Shane Freitag

Shane holds a partnership at BLG, where he dedicates his expertise to the nuanced fields of corporate, commercial, and regulatory affairs within the resource and infrastructure sectors. His proficiency spans the spectrum of electricity, gas, and water projects, positioning him as a pivotal figure in both renewable and non-renewable energy initiatives. Shane's role extends to guiding district energy and various infrastructure ventures, with a keen focus on the pivotal agreements and regulatory consents that underpin these projects.

His career has been marked by significant involvement in the trading, purchasing, and selling of natural gas and electricity, as well as in intricate financial dealings such as hedges and swaps. Shane's background is enriched by his prior roles as assistant general counsel and general counsel within major utility corporations across Ontario and Alberta, where he played a critical role in the restructuring of the electricity sector.

As a key member of the firm's Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) initiative, Shane brings a forward-thinking approach to legal practice. His contributions have not gone unnoticed, with accolades from Chambers Global and Chambers Canada highlighting his commercial acumen in the power, water, and natural gas markets. Clients and peers alike commend his practical, steadfast, and client-focused approach.

Shane has acted as counsel across Canada, including in Ontario, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Alberta, advising on a broad range of projects from renewable energy procurements to hydroelectric initiatives. His expertise also covers the legal intricacies of natural gas, electricity, and emissions trading, utilizing standard Master Agreements to navigate these complex transactions.

His thought leadership is evident in his insights on renewable energy tenders, the implications of renewable Virtual Power Purchase Agreements (VPPAs) for ESG criteria, and Canada's strategic moves towards hydrogen and small modular reactors (SMRs). Moreover, his professional engagements extend beyond the firm, with significant roles within the Association of Power Producers of Ontario (APPrO), the International Bar Association, and both the Canadian and American Bar Associations.

Shane's legal prowess has been consistently recognized by prestigious directories such as The Best Lawyers in Canada®, Chambers Canada, and the Legal 500 Canada, underscoring his impact in the fields of energy law and regulatory affairs. His bar admissions across Canada, coupled with his comprehensive education in law and business, underpin a career dedicated to excellence and innovation in the legal landscape of energy and resources.