Jonathan Drance

Jonathan Drance, with a notable tenure as a senior partner at Stikeman Elliott, shifted gears in January 2014 to a consulting role within the same firm, bringing with him a wealth of experience in project development and financing. His acumen spans the intricate domains of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and capital markets, specifically tailored to capital projects and infrastructure initiatives. Drance's expertise is not just limited to theoretical knowledge; it has been applied in significant real-world projects, marking him as a distinguished figure in these areas.

His leadership qualities shone brightly during his time on the Board of BC Hydro from 2008 to 2010, where he not only contributed his knowledge but also led both the Corporate Governance Committee and the Capital Projects Committee as Chair. These roles underscored his ability to steer critical aspects of the organization towards success.

Drance's professional journey is backed by a solid educational foundation, having been awarded an LL.B. Gold Medallist from the University of Toronto in 1978, and earlier, a BA magna cum laude from Harvard University in 1975. His legal expertise is recognized across provinces, with bar admissions in both British Columbia (1984) and Ontario (1980), reflecting his broad legal prowess.

In the realm of energy, whether it's power or oil and gas, Drance has left an indelible mark. His work extends to advising on complex mergers and acquisitions, navigating the nuances of emissions trading and climate change, and mastering the dynamics of capital markets. His recent engagements include guiding Duke Energy Corporation through its monumental $13.3 billion acquisition of Westcoast Energy, and facilitating Terasen Gas in the sale of its oil and gas pipeline system and local distribution assets for C$6 billion. Moreover, he has acted as Underwriter's Counsel for major players like BC Gas, Terasen Gas, and Trans-Mountain Pipelines, helping secure around $3 billion in financing for the construction and expansion of oil and gas pipelines.

Beyond his legal practice, Drance is an active member of the Canadian Bar Association and maintains memberships in both the Law Society of Ontario and the Law Society of British Columbia, further showcasing his commitment to the legal profession and his wide-ranging expertise.