Department profile
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

Projects: PPP & Infrastructure

Global Guide 2026 : Canada


Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Projects: PPP & Infrastructure - Canada

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt is a notable law firm with a strong track record for advising clients on a variety of environmental matters, including project development, environmental assessment reviews, contaminated land and general compliance issues. The practice is additionally well-positioned to represent clients in environmental litigation, such as administrative hearings and civil actions, as well as in the tribunal appeal process. Its regulatory, environmental, Aboriginal and land (REAL) group is respected for its representation of clients from the energy and natural resources sector. The team is primarily based out of the Toronto and Calgary offices, with national reach across Canada.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt acted as counsel to Starlight Energy Canada in regulatory and environmental approvals and advice related to renewable project developments.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The work the Osler team does is excellent.

    Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
  • Osler has a good depth of bench and breadth of experience.

    Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
  • Osler provides an excellent level of service. The lawyers are commercial, knowledgeable and provide practical advice.

    Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
  • Osler has a thorough and pragmatic approach to resolving litigious matters as efficiently as possible.

    Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
  • Osler is able to communicate with both C-suite executives and front-line workers in a manner that relates to their level of expertise and knowledge in environmental law.

    Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Senior StatespeopleShawn Denstedt KC
    Senior StatespeopleShawn Denstedt KC

    Shawn Denstedt KC

    Operating out of Calgary, Shawn Denstedt KC is chair emeritus at Osler. He is an accomplished environmental lawyer who is well-versed in regulatory issues arising in the energy and natural resources industries and regularly advises on permitting issues.

  • Star IndividualsChris Bennett
    Star IndividualsChris Bennett

    Chris Bennett

    Premier PPP and infrastructure practitioner Chris Bennett offers a wealth of experience out of Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt's Toronto office, representing an enviable client list consisting of lenders, proponents and sponsors active across an array of industry sectors.

    • Chris is one of the best infrastructure lawyers in Canada. He is excellent all around.

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
    • He is a deeply experienced and commercially-savvy practitioner.

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
    • Chris is very solutions-oriented, efficient and always gives great advice.

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
    • His practical and commercially-minded legal advice is well respected and sought after.

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
    • Chris delivers on time and his work is impeccable. His team has been exceptionally helpful to getting projects closed on time and efficiently.

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
  • Band 1Craig Spurn
    Band 1Craig Spurn

    Craig Spurn

    Craig Spurn acts out of the firm's Calgary office and has wide-ranging expertise in oil and gas M&A and commercial matters arising from the energy sector. He is noted for his skill in representing natural gas and oil clients in procurement and joint ventures.
    • He has very strong legal knowledge paired with a very strong commercial awareness.

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
    • He is very practical, an excellent negotiator and is a trusted adviser.

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
    • Craig has always been able to provide solid and creative solutions for complex problems and is able to break down complex issues so they can be explained.

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
    • He's very thoughtful and has great industry experience.

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
  • Band 1Janice Buckingham
    Band 1Janice Buckingham

    Janice Buckingham

    Premier oil and gas lawyer Janice Buckingham, KC, acts on an impressive range of domestic and international M&A and project financing matters, providing further counsel on commercial mandates. She co-chairs the firm's oil and gas practice from its Calgary office.

    • I can't say enough good things about her. She knows us and she knows her clients.

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
  • Band 1Rocco Sebastiano
    Band 1Rocco Sebastiano

    Rocco Sebastiano

    Based in Toronto, Rocco Sebastiano is an expert in transactional matters across the power sector, with particular strength in nuclear energy projects. He has broad and deep experience across project financing and development matters.
    • He is very good and knowledgeable on the regulatory and nuclear side.

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
    • Rocco is outstanding.

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
  • Band 2Brad Gilmour
    Band 2Brad Gilmour

    Brad Gilmour

    Based in Calgary, Brad Gilmour is well known for his experience in the environmental space, having guided a number of clients through investigations and site remediations.
    • Brad gives reasonable and well-articulated advice. I find him to be very knowledgeable and very strategic with putting our position forward.

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
    • Brad has great knowledge in the area and is extremely responsive. His connections with the regulators and investigators are invaluable in moving these matters to a quick and successful resolution.

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
    • Brad is extremely thorough and has a great depth of knowledge. He has relationships with people within government and regulatory bodies, which is helpful in helping things move smoothly.

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
  • Band 4Danna Donald
    Band 4Danna Donald

    Danna Donald

    Based in Toronto, Danna Donald is proficient in the handling of both lender and borrower mandates, holding particular expertise in the renewable energy space.

    • Danna is very dedicated. She is great.

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
    • Danna knows the market, is pragmatic and responsive.

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
    • Danna knows how to solve problems like nobody else. I really can't say enough good things.

