Canada - Canada

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

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Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP houses a strong Indigenous law group that is routinely instructed by developers and operators of mines, pipelines and energy projects that operate in First Nation territories, as well as First Nations governing bodies and First Nation-owned businesses. Commercial ventures, taxation issues, Aboriginal consultation, project financing and contentious matters are all within the scope of the team’s expertise. The practice is led by a duo of experienced Vancouver-based partners. Leading figure Roy Millen specializes in contentious matters, particularly those relating to the natural resources and energy segments. Alongside him, Sam Adkins is known for advising on Aboriginal negotiations for large-scale LNG projects. Terri-Lee Oleniuk is the key partner-level contact in Calgary, while Vancouver-based associate Rochelle Collette supports the partners on contentious matters.

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Key clients

  • Barrick Gold
  • BC Treaty Commission
  • BMC Minerals
  • FPX Nickel
  • Grand River Enterprises
  • Mowi Canada West
  • NexGen Energy
  • Nutrien
  • Teck Resources
  • TransCanada PipeLines
  • Unified Fisheries Conservation Alliance
  • Vopak Development Canada

Work highlights

  • Advised NexGen on its Rook I uranium project in northern Saskatchewan.
  • Assisted ABO with legal and regulatory advice for applications to the Alberta Utilities Commission to construct and operate the 514.6 MW Buffalo Plains Wind Farm located near Lomond, Alberta.
  • Assisted with Indigenous negotiations and consultation on LNG developments in Canada, including LNG Canada.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

Roy Millen

Roy Millen

Hall of fameBlake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Roy has particular experience in Indigenous rights and title, and litigation involving commercial and administrative matters. Clients appreciate Roy's ability to provide prompt, straightforward and business-savvy advice in areas of the law that are complex and continually evolving. In the area of Aboriginal law, Roy advises private-sector clients across Canada on the development of energy, mining and other major projects, and relationships with Indigenous peoples. He negotiates commercial agreements, impact benefit agreements, consultation protocols and other arrangements with First Nations, Métis and other Indigenous groups. He also assists clients in navigating the regulatory processes necessary to secure project approval, including the implications of UNDRIP, and defends proponents from litigation challenges brought by Indigenous communities and individuals.

Leading individuals

Sam Adkins

Sam Adkins

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Sam is recognized as a leading lawyer in Canada with 18 years of experience advising clients in the resource sector, with a strong focus on Indigenous and project development matters. His practice is national in scope, acting for clients across Canada on a wide range of Indigenous law issues, including consultation, negotiation and the regulatory process. Sam has significant industry expertise in the energy and mining sectors, and has represented clients on commercial and transactional matters across all project phases. Previously, Sam held a senior position with an international energy company overseeing all Indigenous-related matters on a proposed liquefied natural gas project in Kitimat, British Columbia. Sam provides effective, timely and practical advice informed by his experience working both for and within industry. Sam is a frequent speaker and commentator on Indigenous law issues in Canada.

Next Generation Partners

Terri-Lee Oleniuk

Terri-Lee Oleniuk

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Terri-Lee’s practice focuses on project-related issues concerning natural-resource development with a specialization in regulatory, environmental and Aboriginal law issues. She acts for a variety of companies in environmental assessments and regulatory proceedings to obtain approvals for major developments in the oil and gas, pipeline, mining (including metal, potash and diamond), natural-gas processing, petrochemical, electricity transmission, hydro, solar, wind and storage sectors. Terri-Lee has appeared before the Canada Energy Regulator, the Alberta Energy Regulator, the Alberta Utilities Commission, the British Columbia Utilities Commission, the Alberta Natural Resources Conservation Board, the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board, the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board, and federal-provincial joint review panels in respect of environmental assessment proceedings.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Roy Millen, Sam Adkins

Other key lawyers

Terri-Lee Oleniuk, Rochelle Collette