With over 25 years of project-related experience, Valerie has been at the forefront of the development and financing of numerous precedent-setting projects across Canada. She acts for the spectrum of clients involved in project development and financing, including Indigenous groups, project proponents, lenders, investors, contractors, and governmental authorities.

As co-head of Torys’ Indigenous practice, Valerie’s project practice includes advising on complex infrastructure developments impacting Indigenous interest and parties, where she brings a robust perspective on different parties’ interests and priorities. She is trusted counsel to Indigenous and non-Indigenous project participants, her recent work notably includes advising: 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; Alto (formerly VIA HFR) on all matters relating to the permitting and engagement with over 40 Indigenous communities for the proposed high-speed rail network spanning almost 1,000 km between Québec City and Toronto; and 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.

Valerie’s practice extends to energy project development and financing, including having been involved in some of the earliest and most innovative renewable projects in Ontario and across Canada. She is a recognized leader in the Canadian energy sector and 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.

8th Annual Canadian Power Finance Conference