Lawson Lundell's Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution Blog follows new and interesting issues emerging in the legal and business communities. Our goal is to provide a source of valuable information and insight on a wide variety of matters for our readers.
Practice Expertise
- Administrative Law
- Constitutional Law
- Environmental
Areas of Practice
- Administrative Law
- Constitutional Law
- Environmental
- Aboriginal Law
- Forestry
- Litigation
- Native Peoples
- Natural Resources
- Occupational Health & Safety
- Public Law
- Regulatory Compliance View More
Profile
Cliff is a leading practitioner in environmental and Indigenous litigation. He advises clients across a range of industries, including forestry, manufacturing, mining, real estate development, and hydro-electric power generation. Cliff has represented his clients in environmental prosecutions, administrative actions, permit appeals, environmental assessments and has helped clients respond to a wide variety of environmental investigations and prosecutions.
Cliff provides strategic advice on environmental laws and regulations, due diligence and environmental auditing, as well as assisting clients develop corporate environmental policies, contingency plans, operating manuals, and standard operating procedures. He is highly experienced in contaminated sites matters, regularly advising clients in the oil and gas, forestry, mining and chemical industries as well as private landfill operations.
A seasoned litigator, Cliff has successfully defended clients in regulatory and environmental prosecutions and has appeared before courts in British Columbia, Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Supreme Court of Canada. He has also represented clients in administrative proceedings before numerous tribunals, including the BC Environmental Appeal Board, BC Forest Appeals Commission, the Natural Resources Conservation Board of Alberta, the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board, the Workers Compensation Appeal Tribunal of BC, and the BC Tobacco Control Act Administrative Board.
Cliff also acts for resource developers in major Indigenous litigation cases, including land claims and infringement of treaty and Indigenous rights. He has represented industry in numerous court and administrative actions in which First Nations have challenged regulatory permits or launched appeals. His experience includes negotiating and drafting co-operation agreements, consultation protocols, and impact benefit agreements.
Prior to becoming Managing Partner in 2016, Cliff served as the Head of the firm's Litigation Group and was Lawson Lundell's Chief Inclusiveness Officer, leading the firm's diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Cliff provides strategic advice on environmental laws and regulations, due diligence and environmental auditing, as well as assisting clients develop corporate environmental policies, contingency plans, operating manuals, and standard operating procedures. He is highly experienced in contaminated sites matters, regularly advising clients in the oil and gas, forestry, mining and chemical industries as well as private landfill operations.
A seasoned litigator, Cliff has successfully defended clients in regulatory and environmental prosecutions and has appeared before courts in British Columbia, Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Supreme Court of Canada. He has also represented clients in administrative proceedings before numerous tribunals, including the BC Environmental Appeal Board, BC Forest Appeals Commission, the Natural Resources Conservation Board of Alberta, the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board, the Workers Compensation Appeal Tribunal of BC, and the BC Tobacco Control Act Administrative Board.
Cliff also acts for resource developers in major Indigenous litigation cases, including land claims and infringement of treaty and Indigenous rights. He has represented industry in numerous court and administrative actions in which First Nations have challenged regulatory permits or launched appeals. His experience includes negotiating and drafting co-operation agreements, consultation protocols, and impact benefit agreements.
Prior to becoming Managing Partner in 2016, Cliff served as the Head of the firm's Litigation Group and was Lawson Lundell's Chief Inclusiveness Officer, leading the firm's diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Languages
English
Bar Admissions
Manitoba (1990)
British Columbia (1992)
Education
University of Manitoba (LL.B, 1988)
University of Cambridge (LL.M., 1989)
Areas of Practice
- Administrative Law
- Constitutional Law
- Environmental
- Aboriginal Law
- Forestry
- Litigation
- Native Peoples
- Natural Resources
- Occupational Health & Safety
- Public Law
- Regulatory Compliance
Professional Career
Significant Accomplishments
Cliff has had considerable experience in complex litigation and was one of four trial counsel in one of the longest trials in B.C. history, Privest Properties Ltd. et al. v. W.R. Grace & Co. of Canada Ltd. et al. in which Lawson Lundell successfully defended W.R. Grace & Co. in a products liability suit.
Cliff also acts for industry clients in a number of major Indigenous litigation cases including actions involving land claims and the infringement of treaty and Indigenous rights.
