Terri-Lee Oleniuk

Terri-Lee has carved a niche in the realm of natural-resource development, focusing her expertise on the intricate issues that emerge at the intersection of regulatory, environmental, and Indigenous laws. She plays a pivotal role for an array of corporations, guiding them through the maze of environmental assessments and regulatory proceedings to secure necessary approvals for significant projects across a broad spectrum of sectors. These sectors include, but are not limited to, oil and gas, pipelines, LNG, mining (spanning metals, potash, and diamonds), natural gas processing, petrochemicals, and various forms of renewable energy such as hydro, solar, and wind.

Her work doesn't stop at securing approvals; Terri-Lee is also deeply involved in crafting and advising on agreements between her clients and First Nations and Métis groups. Her skill in negotiating impact benefit agreements on behalf of developers underscores her commitment to fostering respectful and mutually beneficial relationships between business interests and Indigenous communities.

Beyond the negotiation table, Terri-Lee represents her clients before administrative tribunals, tackling issues related to tolls, tariffs, regulatory investigations, and inquiries. Her advisory role also extends to strategic counsel on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters, reflecting the growing importance of sustainability in corporate strategy.

Her courtroom appearances are as diverse as her practice, having represented clients before a wide array of regulatory bodies including the Canada Energy Regulator, the Alberta Energy Regulator, and several provincial commissions, among others. She has also made her case before the higher courts, such as the Court of King's Bench and Court of Appeal in Alberta.

Before her tenure at Blakes, Terri-Lee honed her skills at another major national law firm in Calgary and served the judiciary by clerking for the Federal Court of Canada. As the Practice Group Leader of the Firm's Regulatory group in Calgary, she not only leads but also actively contributes to the firm's growth and direction by participating in various committees, including the Nominations and Partnership Committees, and spearheading initiatives like Calgary Women@Blakes.

Her experience encompasses a wide range of landmark projects. She has advised ABO Wind Canada on regulatory matters for the Buffalo Plains Wind Farm project, the largest of its kind proposed in Canada. Her expertise also facilitated Suncor Energy Inc.'s involvement in proceedings regarding electric vehicle charging rates and supported Shell Canada Energy in a major asset sale to Crescent Point Energy Corp. Terri-Lee's portfolio includes guiding a consortium of power generation companies through tariff matters and assisting BluEarth Renewables Inc. with the Hand Hills wind project, among numerous other significant projects.

Each of these endeavors reflects Terri-Lee's adeptness at navigating the complex landscape of regulatory and environmental law, her capability to bridge the gap between corporate ambitions and regulatory compliance, and her dedication to advancing sustainable development in partnership with Indigenous communities.

Her recognition as a Lexpert Rising Star and her continuous listing in leading legal publications underscore her prominence and expertise in her field. Terri-Lee's accolades span Chambers Canada, The Legal 500 Canada, The Best Lawyers in Canada, Who's Who Legal: Canada, Chambers Global, The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, and Benchmark Canada, highlighting her excellence across multiple domains of legal practice.