Biography: Oil and Gas

Chris focuses on government relations and regulation in the energy and resource sectors throughout western Canada. He advises utilities, independent power producers, marketers, mine and energy project developers and governments.

Chris appears frequently before regulatory boards in energy and environmental matters in British Columbia, Alberta and the Northwest Territories. He represents clients in judicial proceedings arising in the regulatory context or, more generally, from the relationship between business and government heard by all levels of court in British Columbia and Alberta and in the federal court system including the Supreme Court of Canada. He has particular expertise in connection with all aspects of public utility law.

His recent experience includes a number of regulatory and judicial proceedings involving the extent of the Crown's obligation to consult First Nations. He was counsel to BC Hydro at all levels including the Supreme Court of Canada in Rio Tinto Alcan and BC Hydro v Carrier Sekani Tribal Council, 2010 SCC 43.

Chris' recognitions and rankings include: Lexpert Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada, recognised for energy (electricity) law; Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, most frequently recognised as a Leading Practitioner for energy (electricity) law and consistently recognised as a Leading Practitioner for energy (oil and gas) law; and Woodward White's Best Lawyers in Canada, recognised for energy (electricity, oil and gas) law. Chris received the 2011 Premier's Collaboration Award (NWT) for his work on the Mackenzie Gas Project.

Chris is a member of the bars of British Columbia (1978), Alberta (1988), and Northwest Territories (2001) and was appointed Queen's Counsel, British Columbia (2001).