Additional Information
Rankings & Recognition
* Best Lawyers in Canada 2021-2027: Aboriginal Law/Indigenous Practice
* Best Lawyers in Canada 2026-2027: Environmental Law
* Canadian Law Awards 2026: Managing Partner of the Year
* Business in Vancouver 2021-2025: BC500 List of the Most Influential Business Leaders in British Columbia
* Chambers Global 2024-2025: Environment (Eminent Practitioner)
* Chambers Global 2024-2025: Environment Nationwide (Eminent Practitioner)
* Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory 2023-2024: Environmental Law (Leading Practitioner)
* Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory 2023-2024: AboriginalLaw (Leading Practitioner)
Seminars/ Presentation
Pacific Business & Law Institute Seminar on Contaminated Sites: New Law and Emerging Issues, Vancouver, BC (April 23, 2015), Speaker
"Fisheries Issues in Environmental Assessment", 7th Edition Environmental Law in BC Conference, Insight Information, Vancouver, BC (October 18-19, 2013), Speaker
"Core Contaminated Sites Legislation and Case Law", Contaminated Sites vs. Brownfield Development: Old and New Approaches to Problem Sites in British Columbia Conference, Pacific Business & Law Institute, Vancouver, BC (September 26, 2012), Speaker
"Update on B.C. Oil and Gas Commission Consultation Process Agreements", 4th Annual Northeast B.C. Natural Gas Summit, Insight Information, Calgary, AB (September 20-21, 2012), Speaker
"Environmental Enforcement and Penalties", Environmental Law: Managing Risk, Continuing Legal Education Society of BC (November 18, 2011), Speaker
"First Nation Consultation", 3rd Annual Northeast BC Natural Gas Summit, Insight Information, Calgary, AB (September 20-21, 2011), Co-speaker
"Dealing with Contaminated Sites", Understanding Environmental Regulations Course, Educational Program Innovations Center (EPIC), Vancouver, BC (February 2 - 4, 2011), Speaker
"Core Legislation and Cornerstone Caselaw", Doing Business with Contaminated Land: Answers, Clarity & Protection, Pacific Business and Law Institute (April 28, 2010), Co-speaker
"Inter Provincial Water Regulation, Jurisdiction and Disputes", 5th Annual Water and Land Management in Alberta, Insight Information (December 7 " 8, 2009), Co-chair
"The Energy and Mining Sectors: Evolution of the Duty and Practical Insight", Consultation & Accommodation 2009 Update, Pacific Business and Law Institute (October 8, 2009), Co-speaker
"Successful Strategies for Navigating Through the Minefield of Inter-jurisdictional Water Disputes", Managing Water Resources & Disputes, The Canadian Institute (September 29 " 30, 2009), Co-speaker
"Recent Contaminated Sites Case Law in British Columbia",, Contaminated Sites, Insight Information (February 23 " 24, 2009), Co-speaker
"Spills", Understanding Environmental Regulations, EPIC Educational Program Innovations Center (February 4 " 6, 2009), Co-speaker
"BC and Alberta: Federal Jurisdiction Over Water and Interprovincial Water Aspects", 4th Annual Water & Land Management in Alberta, Insight Information (December 8 " 9, 2008), Co-speaker
"The Duty to Consult", Adapting to Change (Regulatory, Ecological, Social), IVMA (November 19 " 20, 2008), Speaker
"Updates on Consultation Developments Across Canada", 8th Annual Western Canada Aboriginal Business and Economic Development, Insight Information (October 22, 2008), Speaker
4th Annual Western Canada Contaminated Sites, Insight Information (June 12 " 13, 2008), Speaker
Fundamentals of Environmental Law and Regulation, The Canadian Institute (May 15 " 16, 2008), Speaker
"Resolving Past Grievances: Managing the Impact of Past Breaches on Agreements, Permit and License Renewals", Negotiating with Aboriginal Communities, The Canadian Institute (September 18 " 19, 2007), Speaker
"Accommodation: Agreements between Industry and First Nations: A Primer", 3rd Annual Aboriginal Consultation for Industry, The Canadian Institute (December 4 " 5, 2006), Speaker
"Industry's Role in Consultation Under the New Relationship Document", 8th Annual Aboriginal Land and Resource Management, Insight Information (November 6 " 7, 2006), Speaker
"Accomplishing Shared Decision Making", Aboriginal Law Conference, The Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia (June 23, 2006), Speaker
Environmental Management and Compliance, EPIC Educational Program Innovations Center (November 24 " 25, 2005), Speaker
Aboriginal Law and Natural Resource Use, The Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia (October 7, 2005), Speaker
