Department profile
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP

Aboriginal Law

Global Guide 2026 : Canada


Borden Ladner Gervais LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Borden Ladner Gervais LLP

BLG is a leader in energy, projects, power, environmental and Aboriginal law in Canada and continues to act on a number of Canada’s most prominent projects and legal matters in these sectors. Our lawyers provide timely and expert advice on a wide range of issues. We have advised all manner of clients, including developers, suppliers and installers; equipment and technology, manufacturers; exporters, governments, private companies, lenders and investors on a range of matters including:

  • Project finance for lenders and borrowers
  • Accessing government incentives/programs
  • Clearing regulatory hurdles
  • Power purchase and turbine supply agreements
  • Land use and municipal matters
  • Oil and gas disputes, regulatory proceedings, and corporate transactions
  • Environmental assessments
  • The planning, development, financing and construction of renewable energy facilities
  • Advancing government renewable energy policy initiatives and strategic initiatives before energy regulators

BLG’s national expertise, notable bench strength and ability to handle some of Canada’s most complex projects and legal matters, combine to make BLG a leading law firm in energy, projects, power, environmental and Aboriginal law matters in Canada.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Aboriginal Law - Canada

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For

Borden Ladner Gervais is a full-service law firm with a multidisciplinary environmental law department. The practice is highly regarded for environmental litigation as well as assisting with environmental assessments and permitting. The team offers additional expertise in relation to contaminated sites, storage and transportation of hazardous goods, and emissions. The group's client roster spans the country and includes public and private companies, municipalities and Crown corporations.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Borden Ladner Gervais represented Trigon Pacific Terminals (Trigon) in a judicial review in the Federal Court, concerning the Prince Rupert Port Authority's refusal to process Trigon's request for regulatory review of the Trigon Pacific LPG Project. Trigon's request relates to its efforts to diversify its marine terminal operations on Ridley Island by constructing an LNG export facility.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The team is responsive and delivers practical legal advice and analysis. I’ve had good working experiences with BLG and see their commitment to the client experience.

    Aboriginal Law respondentGlobal
  • BLG is easily accessible, prompt and effective.

    Aboriginal Law respondentGlobal
  • The BLG team is not only well-recognised for their sheer level of experience in the environmental realm, but we also find their proactive and clear communication is one of their biggest strengths.

    Aboriginal Law respondentGlobal
  • The team very much values and demonstrates high levels of commitment and communication with clients.

    Aboriginal Law respondentGlobal
  • I particularly appreciate the clear communication that BLG demonstrates, as well as the dialogue that we have when working through very challenging issues.

    Aboriginal Law respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Senior StatespeopleRandall W Block KC
    Senior StatespeopleRandall W Block KC

    Randall W Block KC

    Randall Block KC maintains a highly respected litigation practice, which sees him act on regulatory matters within the oil and gas space. Based in Calgary, he frequently represents major energy clients before the Canada Energy Regulator in proceedings and disputes relating to construction, supply and environmental damages.
  • Band 4Alan Ross KC
    Band 4Alan Ross KC

    Alan Ross KC

    Alan Ross KC is well regarded for his representation across provincial and federal regulatory mandates. He is particularly well versed in handling issues in the midstream sector and those pertaining to natural gas.

    • Alan is a great lawyer with excellent insights and experience.

      Aboriginal Law respondentGlobal
    • He is really able to give practical, useful advice on complex matters.

      Aboriginal Law respondentGlobal
    • He provides excellent advice with commercial acumen incorporated into this.

      Aboriginal Law respondentGlobal
  • Band 2John Vellone
    Band 2John Vellone

    John Vellone

    John Vellone is held in high regard for his electricity and infrastructure practice, providing counsel on project financing and procurement. He also provides regulatory advice to both public and private clients in the power sector. He is national leader of Borden Ladner Gervais' energy, resources and renewable sector and is based in Toronto.

    • John has a great deal of regulatory expertise and combines it with a great understanding of the business we are in. He's been a great resource for us.

      Aboriginal Law respondentGlobal
    • He has knowledge of our business which is helpful, and he is very good on responsiveness and client service.

      Aboriginal Law respondentGlobal
    • John has a deep understanding of our industry and is willing to come up with creative approaches to meet our needs.

      Aboriginal Law respondentGlobal
  • Band 2Jonathan Liteplo
    Band 2Jonathan Liteplo

    Jonathan Liteplo

    Calgary-based Jonathan Liteplo focuses his practice on utilities regulation, advising on such matters as facilities approvals and performance-based regulation in the power space. He frequently represents clients before the Alberta Utilities Commission.
  • Band 2Rick Williams
    Band 2Rick Williams

    Rick Williams

    Based in Vancouver, Rick Williams is the national leader of the law firm's environmental group. He is well-versed in environmental issues and is frequently sought out to advise on a wide range of mandates across Canada, particularly in relation to oil and gas matters. He is additionally noted for his experience in contamination litigation, environmental assessment reviews and GHG emissions proceedings.

