Canada's regulatory environment is a complex web that interweaves federal and provincial bodies with local and international organizations involved in the regulatory approval process. Regulatory authorities are assuming an ever-increasing profile in business today, taking a more proactive role and gaining increasing influence over how business is conducted in Canada and around the world. Many major projects simply cannot proceed until numerous regulatory approvals are obtained. Our energy regulatory practice is set up to assist clients at local, national and international levels, and is comprised of lawyers with experience across the broad spectrum of regulated activities.

From offering strategic advice to helping clients address the daily operational regulations affecting their enterprises, our clients call on us to lead them through regulatory processes both large and small. We have extensive capabilities leading clients through complex regulatory approval processes in the energy and utilities sectors, including advising both regulatory authorities and applicants on major project developments, such as oil sands facilities, upgraders, refineries, onshore and offshore pipelines, power projects, international resource developments and real estate projects.

We are often called upon to act as competition counsel on mergers, acquisitions and amalgamations. Further, we help clients in various licensing and permitting processes and advise on all aspects of compliance with trade and market regulations.

Given the broad depth and scope of our work, we also advise on and draft new Federal and provincial legislative and regulatory policies. We have also participated in government task forces and other initiatives designed to address the regulatory relationship between government and industry.