Environmental
Complex and ever-changing environmental laws are increasingly affecting the profitability and public reputation of your business. Our clients participate in a broad array of environmentally sensitive industry sectors such as mining, forestry, pulp and paper, real estate investment and development, manufacturing, transportation, clean technology and renewable energy generation. The firm has also represented the interests of corporations involved in environmental businesses, such as the treatment, storage, transportation, and disposal of industrial, municipal, bio-medical, and toxic waste, be it in the context of mergers and acquisitions, contract negotiations, financing, insurance or advising on regulatory issues.
Our lawyers take the time to understand those businesses, including the challenges faced in complying with a wide range of international, federal and provincial environmental laws and regulations. Our advice integrates legal, practical and innovative perspectives to protect your interests while meeting your specific business goals.
Our comprehensive services include:
Commercial Transactions
We have extensive experience negotiating and drafting contractual environmental risk allocation provisions (such as warranty, indemnification and insurance provisions) and conducting due diligence and risk assessments in a wide range of business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions.
Corporate Advice
We advise businesses on environmental management systems, environmental audits and risk assessment. We also advise boards of directors and senior officers on directors' and officers' environmental and occupational health and safety liability.
Environmental Assessments
We regularly advise clients on environmental compliance issues, including land contamination and remediation. We help clients to understand, manage and minimize potential liabilities arising from contaminated properties. We work with property owners, developers, engineers and environmental consultants in relation to the remediation of contaminated lands.
Environmental Litigation
We represent clients at all levels of courts and tribunals in connection with toxic tort and contaminated lands litigation and in defence of clients charged with environmental offences under federal and provincial legislation.
Real Estate Transactions
A significant part of our practice involves advising clients on potential environmental liability in major commercial real estate transactions including retail, office, industrial, hotel and mixed-use properties. Our services in this area include coordinating appropriate environmental due diligence for prospective purchasers, landlord and tenants, and drafting and negotiating appropriate environmental provisions in purchase agreements and leases on behalf of purchasers, vendors, landlords, and tenants.
Renewable Energy
Our environmental lawyers assist clients to understand and navigate the complex environmental assessment and permitting processes pertaining to the renewable energy sectors.
Transportation of Dangerous Goods
We have significant expertise advising on the registration, use, storage and handling of toxic and controlled substances and representing clients in connection with regulatory offences and compliance.
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