    • Rick has consistently provided strong service, input and collaboration on environmental matters for various scenarios.

      Aboriginal Law respondentGlobal
    • Rick is a very impressive lawyer. He's a specialist in his field and does an excellent job communicating with clients.

      Aboriginal Law respondentGlobal
    • Rick is extremely detail-oriented and very thorough. He likes getting the facts and understanding the background.

      Aboriginal Law respondentGlobal
  • Band 3Cherie Brant
    Band 3Cherie Brant

    Cherie Brant

    Cherie Brant leads the Indigenous law practice at Borden Ladner Gervais. Her practice sees her regularly advise major energy and infrastructure clients on development projects on Indigenous land, as well as advising Indigenous groups on land use and environmental assessments.

    • Cherie continues to bring a unique blend of legal excellence, business insight and cultural understanding, making her an invaluable adviser.

      Aboriginal Law respondentGlobal
    • Cherie is down to earth, easy to understand and works very efficiently.

      Aboriginal Law respondentGlobal
    • Cherie is extremely knowledgeable in the sector.

      Aboriginal Law respondentGlobal
  • Band 3Chris Roine
    Band 3Chris Roine

    Chris Roine

    Chris Roine has established himself as a go-to for representing clients in the real estate and energy sectors in their negotiations with Indigenous groups.

    • Chris has a great deal of experience and practical application of his knowledge.

      Aboriginal Law respondentGlobal
    • Chris was a pleasure to work with. He is very skilled in constitutional law and his advice was always clear, concise and easy to comprehend.

      Aboriginal Law respondentGlobal
    • Chris' thoughtful approach is respected by the other side and has assisted us in navigating through difficult and complex negotiations.

      Aboriginal Law respondentGlobal
  • Band 3Douglas R Sanders
    Band 3Douglas R Sanders

    Douglas R Sanders

    Douglas Sanders provides clients with a technical understanding born out of his training as an engineer. Based in Vancouver, he acts across the PPP and construction spaces, with noted representation of proponent consortiums as well as provincial bodies.

    • Douglas is very focused on understanding what is driving both parties so that we can get resolution and to the results we were hoping for. He always makes you feel valued.

      Aboriginal Law respondentGlobal
    • Doug's superpower is his experience.

      Aboriginal Law respondentGlobal
    • He is a great lawyer.

      Aboriginal Law respondentGlobal
  • Band 3Gabrielle Kramer
    Band 3Gabrielle Kramer

    Gabrielle Kramer

    Toronto-based Gabrielle Kramer represents a range of public and private clients, including municipalities and oil and gas companies, engaged in regulatory proceedings, environmental assessments and contamination disputes.

    • Gabrielle is very responsive and comprehensively outlines options and analysis when I request legal advice. She is excellent at providing options and solutions that are practical.

      Aboriginal Law respondentGlobal
    • Simply put, Gabrielle is an exceptional lawyer beyond measure.

      Aboriginal Law respondentGlobal
    • Gabrielle is deeply knowledgeable.

      Aboriginal Law respondentGlobal
  • Band 4Dionysios Rossi
    Band 4Dionysios Rossi

    Dionysios Rossi

    Dionysios Rossi is regularly called upon to counsel clients on environmental processes, regulations and enforcement. He is particularly adept at handling matters related to the energy and maritime sectors.

    • Dino is very knowledgeable, swift in responses and a high-quality lawyer.

      Aboriginal Law respondentGlobal
    • Dionysios is excellent across the board.

      Aboriginal Law respondentGlobal
  • Band 4Robert Blackstein
    Band 4Robert Blackstein

    Robert Blackstein

    Robert Blackstein focuses on project development, financing and operations. He is involved in various aspects of the energy industry, including electricity transmission, carbon capture, and indigenous investment into energy projects. Robert is the co-chair of Borden Ladner Gervais' Electricity Markets Group in Toronto.

    • He has a good commercial understanding of his client's objectives.

      Aboriginal Law respondentGlobal
    • Robert is a strong advocate for his clients, he understands strategy and goals and pushes as much as he can to get them the best deal.

      Aboriginal Law respondentGlobal
  • Band 4Sarah Bird
    Band 4Sarah Bird

    Sarah Bird

    Sarah Bird is a partner in the infrastructure group in Vancouver. Her broad practice includes expertise in project finance, project development and PPP.

    • We would not choose any other counsel than Sarah.

      Aboriginal Law respondentGlobal
    • It is always a pleasure dealing with Sarah.

      Aboriginal Law respondentGlobal

Ranked Individuals at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (13)

Canada

Members

Provided by Borden Ladner Gervais LLP

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