Bennett Jones LLP’s comprehensive environmental law practice is distinguished by its broad practice scope, with strong skill sets in project development, operational matters, transactional support and litigation. Leveraging the wider firm’s premier oil and gas practice, the group is particularly recognized for its experience in energy and natural resources-related work but it also handles matters in the real estate, infrastructure, food processing and manufacturing spheres, among others. Go-to Toronto-based specialist Leonard Griffiths co-heads the national department alongside Vancouver managing partner Radha Curpen. The deep bench also draws on Calgary-based regulatory lead Brad Gilmour; Toronto-based climate change co-head Sarah Gilbert, whose practice spans a mix of environmental, and health and safety issues; and Calgary-based energy regulatory specialist Martin Ignasiak, who recently joined the team from Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP.
Environment in Canada
Bennett Jones LLP
Practice head(s):
Leonard Griffiths; Radha Curpen
Other key lawyers:
Brad Gilmour; Sarah Gilbert; Shawn Munro
Key clients
Global Container Terminals
Kissner Group
Mining Association of British Columbia
TriWest Private Capital Growth Fund
Canadian Pacific Railway Company
Coca-Cola
Loblaw, Wittington Leaseholds and Wittington Leased Properties
Husky Oil Operations
Greater Vancouver Sewerage & Drainage District
Oxford Properties Group
Work highlights
- Advised Global Container Terminals on its proposed investment to expand its existing Deltaport Container Terminal by adding a fourth berth.
- Advised Stone Canyon Industries Holdings and Kissner Group Holdings on all Canadian legal matters relating to its $3.2bn acquisition of K+S Aktiengesellschaft’s North and South American salt business, including Morton Salt and Windsor Salt.
- Advised the Mining Association of British Columbia on Indigenous relations, Aboriginal law, environmental and regulatory matters.
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP 's extensive national coverage and ability to draw on resources from across the wider, full-service firm marks it as a popular choice for large-scale or complex matters, from major project approvals through to environmental incidents. The team also handles day-to-day environmental law issues, including advising on environmental assessments, transactional support matters and risk management. Toronto-based Jonathan Kahn spearheads the department and is sought after for his record in major mining projects and high-stakes environmental law disputes. Other senior names include Charles Kazaz, who splits his time between Montreal and Toronto and is noted for his experience in the mining, industrial and waste-management spheres; Tony Crossman, who fronts the Vancouver environmental and natural resources practice; Toronto-based Lana Finney, who handles a mix of advisory and contentious matters; and Calgary-based Terri-Lee Oleniuk. Counsel Anne-Catherine Boucher recently left to join CN Rail.
Practice head(s):
Jonathan Kahn
Other key lawyers:
Charles Kazaz; Terri-Lee Oleniuk; Tony Crossman; Lana Finney
Key clients
CRH Canada Group
Enel Green Power North America
Imperial Oil
Elemental Energy
Individual Investment
RWE Renewables Canada Holdings
Stella Jones
Work highlights
- Advised Blackrock on its investment in Environmental 360 Solutions, a company in the waste management and treatment business operating across approximately 120 sites in Canada.
- Advised Imperial Oil on multiple contaminated lands actions commenced by neighbouring property owners.
- Advised Stella Jones on a challenge to a purported ban on certain pesticides by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency by way of judicial review.
McCarthy Tétrault
McCarthy Tétrault houses a full-spectrum environmental law practice, which routinely acts for a varied mix of Canadian and multinational organizations and government bodies. From its platforms across the country, the group is well versed in a range of regulatory, transactional support and contentious matters, with strong experience before provincial and federal agencies. Calgary-based Kimberly Howard focuses on environmental, energy and regulatory law and co-heads the national team together with Cindy Vaillancourt, who splits her time between Montreal and Quebec City, and Vancouver-based litigator Nicholas Hughes. The department was additionally boosted in May 2023 with the hires of Vancouver-based Una Radoja and Toronto-based Laura Weingarden, who joined from Harper Grey LLP and Kirkland & Ellis LLP respectively. Selina Lee-Andersen left in January 2023, while Joanna Rosengarten departed in March 2023.
