Dufferin Harper

Dufferin (Duff) is a distinguished partner at Blakes, specializing in environmental law, commercial litigation, and regulatory law. His expertise extends to supporting clients through environmental due diligence, particularly regarding brownfield redevelopment and the transportation of hazardous materials. Duff's practice also encompasses advising on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, emphasizing corporate disclosure and the creation of complex environmental agreements to manage risks and remediation efforts effectively.

Duff's proficiency includes guiding clients through the acquisition and trading of greenhouse gas emissions credits and other environmental attributes. His leadership in litigation related to contaminated sites showcases his ability to represent both property owners and those accused of causing contamination. His regulatory experience is broad, having advocated before various courts and tribunals, including those under the CEAA and NEB.

His strategic advice has benefited renewable energy firms, conventional oil and gas operators, mining companies, and LNG proponents, ensuring their regulatory compliance and aiding in environmental impact assessments.

Duff's significant contributions include serving as lead environmental regulatory counsel on major pipeline projects, representing energy companies in wind power project hearings, and guiding clients through pipeline and natural gas storage facility hearings. He has also played a pivotal role in environmental counsel for transactions across North America, aiding in the purchase and sale of environmental credits, and conducting environmental due diligence for mergers and acquisitions.

Recognized by several legal directories for his environmental law expertise, Duff is a member of the Law Societies of Alberta and Nova Scotia and has held leadership roles within the Canadian Bar Association. His academic contributions include teaching at Dalhousie Law School and authoring numerous publications on environmental and ESG-related topics.

With his admission to the bars of Alberta and Nova Scotia, and his extensive educational background in law and biology from the University of New Brunswick and Dalhousie University, Duff's career is marked by a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and legal excellence.