"Legal Perspective of the IPM Act", Vegetation Management: The Triple Bottom Line, Integrated Vegetation Management Association of B.C. (November 18 " 19, 2004), Speaker
"The Duty to Consult With First Nations Regarding Pest Management Plan on Private and Public Lands", 6th Annual Aboriginal Land and Resource Management, Insight Information Co. (November 4 " 5, 2004), Speaker
"Working with the Community on Environmental Issues", Understanding Environmental Regulations, EPIC Educational Program Innovations Center (May 17 " 18, 2004), Speaker
"The New Act: Changes of Control and Tenure Transfers", 5th Annual Forestry Summit, Insight Information Co. (May 17 " 18, 2004), Speaker
"Environmental Case Law Update", Environmental Law Conference, The Continuing Legal Education Society of BC (February 5, 2004), Speaker
"Professional Practice Under the New Code", APEG Annual Conference 2003, Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC (October 23 " 25, 2003), Speaker
"Case Study-Inspection, Investigation, & Defense", Environmental Management and Compliance, EPIC Educational Program Innovations Center (April 23 " 24, 2001), Speaker
Cliff has had considerable experience in complex litigation and was one of four trial counsel in one of the longest trials in B.C. history, Privest Properties Ltd. et al. v. W.R. Grace & Co. of Canada Ltd. et al. in which Lawson Lundell successfully defended W.R. Grace & Co. in a products liability suit.
Cliff also acts for industry clients in a number of major Indigenous litigation cases including actions involving land claims and the infringement of treaty and Indigenous rights.
Additional Information
Rankings & Recognition
* Best Lawyers in Canada 2021-2027: Aboriginal Law/Indigenous Practice
* Best Lawyers in Canada 2026-2027: Environmental Law
* Canadian Law Awards 2026: Managing Partner of the Year
* Business in Vancouver 2021-2025: BC500 List of the Most Influential Business Leaders in British Columbia
* Chambers Global 2024-2025: Environment (Eminent Practitioner)
* Chambers Global 2024-2025: Environment Nationwide (Eminent Practitioner)
* Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory 2023-2024: Environmental Law (Leading Practitioner)
* Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory 2023-2024: AboriginalLaw (Leading Practitioner)
Seminars/ Presentation
Pacific Business & Law Institute Seminar on Contaminated Sites: New Law and Emerging Issues, Vancouver, BC (April 23, 2015), Speaker
"Fisheries Issues in Environmental Assessment", 7th Edition Environmental Law in BC Conference, Insight Information, Vancouver, BC (October 18-19, 2013), Speaker
"Core Contaminated Sites Legislation and Case Law", Contaminated Sites vs. Brownfield Development: Old and New Approaches to Problem Sites in British Columbia Conference, Pacific Business & Law Institute, Vancouver, BC (September 26, 2012), Speaker
"Update on B.C. Oil and Gas Commission Consultation Process Agreements", 4th Annual Northeast B.C. Natural Gas Summit, Insight Information, Calgary, AB (September 20-21, 2012), Speaker
"Environmental Enforcement and Penalties", Environmental Law: Managing Risk, Continuing Legal Education Society of BC (November 18, 2011), Speaker
"First Nation Consultation", 3rd Annual Northeast BC Natural Gas Summit, Insight Information, Calgary, AB (September 20-21, 2011), Co-speaker
"Dealing with Contaminated Sites", Understanding Environmental Regulations Course, Educational Program Innovations Center (EPIC), Vancouver, BC (February 2 - 4, 2011), Speaker
"Core Legislation and Cornerstone Caselaw", Doing Business with Contaminated Land: Answers, Clarity & Protection, Pacific Business and Law Institute (April 28, 2010), Co-speaker
"Inter Provincial Water Regulation, Jurisdiction and Disputes", 5th Annual Water and Land Management in Alberta, Insight Information (December 7 " 8, 2009), Co-chair
"The Energy and Mining Sectors: Evolution of the Duty and Practical Insight", Consultation & Accommodation 2009 Update, Pacific Business and Law Institute (October 8, 2009), Co-speaker
"Successful Strategies for Navigating Through the Minefield of Inter-jurisdictional Water Disputes", Managing Water Resources & Disputes, The Canadian Institute (September 29 " 30, 2009), Co-speaker
"Recent Contaminated Sites Case Law in British Columbia",, Contaminated Sites, Insight Information (February 23 " 24, 2009), Co-speaker
"Spills", Understanding Environmental Regulations, EPIC Educational Program Innovations Center (February 4 " 6, 2009), Co-speaker
"BC and Alberta: Federal Jurisdiction Over Water and Interprovincial Water Aspects", 4th Annual Water & Land Management in Alberta, Insight Information (December 8 " 9, 2008), Co-speaker