Practice head(s):
Nicholas Hughes; Kimberly Howard; Cindy Vaillancourt
Other key lawyers:
Una Radoja; Laura Weingarden
Testimonials
‘When compared to other law firms, McCarthy Tétrault’s environmental law practice is able to better anticipate potential issues or hurdles that need to be cleared. This provides meaningful execution certainty.’
‘McCarthy’Tétrault has an exceptionally strong alternative fee arrangement process, where it is willing to modify billings to reflect transaction risk; where the team shares some risk with the client by billing less at early stages, etc., which was appreciated.’
‘Kimberly Howard paid significant attention to detail and mapped out the work from start to finish, which allowed us to consider an approach that would reduce hurdles or other issues that could arise.’
‘A very broad and diverse legal team to draw on.’
‘Una Radoja has an exceptional ability to follow complex issues and provide excellent advice promptly for our company. She is the best I have worked with in 35 years in business.’
Key clients
Canadian National Railway Company
Clean Harbors Canada
Hydro-Québec
Lightening Grid Québec
Shell Canada
Peace River Hydro Partners
LNG Canada
Gold Fields
Neptune Terminals
Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP
Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP’s practice frequently supports the firm’s transactional teams to handle the environmental aspects of financings, public offerings, M&As and other transactions. However, it is equally adept at assisting with significant compliance issues and risks, including advising on environmental management systems, administrative law proceedings and project development approvals. In Toronto, Sarah Powell is acting for Algoma Power on the proposed development of a new power system in Ontario, which will include approximately 50km of distribution line rebuild and a new 44 KV regulation substation. Powell co-heads the department together with Toronto-based Alexandria Pike and Montreal-based Marie-Claude Bellemare.
Practice head(s):
Sarah Powell; Alexandria Pike; Marie-Claude Bellemare
Other key lawyers:
Robyn Barabash; Zachary Silver
Key clients
Amcor
Axium Infrastructure
Barrick Gold Corporation
Cominar REIT
Canadian Mass Media/Great Pacific Enterprises
Northleaf Capital Partners
Pattern Energy
RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust
Manufacturers Life Insurance Company
Leaseweb Global
The Blue Mountain Watershed Trust Foundation
The Public Sector Pension Investment Board
Enbridge
MONTONI Group
Hydro-Québec
Therme Group
Work highlights
- Acting for Windstream Energy on a supplementary expert report to address the regulatory framework for permitting wind projects in Ontario, and the increased development of offshore wind generally, in a NAFTA arbitration between Windstream and the Government of Canada regarding offshore wind energy in Lake Ontario.
- Acting for Algoma Power on the proposed development of a new power system north of Wawa, Ontario, which will include approximately 50km of distribution line rebuild and a new 44 KV regulation substation.
- Advising Interfor Corporation on its C$325m acquisition of 100% of the equity interests of Kilmer Group-backed Chaleur Forest Products entities.
Gowling WLG
Gowling WLG’s generous national network supports its involvement across a wide range of regional environmental law matters. In particular, the group is routinely engaged to handle environmental litigation — where it enjoys strong links with municipal clients — as well as environmental assessments, transactional support work, and regulatory issues. Department head Adam Chamberlain is based in Toronto but is additionally admitted to practice in the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut; he specializes in environmental and Indigenous law issues. The group also includes Toronto-based Rodney Northey, who focuses on regulatory approvals and strategies, and Toronto-based Jennifer Danahy. Senior partner Harry Dahme recently retired, while Wally Braul and Joshua Jantzi departed the firm in 2022.
Practice head(s):
Adam Chamberlain
Other key lawyers:
Rodney Northey; Jennifer Danahy; Mark Youden
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP’s practice routinely acts alongside its dominant projects offering to specialize in environmental law matters concerning natural resources and infrastructure projects. Other strong suits include environmental litigation, including disputes resulting from environmental incidents, as well as regulatory compliance and corporate support work. Toronto-based Jennifer Fairfax leads the environmental disputes, investigations and enforcement team and is sought after for her record in complex, business-critical issues. Richard King, also in Toronto, co-chairs the regulatory, Indigenous and environmental law group and contributes broad energy experience. In Calgary, Sander Duncanson, who co-heads the department, and seasoned specialist Shawn Denstedt are noted. Former department co-head Martin Ignasiak departed in September 2022, while Patrick Welsh left in January 2023.
