What projects are you most proud to have worked on over the past 12 months?

Over the past year, I am most proud of leading a multi-year litigation effort that culminated in a landmark hearing before the Supreme Court of Canada in December 2024. Working closely with our external counsel, I managed every aspect of the case, which resulted in a favorable judgment for Helios Group’s subsidiary, Opsis Airport Services Inc., in a pivotal constitutional law matter. This decision not only set an important legal precedent but also protected our business interests at the highest judicial level.

This project allowed me to collaborate with cross-functional teams, ensuring that our legal strategies were fully aligned with business objectives and that our organization was well-positioned for future growth.

Have you had any experiences during your career as a lawyer that stand out as particularly unique or interesting?

A defining moment in my career was founding the legal department at Helios Group, a company specializing in infrastructure operations and maintenance with several hundred employees and a presence in multiple countries for over 40 years. Establishing the legal function from the ground up and integrating it into the company’s top management has been both challenging and rewarding.

As Head of Legal Affairs, I handle a diverse range of legal matters—including employment, litigation, M&A, regulatory compliance, insurance, and financing—often with limited resources. I also serve as corporate secretary for several Helios Group entities and as Alternate Company Security Officer under Public Services and Procurement Canada’s Contract Security Program. Building a relationship of trust with senior management and embedding legal considerations into strategic decision-making has been a significant professional accomplishment.

How does your team contribute to the overall business strategy of the company?

Our team works closely with the top management to ensure that legal strategies directly support our business objectives. Our input is regularly sought on major business decisions, and I play an integral role in shaping the company’s direction.

I am a member of both the Direction Committee and the Risk Management Committee. The Direction Committee oversees the performance and strategic planning of all business lines, while the Risk Management Committee identifies and addresses key risks, including managing the company’s insurance portfolio. Through these roles, I ensure that legal risk management and compliance are embedded in our business strategy, enabling Helios Group to pursue its goals with confidence and resilience.