General Business Law
Canada Guide 2025 : Northern Canada and Arctic
Band 1
Contact number
+1 867 669 5500About
Provided by Lawson Lundell LLP
We understand the challenges and opportunities that operating in the North presents. The region’s vast geography, seasonal constraints, significant impact of settled and unsettled land claims, and important intersections with government bodies and agencies make the northern territories a unique climate in which to do business. Our full service northern legal team has the knowledge and the deep commitment necessary to help our clients achieve success in the North.
The northern regulatory landscape is complex. Settled and pending land claim agreements of Inuit, Métis and other Aboriginal groups must be respected and understood. These factors together with the heightened importance of logistical planning mean proponents and government agencies require timely, cost effective and practical legal advice. We bring our local knowledge as well as the full resources of our firm to support clients’ business needs and major project development in northern Canada.
Our broad northern experience includes matters involving:
- Project development, land tenure, environmental regulation and Aboriginal law and related economic development issues including benefit agreements and litigation
- Government relations and legislative review
- Securities and financing
- Labour and employment
- Pensions and employee benefits
- Tax (personal and business tax, including property tax)
Chambers Review
Lawson Lundell is a Vancouver-headquartered law firm with a well-established Yellowknife presence. The practice is noted for the depth of its experience across the Northwest Territories, the Yukon and Nunavut, acting for a number of long-term clients from both the private and public sectors. Such clients include mining companies, Aboriginal organisations, regulatory agencies and government bodies. The team possesses deep expertise in administrative and constitutional law, as well as labour and employment and project development North of 60. The firm advises on a wide range of corporate and commercial matters and related litigation and arbitration, and provides ongoing regulatory guidance in relation to high-profile mining projects throughout the Arctic.
Work Highlights
- Lawson Lundell LLP represented Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation in a series of regulatory hearings concerning the Mary River Project, one of the largest, multi-billion mining developments in Canada.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Lawson Lundell really stand out for their knowledge and connections in the North. They are flexible, responsive and efficient."
"The whole team at Lawson Lundell is fantastic. Responses are quick, detailed and thorough. The whole team functions very well together."
"It's been fantastic working with Lawson Lundell. They are receptive, ready to offer help and guidance and have exceeded our expectations in terms of client service."
"Lawson Lundell really stand out for their knowledge and connections in the North. They are flexible, responsive and efficient."
"The whole team at Lawson Lundell is fantastic. Responses are quick, detailed and thorough. The whole team functions very well together."
"It's been fantastic working with Lawson Lundell. They are receptive, ready to offer help and guidance and have exceeded our expectations in terms of client service."
Notable Practitioners
Christine Kowbel has a strong focus on environmental regulations, often advising mining companies on environmental impact assessments. She services her clients from the Vancouver office.
"Christine Kowbel's knowledge is unmatched in mining matters in Nunavut. Excellent experience."
Sandra MacKenzie frequently advises both corporate and public sector clients on a range of contentious matters, such as workplace investigations and construction arbitration. She additionally assists with non-contentious employment issues, including Inuit employment matters.
"I've valued having Sandra advising us, it was really good working with her."
"Sandra is a total rockstar."
Toby Kruger has a broad practice covering contentious and non-contentious real estate matters, governance issues and regulatory changes and defamation claims. He is frequently mandated on behalf of public bodies.
"Toby takes the time to understand an area of law that is impenetrable to most lawyers. He helps us understand our actions every step of the way and why they are important."
"Toby's level of service is exceptional."
Based in Yellowknife, Tim Syer operates a broad corporate and commercial practice, frequently advising on corporate governance matters, financing transactions and real estate issues.
"Tim is fantastic to work with, very knowledgeable and a great advocate for his client."
"Tim Syer was proactive in reaching out and helping us understand the importance of the proceedings."
Ranked Lawyers at
Lawson Lundell LLP
Northern Canada and Arctic
Members
Provided by Lawson Lundell LLP
Chris Baldwin
Deborah Cushing
Jennifer Nyland
John Olynyk
Kai Niu
Keith Bergner
Khaled Abdel-Barr
Suzanne Woolley