Environment
Canada Guide 2025 : Nationwide - Canada
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+1 416 362 1812About
Provided by McCarthy Tétrault LLP
Environmental expertise with compliance, protection and best practices
As one of the first law firms in Canada to practice environmental law, we have formidable expertise to navigate the complex provincial, territorial, federal and international laws, regulations and agreements affecting large and complex projects and transactions. This includes environmental assessment processes, contaminated sites, climate change and emissions trading, negotiations with interest groups, representation of our clients in public hearings and in environmental litigation, and training, audits, investigations and defense related to occupational health and safety.
Chambers Review
McCarthy Tétrault is a full-service law firm that assists companies from a range of different sectors including oil and gas, forestry and energy. The environmental, regulatory and Aboriginal law group's expertise includes advising on the environmental assessments of major projects, climate change and environmental litigation. The practice also has notable experience handling the environmental aspects of M&A transactions, with further strength in land contamination disputes, hazardous waste issues and carbon trading. The law firm is a popular choice among prominent Canadian and international companies, as well as governmental entities.
Work Highlights
- McCarthy Tétrault acted for Ebco Metal Finishing on appeals concerning an air emission permit for the company's hot dip galvanising plant in Surrey, BC.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"McCarthy Tétrault has an extremely strong team with a wealth of knowledge and experience across the industry. They are accommodating and responsive to enquiries and requests for support."
"The group's depth of experience really shines, and having a technical background helps them sort through issues logically and quickly."
"Everyone at McCarthy Tétrault is really passionate about what they do."
"The quality of the work gives the client a very high degree of confidence that they are in good hands."
"The lawyers are very rigorous and thorough. They are able to place the right people in the right position and are all excellent communicators of the chosen strategy."
"McCarthy Tétrault has an extremely strong team with a wealth of knowledge and experience across the industry. They are accommodating and responsive to enquiries and requests for support."
"The group's depth of experience really shines, and having a technical background helps them sort through issues logically and quickly."
"Everyone at McCarthy Tétrault is really passionate about what they do."
"The quality of the work gives the client a very high degree of confidence that they are in good hands."
"The lawyers are very rigorous and thorough. They are able to place the right people in the right position and are all excellent communicators of the chosen strategy."
Notable Practitioners
Based in Vancouver, Nicholas Hughes is an experienced environmental litigator with particular expertise inhandling matters at the intersection of transportation and environmental law, as well as in judicial reviews relating to biodiversity.
"Nicholas Hughes is a great communicator who understands the big picture."
"He brings expertise, critical thinking, creativity, good common sense and humour to the mix. He is always one step ahead."
"Nicholas Hughes is smart, experienced and great to work with. He is the right lawyer to have on your side."
"He provides extremely thoughtful advice, easily masters the technical aspects of cases and provides excellent advice on often complex matters."
"He is a clear communicator and has a good understanding of risk management from the client's perspective."
Montréal-basedCindy Vaillancourtis frequently sought out by clients for her handling of operational environmental compliance matters, providing further expertise relating to land contamination issues and environmental permit approvals.
"Cindy Vaillancourt is able to navigate a complex and strict regulatory and permitting framework while aligning with our strategic and operational needs, assisting us to advocate and mitigate risk."
"I feel extremely grateful to be able to benefit from her advice and energy. I am so glad we have her on our side."
"Cindy Vaillancourt is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of environmental law and has impressive practical experience. She is a precious resource in Québec."
"Cindy Vaillancourt is the full package - bright, attentive, practical and knowledgeable. She is a delight to work with."
"She is thoughtful in her approach to legal problems and is committed to finding a solution to ensure the best outcome for her clients."
Selina Lee-Andersen is well known for her work in the environmental regulatory compliance space, servicing clients out of the law firm's Vancouver office. Her practice also encompasses advising on the environmental aspects of projects and investments.
"Selina Lee-Andersen is very diligent and focused. She is one of the most intelligent and hard-working lawyers I know."
Vancouver-based Una Radoja boasts a diverse environment practice, regularly advising corporate clients on contentious and regulatory matters. She often assists with the approval of corporate transactions and projects undergoing environmental assessments.
"Una Radoja is probably one of the most reliable and just brilliant legal counsels that I work with. She is really focused, extremely easy to work with and very personable."
"Una Radoja is outstanding. She is accessible, calm, exceptionally smart and a nice and collegial member of the bar."
"Una Radoja was great to work with and provided clear and concise advice on next steps."
Calgary-basedKimberly Howardregularly represents energy companies in both contentious and advisory cases, often in relation to contamination claims. Her practice also encompasses permitting and compliance matters.
"Kimberly Howard has very good experience, client skills and candid communication. She gave confidence to our team members."
"Kimberly Howard is an incredibly strong, detail-oriented lawyer. She is pragmatic, not overbearing and does not get lost in the details. She is awesome."
"Kimberly Howard has been a valued thought partner to me. She provides strategic advice on a timely basis."
Ranked Lawyers at
McCarthy Tétrault LLP
Nationwide - Canada
Members
Provided by McCarthy Tétrault LLP