Practice head(s):
Richard King; Sander Duncanson; Jennifer Fairfax
Other key lawyers:
Shawn Denstedt
Key clients
Rowbry Holdings
De Beers Canada
Enersul
Colacem Canada
Government of Alberta – Transportation
Liricon Capital
Enterprise Holdings
Imperial Oil
Honeywell
Prosper Petroleum
Teck Resources
Wheatland Wind Projects
Zebra Technologies
Torys
‘A results-oriented, pragmatic and reliable group’, Torys strikes the right note with sources for being ‘consistently strong on strategic insight’. Mainly based in Toronto, with an additional platform in Calgary, the group is active across the country on environmental law matters, as evidenced by its recent work for clients such as Alberta-based Enbridge and Quebec-headquartered CN Rail, among others. Go-to expert Dennis Mahony spearheads the practice and is highly regarded for his work across the full spectrum of environmental law matters, from regulatory compliance to high-stakes litigation. Other recommended specialists include Michael Fortier, who stands out for his nuclear expertise, and Tyson Dyck, who has an emphasis on energy, climate change and ESG issues.
Other key lawyers:
Tyson Dyck; Michael Fortier
Testimonials
‘Torys is consistently strong on strategic insight, helping its clients to anticipate, prepare for, and manage risks — not just the obvious and immediate legal risks, but other risks arising from stakeholder engagement, public relations and other matters that could have legal implications down the road.’
‘Torys is highly collaborative across disciplines, within both its own team and the client’s team, bringing to bear the relevant expertise at the right time to address client needs. Torys is the country’s best legal team for navigating complex environmental regulatory processes and related litigation.’
‘ There is no one I would want in my corner – or my clients’ corner – more than Dennis Mahony.’
‘A results-oriented, pragmatic and reliable group. Lawyers are very responsive and understand our business.’
‘Demonstrates extremely high competency in both legal and technical matters. Good ability to put these matters into easily understandable terms.’
‘Lawyers are highly knowledgeable. Work all hours. Get back to you quickly. Always explain where you are on a case. Very friendly and cordial.’
‘Torys’ environmental law team has excellent industry knowledge and takes time to understand our business and ensure that its advice is focused. Its strength is its nuclear industry experience.’
‘We work closely with Torys on a weekly basis and the team is a pleasure to work with. Michael Fortier is very thorough and experienced. He has excellent nuclear industry knowledge.’
Key clients
Canadian National Railway
Ontario Power Generation
IMEA Canada, a specified subsidiary of ITOCHU Corporation
Mitsubishi Corporation
Cenovus Energy
Enbridge and Enbridge Gas
Nuclear Waste Management Organization
TD Securities
Hackman Capital Partners
Birch Hill Equity Partners Management
BMO Financial Group
Pembina Pipeline Corporation
Wataynikaneyap Power
HPS Investment Partners
Work highlights
- Advised Canadian National Railway on a variety of mandates across the country, including on the federal approval process for its Milton Logistics Hub.
- Advised Ontario Power Generation on several matters, including on the Darlington Small Modular Reactor project.
- Advised Ontario Power Generation on a number of Clean Energy Credit (CEC) matters, including on the negotiation of a 10-year CEC purchase agreement with Microsoft Canada.
BCF Business Law
Split between Montreal and Quebec City, BCF Business Law’s environmental law group acts for regional and national clients across a broad range of industry sectors, with notable experience in the real estate, transportation, manufacturing, and energy and natural resources spheres. A 50-year veteran in environmental law, Quebec City-based Jean Piette co-heads the department alongside Montreal-based administrative and constitutional law specialist Simon Pelletier. Montreal-based Anne-Frédérique Bourret, who has focuses on administrative and regulatory law, is also a key contact.
Practice head(s):
Simon Pelletier; Jean Piette
Other key lawyers:
Anne-Frédérique Bourret
Key clients
Alliance Magnesium
Gaspé Énergies and Ressources Utica
Roxboro BauVal Group
Oriens Technologies
Specialized Packaging Group
Epsilyte Holdings
Société en commandite le Terroir de Boucherville and Société en Commandite le Montbrun
Work highlights
- Advising Alliance Magnesium on environmental matters associated with a C$145m financing for the construction of a commercial demonstration plant for the production of magnesium from mine tailings.
