Construction
Canada Guide 2025 : Nationwide - Canada
Band 2
About
Provided by Dentons Canada LLP
Our clients include public and private owners, developers, builders, professional engineers and architects, general and specialized contractors, subcontractors, industrial equipment manufacturers, material suppliers, financial institutions, sureties and other players in this industry. We work with other Dentons practices in related areas, including real estate, restructuring and insolvency, environmental law, competition and corporate matters.
Key service areas:
- Procurement, including tenders, requests for qualifications and requests for proposals
- Drafting and negotiating all types of construction documents, including engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) and engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) contracts, fixed price and other general contracts, subcontracts, design-build contracts and professional services agreements
- Provincial licensing and registration matters, municipal zoning and permitting issues
- Developing safety programs and compliance with occupational health and safety legislation
- Risk assessment, allocation and management; preventative strategies; and resolution of issues during project development and implementation
- Resolving claims (through litigation, if necessary) for nonpayment, changes, delays, additional costs and damages, negligence, construction defects, product liability and other contractual failings and conflicts
- Liens and legal hypothecs, bonds and insurance issues
- Arbitrations and mediations in construction disputes
Chambers Review
Dentons has a notable team in Canada that is developing a solid presence in the construction sphere. The firm is well recognised for its involvement in significant infrastructure developments, and is often engaged on front-end construction mandates, with additional expertise in contentious matters. Clients benefit from construction lawyers based in Vancouver, Calgary and Montréal.
Work Highlights
- Dentons acted for Acciona on proceedings regarding the termination of a design and construction contract for a major wastewater treatment plant in British Columbia.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Dentons is very detailed and understands our corporate sensitivities."
"The Dentons team is always able to articulate to me current conditions that are noteworthy in relation to actions we are actively working on."
"Dentons consistently provides timely responses and advice. It also provides excellent value in terms of expertise and service."
"Dentons sees the bigger picture without losing focus on the details and is often able to suggest creative solutions to complex matters."
"Dentons is very detailed and understands our corporate sensitivities."
"The Dentons team is always able to articulate to me current conditions that are noteworthy in relation to actions we are actively working on."
"Dentons consistently provides timely responses and advice. It also provides excellent value in terms of expertise and service."
"Dentons sees the bigger picture without losing focus on the details and is often able to suggest creative solutions to complex matters."
Notable Practitioners
Vancouver-based Karen Martin KC has impressive expertise in construction matters concerning infrastructure projects. Managing a broad portfolio of matters including dispute resolution, contract development and risk mitigation, she offers skilled counsel in arbitration and litigation.
Dennis Picco KC is an Edmonton-based partner whose practice focuses on litigation and dispute resolution. He has notable experience of representing clients in cases arising from disruption and delay claims, as well as cost overrun disputes.
"Dennis Picco is a great resource."
Front-end construction lawyer John Haythorne holds a wealth of experience on behalf of municipal bodies and clients in the mining space. He is based in Vancouver.
Vancouver-based Jana Mansour co-leads the national construction group. He has a distinguished practice, with considerable experience of advising clients on non-contentious issues arising from construction and infrastructure projects, such as procurement and contract negotiations.
"Jana is an excellent lawyer. He is very responsive and very commercial in his advice. He provides original and creative solutions to complex problems."
"Jana is my go-to lawyer for difficult construction and procurement matters with a cross-border element."
Karen Groulx is a respected construction lawyer based in Toronto. She is recognised for her expertise in handling construction litigations in the commercial and transport sectors.
"Karen Groulx is able to understand many engineering issues and asks appropriate questions to verify interpretations. She is a good listener and documents facts in a logical manner."
Robert Gilroy is an associate based out of Dentons' Edmonton office. He is particularly adept at assisting with claims concerning design errors and delays arising out of significant infrastructure projects.
"Robert Gilroy is a great senior associate with a keen eye for practical and cost-effective solutions to complex issues. He is a great lawyer."
"Robert Gilroy is a fantastic lawyer. He is efficient, effective and very knowledgeable."
Ranked Lawyers at
Dentons Canada LLP
Nationwide - Canada
Members
Provided by Dentons Canada LLP