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
  • Band 2George Antonopoulos
    Band 2George Antonopoulos

    George Antonopoulos

    Based in the firm's Calgary office, George Antonopoulos handles a wide array of M&A, asset sales and project developments in the oil and gas sector.
    • He is a very good lawyer who is very thoughtful and pragmatic

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
    • He is very thorough, knows the market and is able to give advice on what is normally done in situations. He has a very thorough knowledge of the oil and gas industry.

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
    • George is one of the strongest commercial lawyers in the city.

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
  • Band 2Jacob Sadikman
    Band 2Jacob Sadikman

    Jacob Sadikman

    Toronto-based Jacob Sadikman's practice includes financing and project development in the electricity industry, with further recognition for his work on renewable energy. He acts on behalf of clients including investors and utilities companies in connection with carbon storage, nuclear and renewable development, and financing advice.

    • Jacob is a trusted adviser and a go-to for power purchase agreements.

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
  • Band 2Jennifer Fairfax
    Band 2Jennifer Fairfax

    Jennifer Fairfax

    Toronto-based Jennifer Fairfax is active in environmental assessments as well as remediation and contamination matters. Her practice additionally covers the environmental aspects of corporate transactions and regulatory compliance. She acts on behalf of a range of national and international clients, often in the energy and infrastructure sectors.

    • Jennifer is timely and an expert in her field.

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
    • Jennifer is extremely knowledgeable and has significant experience dealing with regulators in various circumstances. Her advice is practical and collaborative.

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
    • Jennifer's pragmatic approach to litigation seeks to find the most efficient manner to settle the matter for the client. She has an excellent grasp of her client's appetite for risk.

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
  • Band 2Simon Baines
    Band 2Simon Baines

    Simon Baines

    Simon Baines is esteemed for the breadth of his experience across transactional mandates in the oil and gas sector, as well as advising on the commercial aspects of projects and facilities development. He is based out of the firm's Calgary office.
    • Simon is knowledgeable, practical and has great judgement.

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
    • Simon has great industry knowledge.

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
  • Band 2Tobor Emakpor
    Band 2Tobor Emakpor

    Tobor Emakpor

    Toronto-based Tobor Emakpor represents a roster of public and private bodies active on PPP and AFP projects across North America, the UK and West Africa, offering particular experience across the healthcare, education and transportation sectors.

    • Tobor is an exceptional lawyer. His oral and communication skills are great.

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
    • Tobor is very professional and knowledgeable.

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
    • He is a strong performer at the firm.

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
  • Band 2Vivek Warrier
    Band 2Vivek Warrier

    Vivek Warrier

    Calgary-based Vivek Warrier is a widely respected oil and gas lawyer sought after for his handling of project development and M&A within the petroleum and natural gas industry, including on LNG matters.
    • There are very few lawyers in Canada as qualified and client-focused as Vivek Warrier. He is a leader in the field.

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
    • Vivek is great to work with and he has strong commercial acumen.

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
  • Band 3Maureen Killoran
    Band 3Maureen Killoran

    Maureen Killoran

    Maureen Killoran KC is a highly regarded litigator who currently acts as Osler's national co-chair. Practising out of the firm's Calgary and Vancouver offices, she is especially skilled at representing clients from the energy sector as well as governmental entities on cases relating to Indigenous land title infringements.
    • Maureen is a very experienced litigator.

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
  • Band 4Elliot Smith
    Band 4Elliot Smith

    Elliot Smith

    Toronto-based partner Elliot Smith leverages his background as a professional engineer in his legal practice, advising clients including power producers and project developers engaged in the development, financing and construction of projects. He is particularly active in the renewable energy space.

    • Elliot has a deep knowledge of how we operate, which is very helpful for external counsel to have. He offers practical and efficient advice.

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
  • Band 5Marta Rochkin
    Band 5Marta Rochkin

    Marta Rochkin

    Marta Rochkin is a partner in Toronto and a member of the firm's banking and financial services group. She is experienced in assisting clients with PPP projects in the healthcare and transportation sectors.

    • Marta has great experience. She is very responsive and knowledgeable.

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
    • She has a very strong skillset and is very pleasant to work with. I enjoy working with her.

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
    • Marta is efficient and makes sure things happen on time.

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
  • Associates to watchEvan Barz
    Associates to watchEvan Barz

    Evan Barz

    Evan Barz is a Toronto-based associate with expertise in complex environmental regulatory matters and disputes.
    • Evan is responsive and gives clear guidance about what needs to be done.

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal
    • Evan is a talented lawyer.

      Projects: PPP & Infrastructure respondentGlobal

Ranked Individuals at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP (25)

Canada

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