"The Duty to Consult", Adapting to Change (Regulatory, Ecological, Social), IVMA (November 19 " 20, 2008), Speaker
"Updates on Consultation Developments Across Canada", 8th Annual Western Canada Aboriginal Business and Economic Development, Insight Information (October 22, 2008), Speaker
4th Annual Western Canada Contaminated Sites, Insight Information (June 12 " 13, 2008), Speaker
Fundamentals of Environmental Law and Regulation, The Canadian Institute (May 15 " 16, 2008), Speaker
"Resolving Past Grievances: Managing the Impact of Past Breaches on Agreements, Permit and License Renewals", Negotiating with Aboriginal Communities, The Canadian Institute (September 18 " 19, 2007), Speaker
"Accommodation: Agreements between Industry and First Nations: A Primer", 3rd Annual Aboriginal Consultation for Industry, The Canadian Institute (December 4 " 5, 2006), Speaker
"Industry's Role in Consultation Under the New Relationship Document", 8th Annual Aboriginal Land and Resource Management, Insight Information (November 6 " 7, 2006), Speaker
"Accomplishing Shared Decision Making", Aboriginal Law Conference, The Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia (June 23, 2006), Speaker
Environmental Management and Compliance, EPIC Educational Program Innovations Center (November 24 " 25, 2005), Speaker
Aboriginal Law and Natural Resource Use, The Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia (October 7, 2005), Speaker
"Legal Perspective of the IPM Act", Vegetation Management: The Triple Bottom Line, Integrated Vegetation Management Association of B.C. (November 18 " 19, 2004), Speaker
"The Duty to Consult With First Nations Regarding Pest Management Plan on Private and Public Lands", 6th Annual Aboriginal Land and Resource Management, Insight Information Co. (November 4 " 5, 2004), Speaker
"Working with the Community on Environmental Issues", Understanding Environmental Regulations, EPIC Educational Program Innovations Center (May 17 " 18, 2004), Speaker
"The New Act: Changes of Control and Tenure Transfers", 5th Annual Forestry Summit, Insight Information Co. (May 17 " 18, 2004), Speaker
"Environmental Case Law Update", Environmental Law Conference, The Continuing Legal Education Society of BC (February 5, 2004), Speaker
"Professional Practice Under the New Code", APEG Annual Conference 2003, Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC (October 23 " 25, 2003), Speaker
"Case Study-Inspection, Investigation, & Defense", Environmental Management and Compliance, EPIC Educational Program Innovations Center (April 23 " 24, 2001), Speaker
Articles
Energy Law Bulletin: Administrative Penalty Powers Given to BC Utilities Commission (November 16, 2012)
"Environmental Law: Managing Risk - 'I Done What He Told Me To' - What to Do (and Not to Do) When the Regulator Calls" (November 21, 2011), Co-Author
"Forestry Law: Recent Developments of Importance" (July 30, 2007)
Inspection, Investigation and Defence Materials (July 5, 2001)
"Environmental Law: Managing Risk - 'I Done What He Told Me To' - What to Do (and Not to Do) When the Regulator Calls" (November 21, 2011), Co-Author
"Forestry Law: Recent Developments of Importance" (July 30, 2007)
Inspection, Investigation and Defence Materials (July 5, 2001)
Blogs
Environmental, Indigenous and Natural Resources Blog
Lawson Lundell's Environmental, Indigenous and Natural Resources Blog focuses on environmental, indigenous and natural resources law, as well as related litigation. Included are summaries of significant cases from Canadian appellate courts, changes in the legal framework governing resource development including energy and climate change policy, and key decisions from the more influential regulatory bodies in Canada.
Labour & Employment Law Blog
Lawson Lundell's Labour and Employment Law Blog provides updates on the most recent legal developments impacting the Canadian workplace and offers practical tips for employers. We cover a range of topics, including labour relations, employment law, collective bargaining, human rights, employment standards, employment equity, workers' compensation, business immigration, privacy, occupational health and safety and pensions and employee benefits.
Pensions and Employee Benefits Law Blog
Lawson Lundell's Pension and Employee Benefits Law Blog provides updates on the most recent legal developments impacting pension and employee benefit plans. We cover a range of topics, including recent case law and changes to relevant provincial and federal legislation.
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