oil sands project in Alberta, the development of one of Canada’s largest mines in Québec, or a Canadian-sponsored upstream oil and gas project in West Africa – clients count on our top-ranked lawyers to ensure delivery of daily milestones as they monitor the big picture and the bottom line on environmental, regulatory or aboriginal issues.

Environmental - Compliance, protection and good practice

As one of the first law firms in Canada to practice environmental law, we have formidable expertise to navigate the complex provincial, territorial, federal and international laws, regulations and agreements affecting large and complex projects and transactions. This includes environmental assessment processes, contaminated sites, climate change and emissions trading, negotiations with interest groups,  representation of our clients in public hearings and in environmental litigation, and training, audits, investigations and defense related to occupational health and safety.

Regulatory - Your resource on the evolving processes

We advise on all levels of regulatory processes, including tolling and tariff issues, federal and provincial project approval and permitting processes, negotiating and preparing various project-related agreements, including ownership and operating agreements and energy supply and transmission contracts, and assisting with the preparation of project approval applications.

Aboriginal - Community engagement and win-win partnerships

Our lawyers have been involved in leading edge transactions where Aboriginal groups are partners in major infrastructure projects and are developed from the outset to provide substantive economic partnering opportunities. Our work in Aboriginal law is truly nationwide, with active files throughout Canada and in all sectors including mining, exploration, electrical transmission, pipelines, renewable energy, non-renewable energy and infrastructure development.

We offer a unique blend of highly qualified legal professionals and experienced, well-seasoned negotiators, practitioners and former public servants that have an in-depth national knowledge of industry, government and Aboriginal affairs. For example, on a recent project, we leveraged our network to unite the interests of a client and over 20 different indigenous groups in one mutually beneficial agreement.