Transportation: Rail & Road
Canada Guide 2025 : Nationwide - Canada
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+1 416 865 7000About
Provided by McMillan LLP
McMillan has one of the most significant transportation practices in Canada. Our Transportation Group regularly engages in all aspects of the regulatory, economic and financial regulation of transportation undertakings under the federal Canada Transportation Act. The Transportation Group is also regularly engaged to provide advice under other federal legislation, including the Canada Marine Act, the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, the Railway Safety Act, the Competition Act, and the Investment Canada Act, and regulations under each. We also regularly advise on corresponding provincial regulatory frameworks, including those dealing with warehousing, handling and distribution of goods and services. Our clients include some of the world’s leading shippers, lessors, financiers, freight carriers, ports and terminals, governments, trade associations, and facility operators. We regularly represent governments, operators, and freight carriers, including in the rail, trucking, and marine modes of transportation.
The Transportation Group is particularly strong in regulatory analysis, commercial advisory services and advocacy in contested proceedings relating to rates and conditions of service on Class I railways in Canada.
Chambers Review
McMillan's well-established rail and road transportation team operates primarily out of the firm's Vancouver office. Its lawyers are regularly engaged by major rail shippers, short-line railways and terminals, as well as national and international trucking companies. The department provides a broad spectrum of services spanning economic and commercial regulation, corporate and transactional counsel and litigation support, as well as assistance in related areas such as real estate and tax.
Work Highlights
- McMillan advised Meadow Lake Mechanical Pulp on quantum of expenses submissions following a regulatory level of service complaint against the Canadian National Railway Company.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They have a strong understanding of regulatory rail issues. They also understood the commercial issues and provided appropriate advice."
"Their knowledge of transportation practice is the best in the country."
"McMillan continues to impress. The work required is done quickly and accurately, and they are always available to discuss matters."
"The team has so much to offer in any situation. It is a top-shelf organisation and wonderful to work with."
"They have a strong understanding of regulatory rail issues. They also understood the commercial issues and provided appropriate advice."
"Their knowledge of transportation practice is the best in the country."
"McMillan continues to impress. The work required is done quickly and accurately, and they are always available to discuss matters."
"The team has so much to offer in any situation. It is a top-shelf organisation and wonderful to work with."
Notable Practitioners
François Tougas is recognised for his experience in regulatory proceedings before the CTA, as well as in general commercial negotiations involving major railways and shippers. He is based in Vancouver.
"The depth of his knowledge is among the best in the country."
"Over my career, I have worked with a vast number of lawyers across North America. Mr Tougas is the best that I have ever worked with."
"François is exceptionally knowledgeable about the rail transportation space and has a very grounded, commercial focus when providing advice."
"I believe that François is a pre-eminent expert in the field of transportation."
Well-known and respected Vancouver-based transportation lawyer and litigator Lucia Stuhldreier regularly advises on rail transportation concerns. These include rate and service matters as well as commercial freight agreements.
"Lucia Stuhldreier is an exceptional lawyer who is able to simplify issues but provide very coherent and direct arguments. One of the best I have ever worked with."
"Lucia is an expert in all matters relating to rail, with deep knowledge and understanding of this unique industry."
"She provides a relationship of trust and reliability."
"Lucia is easy to work with."
Based in the firm's Toronto office, Andrew McFarlane operates a broad finance practice that includes an emphasis on aircraft financing. His clients include aircraft lessors and financial institutions.
Ryan Gallagher is a respected Vancouver-based lawyer whose practice comprises advising leading shippers and rail users on regulatory and compliance matters.
"Ryan Gallagher provides excellent service."
"He is very easy to work with."
Ranked Lawyers at
McMillan LLP
Nationwide - Canada