By applying creative solutions and managing strong relationships among numerous project participants, Valerie supports clients to progress some of the country’s most complex multi-party infrastructure and energy projects.
Valerie has been at the forefront of the development and financing of renewable energy projects across Canada. She worked on some of the earliest and most innovative renewable projects, including Erie Shores Wind Farm, Grand Renewables Solar and Henvey Inlet Wind Farm, as well as PPAs in connection with Emera’s proposed Atlantic Link Project. Valerie acts for the spectrum of clients involved in project development and financing, including Indigenous groups, project proponents, lenders, investors, contractors and governmental authorities.
Trusted counsel to Indigenous and non-Indigenous project participants, Valerie often advises on complex infrastructure projects impacting Indigenous interests and parties, where she brings a robust perspective on different parties’ interests and priorities. She is the co-head of Torys’ Indigenous practice and her recent project work related to Indigenous involvement notably includes acting as co-counsel to CDEV in conjunction with the Federal Department of Finance, on the possible economic participation by over 100 Indigenous groups in British Columbia and Alberta in Trans Mountain Corporation, the Wataynikaneyap Transmission Project in northwestern Ontario and working with The Honorable Frank Iacobucci in advising the Government of Canada in its re-initiated consultation process with Indigenous groups on the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion Project.
Valerie 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.
Valerie Helbronner attracts plaudits for her skilled handling of energy project financing matters … noted by clients for her ‘provision of sound technical and business advice.’’
—Chambers Canada, 2021
2016-2025 | Chambers Canada—Leading lawyer in Aboriginal law and energy: power (transactional) |
2011-2024 | Chambers Global—Leading lawyer in energy: power (transactional) |
2019-2025 | The Legal 500—Leading partner in energy and natural resources: power |
2012-2025 | Best Lawyers in Canada—Leading lawyer in Aboriginal law / Indigenous practice, energy law, energy regulatory law and project finance law |
2023 | Best Lawyers in Canada—Lawyer of the Year in energy law (Toronto) |
2016-2023 | Lexpert/American Lawyer’s Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada—Leading practitioner in energy (electricity) |
2018-2023 | The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory—Leading lawyer in energy: aboriginal law, electricity, infrastructure law and project finance |
2016-2023 | Who’s Who Legal—Global Elite Thought Leader in energy (power/electricity) (a recognition given to fewer than 5% of all lawyers ranked by Who’s Who Legal), Global and National leading lawyer in renewables and energy (Canada) |
2014-2022 | Expert Guides’ Women in Business Law—Leading lawyer in energy and natural resources |
2017-2018 | Guide to the World’s Leading Energy and Environment Lawyers |
2012-2013 | Guide to the World’s Leading Energy and Natural Resource Lawyers |
Valerie served on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Wind Energy Association from 2014 to 2020. In addition, she was a member of the Board of Directors for the Ontario Waterpower Association from 2008 to 2017, where she served as Chair from 2010 to 2016. Valerie was also an appointee to the Stakeholder Advisory Committee for the Independent Electricity System Operator and an Advisor for the Rift Valley Energy Advisory Committee from 2013 to 2015.
In the community, Valerie is a director of the North Toronto Soccer Association and previously served on the Board of Directors for the Young People’s Theatre (2013 to 2016) and the e.p.i.c. School (2009 to 2012).