- Representing Oriens Technologies in filing an environmental law claim before the Superior Court of Quebec.
- Acting for Consolidated Uranium on the environmental due diligence aspects of its acquisition of a 100% undivided interest in the high-grade Matoush Uranium Project.
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP houses a robust environmental law practice, which is particularly recognized for its activity in energy, mining and Indigenous law-related matters. From its broad base of offices across the country, the group is equipped to handle environmental disputes, regulatory issues, and transactional support work. Vancouver-based Rick Williams fronts the department and is well versed in both contentious and non-contentious work, but he is primarily noted for his experience in project development, permitting and operations in the energy and natural resource sectors. Toronto-based Gabrielle Kramer is also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Rick Williams
Other key lawyers:
Dionysios Rossi; Gabrielle Kramer; Jonathan Cocker; Graham Walker
Key clients
Kirby Corporation
British Columbia Railway Company
The Corporation of the City of Markham
Cenovus Energy
Ontario Waste Management Association
Hy2Gen, Northland
Pan American Silver Corp
Ivanhoe Cambridge
Kongsberg
Dentons
Dentons’ integrated environmental law offering leans into the firm’s Indigenous law, corporate and regulatory law practices to provide full-service coverage of related issues, particularly in the natural resources sphere. Calgary-based counsel Alex MacWilliam heads both the environment and natural resources group and the climate change strategies practice; he frequently represents Canadian and multinational clients on an array of environmental law matters, from regulatory approvals and compliance, through to emergency response and crisis management. Mira Gauvin is a key contact in Montreal. Mai Rempel recently retired.
Practice head(s):
Alex MacWilliam
Other key lawyers:
Mira Gauvin; Hazel Saffery; Colin Lipsett
Key clients
Alberta Conservation Association
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Enbridge
Great West Life Realty Advisors
Orkin Canada
PETRONAS Canada
Syncrude Canada
World Fuel Services
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Rain Carbon
Work highlights
- Advising the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo on environmental matters relating to all aspects of its operations, including potable water system, wastewater treatment system, solid waste landfills and engineering operations.
- Advising EPR Properties on its acquisition of the Village Valcartier hotel and water park complex, together with the Calypso Park waterpark complex, including contractual and environmental matters.
- Advising Air Products Canada on existing contamination issues concerning the investigation and acquisition of a property, for the purposes of construction and operation of a hydrogen plant just outside of Edmonton, Alberta.
Fasken
Fasken’s environmental group often works in tandem with its regulatory and Indigenous law teams to provide holistic support on the environmental assessments of new projects — the firm’s premier mining offering is also a significant attribute in this regard. Other key areas of activity include contaminated sites, M&A-related issues and environmental litigation. Toronto-based Rosalind Cooper is a go-to expert in the area and co-heads the department alongside Montreal’s Pierre-Olivier Charlebois. Vancouver-based energy co-head Ron Ezekiel is also recommended. Environmental litigator Kinji Bourchier recently joined the Vancouver office from Lawson Lundell LLP.
Practice head(s):
Rosalind Cooper; Pierre-Olivier Charlebois
Other key lawyers:
Ron Ezekiel; Kinji Bourchier; Kai Alderson; Jean-Philippe Therriault
Lawson Lundell LLP
Distinguished by its record in resource development-related matters, Lawson Lundell LLP’s environmental law group is noted for its ability to provide seamless project support to domestic and multinational clients on regulatory, environmental and Indigenous law issues. Particularly recognized for its extensive expertise in mining-related work, the group’s recent engagements additionally span the forestry, agriculture, aquaculture, energy, transportation, manufacturing and real estate spheres, among others. Vancouver-based Brad Armstrong and Calgary-based John Olynyk co-head the department. Other key names include Vancouver’s Christine Kowbel and Calgary-based next-generation partner Shailaz Dhalla.
