By applying creative solutions and managing strong relationships, Valerie provides strategic legal advice on a range of matters relating to the engagement of, and meaningful participation by, Indigenous groups in some of the country’s most transformative projects.

As the co-head of Torys’ Indigenous practice Valerie is a trusted counsel to Indigenous and non-Indigenous project participants. She often advises on complex infrastructure projects impacting Indigenous interests and parties, where she brings a robust perspective on different parties’ interests and priorities. Engagement with and the meaningful involvement of Indigenous people in large infrastructure projects has always been central to Valerie’s practice, beginning with her role 25 years ago as lead counsel to Five Nations Energy Inc. in the development and construction of the transmission line along Western James Bay to connect three remote First Nations to the transmission grid.

Valerie’s recent project work related to Indigenous involvement notably includes advising: NWMO in the negotiation of a hosting agreement with Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation in relation to the site selection of the proposed deep geological repository site for used nuclear fuel in their traditional territory; CDEV in conjunction with the Federal Department of Finance, on the possible equity participation by over 100 Indigenous groups in Trans Mountain Corporation; Wataynikaneyap Project as lead project counsel for over ten years on all aspects of the development, financing, construction and operation of the Wataynikaneyap Transmission Project in northwestern Ontario; the Government of Canada in its re-initiated consultation process with 129 Indigenous groups on the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion Project alongside The Honorable Frank Iacobucci, the largest consultation effort to date in Canadian history; and Alto (formerly VIA HFR) on all matters relating to the permitting and engagement with Indigenous Peoples for the proposed high-speed rail network spanning almost 1,000 km between Québec City and Toronto.