Band 2
Band 3
About
Provided by Valerie Helbronner
Practice Areas
Valerie has been at the forefront of the development and financing of renewable energy projects across Canada. She worked on some of the earliest and most innovative renewable projects, including Erie Shores Wind Farm, Grand Renewables Solar and Henvey Inlet Wind Farm, as well as PPAs in connection with Emera’s proposed Atlantic Link Project. Valerie acts for the spectrum of clients involved in project development and financing, including Indigenous groups, project proponents, lenders, investors, contractors and governmental authorities.
Trusted counsel to Indigenous and non-Indigenous project participants, Valerie often advises on complex infrastructure projects impacting Indigenous interests and parties, where she brings a robust perspective on different parties’ interests and priorities. She is the co-head of Torys’ Indigenous practice and her recent project work related to Indigenous involvement notably includes the Wataynikaneyap Transmission Project in northwestern Ontario and working with The Honorable Frank Iacobucci in advising the Government of Canada in its re-initiated consultation process with Indigenous groups on the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion Project.
Valerie has held various industry appointments in the power sector, including serving as a board member of the Canadian Wind Energy Association, past Chair of the Ontario Waterpower Association, and past member of the Independent Electricity System Operator Stakeholder Advisory Committee.
Chambers Review
Canada
Valerie Helbronner attracts plaudits for her skilled handling of energy project financing matters on behalf of power project developers, and she is further noted for her experience in relation to Aboriginal law and the renewables space.
Toronto-based Valerie Helbronner is sought after for her engagement with Indigenous groups on behalf of infrastructure project developers, with a significant emphasis on power projects.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Valerie understands the complex aspects of Indigenous partnerships and exercises good judgement."
"Valerie is a committed and dedicated legal adviser who pays great attention to detail. She is also able to see the bigger picture and anticipate hurdles and risks."
"Valerie is very well-rounded and responsive. She offers great insight and a challenging perspective as we consider Indigenous interactions."
"Valerie is just fantastic, able to lead and manage difficult and challenging situations. She is tactful and sensitive, keeping us on track."
"Valerie understands the complex aspects of Indigenous partnerships and exercises good judgement."
"Valerie is a committed and dedicated legal adviser who pays great attention to detail. She is also able to see the bigger picture and anticipate hurdles and risks."
"Valerie is very well-rounded and responsive. She offers great insight and a challenging perspective as we consider Indigenous interactions."
"Valerie is just fantastic, able to lead and manage difficult and challenging situations. She is tactful and sensitive, keeping us on track."
Articles, highlights and press releases
5 items provided by Torys LLP
Innovations in Resources, Energy and Infrastructure
Natural resources, energy & infrastructure players in Canada are embarking on transformational innovations to their operations and systems as technology entrenches itself into their industries. Here we examine key growth sectors along with opportunities and challenges within the energy industry.
ESG and Indigenous communities – the need to focus on relationships
As the importance of Indigenous matters grows, discussion is focusing on how Indigenous issues can be better integrated into ESG standards & ratings. Here we highlight how a collaborative, qualitative, inclusionary approach better reflects the unique status & diversity of Indigenous communities.
Considerations when Structuring Equity Investments with Indigenous Organizations
New infrastructure projects, together with the expansion of government programs aimed at reducing barriers to access to capital for Indigenous communities, will create more opportunities for Indigenous equity participation. These opportunities and key structuring considerations are discussed here.
10 Key Indigenous Issues in Infrastructure and Natural Resources Projects M&A
Indigenous issues are increasingly playing an important role in the acquisition of significant infrastructure and natural resources projects in Canada. Here we outline ten key factors that may arise in these deals, including how to successfully navigate short and long term disputes and challenges.
Tapping Canada’s infrastructure potential to rebuild the economy
Torys Business Brief: Tapping Canada’s infrastructure potential to rebuild the economy—and its relationship with Indigenous peoples.
Innovations in Resources, Energy and Infrastructure
Natural resources, energy & infrastructure players in Canada are embarking on transformational innovations to their operations and systems as technology entrenches itself into their industries. Here we examine key growth sectors along with opportunities and challenges within the energy industry.
ESG and Indigenous communities – the need to focus on relationships
As the importance of Indigenous matters grows, discussion is focusing on how Indigenous issues can be better integrated into ESG standards & ratings. Here we highlight how a collaborative, qualitative, inclusionary approach better reflects the unique status & diversity of Indigenous communities.
Considerations when Structuring Equity Investments with Indigenous Organizations
New infrastructure projects, together with the expansion of government programs aimed at reducing barriers to access to capital for Indigenous communities, will create more opportunities for Indigenous equity participation. These opportunities and key structuring considerations are discussed here.
10 Key Indigenous Issues in Infrastructure and Natural Resources Projects M&A
Indigenous issues are increasingly playing an important role in the acquisition of significant infrastructure and natural resources projects in Canada. Here we outline ten key factors that may arise in these deals, including how to successfully navigate short and long term disputes and challenges.
Tapping Canada’s infrastructure potential to rebuild the economy
Torys Business Brief: Tapping Canada’s infrastructure potential to rebuild the economy—and its relationship with Indigenous peoples.