Practice head(s):
Brad Armstrong KC; John Olynyk
Other key lawyers:
Christine Kowbel; Shailaz Dhalla; Laura Duke; Jennifer Nyland
Key clients
Pure Environmental Waste Management
Canadian Natural Resources
Chevron Canada Resources and Woodside Energy
TMAC Resources
DLA Piper (Canada) LLP
The ‘very organized and professional team’ at DLA Piper (Canada) LLP received a major boost during 2022/23 with the arrival of a trio of experienced partners. New department co-heads Wally Braul and Joshua Jantzi joined in Vancouver and Calgary respectively from Gowling WLG, while Max Collett joined in Vancouver from Norton Rose Fulbright. The growing group now draws on ten partners with significant environmental law expertise. Key areas of activity include energy-related issues, environmental litigation, Indigenous law and real estate-related matters.
Practice head(s):
Wally Braul; Joshua Jantzi
Other key lawyers:
Max Collett; Robert Seidel KC; Dan Misutka
Testimonials
‘When I considered DLA Piper for my environmental litigation needs, several unique attributes caught my attention: exceptional expertise, litigation excellence, tech-savvy approach, emphasis on collaboration and transparent billing.’
‘Robert Seidel KC brings a remarkable depth of expertise to every case. What sets him apart is his ability to simplify complex legal terminologies. This is invaluable for clients like me, who need to be well-informed without being overwhelmed. His proactive approach also distinguishes him from peers.’
‘Joshua Jantzi is the epitome of diligence. I’ve always been impressed by his meticulous attention to detail and his knack for identifying nuances that could be crucial to a case. More importantly, his client-first approach ensures open communication, making me feel valued and understood.’
‘We value the team for its ability to maintain a professional relationship that goes beyond simply delivering a service or advice. The team provides high levels of support for a wide variety of client needs.’
‘A very organized and professional team. Listens well to client views and takes time to answer all our questions.’
‘Dan Misutka and Joshua Jantzi are very valuable members related to our case. They care about the client’s perspective and provide legal understanding of options that are applicable.’
Key clients
7-Eleven Canada
Emissions Reduction Alberta
Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta
Imperial Oil
Government of Alberta
Carbon Neutral Royalty
Groupe Touchette / Groupe Touchette Real Estate
Work highlights
- Represented the Groupe Touchette companies in environmental and health and safety administrative appeals before Alberta’s Safety Codes Council, and in defence of prosecutions brought in the Alberta Court of Justice.
Norton Rose Fulbright
Norton Rose Fulbright’s environmental group maintains a broad sector focus but it is arguably best known for its activity in the energy and transportation spheres. Calgary-based Alan Harvie heads the department and has a significant energy dimension to his practice. Up-and-coming Vancouver-based litigator Michael Manhas is also noted. Former department co-head Max Collett departed in June 2023.
Practice head(s):
Alan Harvie
Other key lawyers:
Michael Manhas
Key clients
American Chemistry Council, the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers and the Plastic Industry Association
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners
Eight Alberta Irrigation Districts (Bow River Irrigation District, Eastern Irrigation District, Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District, Raymond Irrigation District, St. Mary River Irrigation District, Taber Irrigation District, United Irrigation District and Western Irrigation District)
Innergex Renewable Energy
Groupe Marcelle
Municipalité de Saint-Thuribe
Work highlights
- Acting for the American Chemistry Council, the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers and the Plastic Industry Association on an intervention into a case challenging the Government of Canada’s addition of “plastic manufactured items” to the List of Toxic Substances under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.
- Advising Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, together with the New York office, on the acquisition and subsequent development of the 465 MW Travers solar power project in southern Alberta.
- Acting for eight Alberta Irrigation Districts in connection with the funding, financing and structuring agreements for the Alberta Irrigation Project.
Stikeman Elliott LLP
Stikeman Elliott LLP’s formidable corporate offering is reflected in its environmental law practice, which is typically engaged to advise on the environmental aspects of major transactions. It additionally handles permitting, regulatory compliance and contentious work. Larry Cobb and Myriam Fortin co-head the department from Toronto and Montreal respectively. Other key names in Toronto include Patrick Duffy, who co-heads the projects and infrastructure practice, and Patrick Welsh, who recently joined from Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP.
Practice head(s):
Larry Cobb; Myriam Fortin
Other key lawyers:
Patrick Duffy; Patrick Welsh
Key clients
Sintra
Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
Saputo
CT REIT
Alcoa
PF Résolu Canada
Terrapure Environmental
Redpath Sugar
wpd Canada Corporation
Dominion Diamond Corporation