Sharon G.K. Singh

Sharon Singh provides advice on regulatory, climate change, environmental, governance and Aboriginal law matters to a variety of sectors central to the Canadian economy, including infrastructure, natural resources, manufacturing, construction and agribusiness.

Sharon’s perspective and approach are informed by over a decade of experience working in industry and allows her to provide pragmatic, strategic, and innovative solutions to proponents and operators. She has a proven ability to create and leverage collaborative relationships with Indigenous nations, local communities and regulators, including to implement Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) performance, diligence, and reporting within organizations.

• Environmental & Regulatory: Sharon advises clients on navigating the regulatory and environmental/impact assessment and operating permitting processes, as well as transportation of dangerous goods. She undertakes regulatory and environmental audits and complex due diligence, including related to contaminated sites and brownfield development.

• Indigenous Relations and Aboriginal Law: Sharon helps clients develop resilient partnerships as between Indigenous peoples and industry. She negotiates commercial agreements—including equity ownership and investments by Indigenous communities—in natural resources, energy and infrastructure projects. Her work includes assisting clients with obtaining finance and permitting on reserve or Treaty lands.

• Due diligence, Investigations and Crises Management: Sharon advises a broad range of national and international clients regarding human rights (including modern slavery) due diligence and assists them in establishing complaints and dispute resolution, remediation, and reporting mechanisms. She also assists clients in responding to inspections and investigations, and defending environmental and regulatory prosecutions. Sharon also guides and provides training to organizations through crisis and risk management, including risk assessments and developing tactical and strategic plans for crisis management.

• Sustainability: Sharon assists clients in embedding proactive ESG and CSR practices within their organization, including understanding opportunities and legal risks arising from voluntary and mandated public disclosures. She also assists clients with their product and multi-material stewardship obligations. She regularly advises on opportunities and compliance requirements related to climate change management, such as drafting agreements related to regulated and voluntary carbon markets.

Sharon is regularly asked to speak on sustainability, ESG, human rights, Indigenous relations, environmental assessments and related trends. She has earned trusted advisory relationships with industry and trade associations, governments, Indigenous and local communities, and the not-for-profit sector. Sharon skillfully leverages her previous industry experience, diverse client base, and expertise and experience as a board member and policy advisor to provide comprehensive, strategic and focused advice to clients.

In the community, Sharon is a:

• member of the Board of Directors of the British Columbia Energy Regulator;
• member of the Wet'suwet'en Community Advisory Council;
• member of the Board of Directors of the Mining Association of British Columbia;
• chair of Association for Mineral Exploration's Mineral Tenure Act modernization committee and contributing member of the Policy & Government Relations committee;
• member of the Business Council of British Columbia's Aboriginal, Environmental and Community committees;
• member of the Mining Association of Canada's Aboriginal, Environmental and Regulatory Affairs, TSM and International Social Responsibility, and Aboriginal Affairs committees;
• member of the Canadian Bar Association and on the executive committee of the Natural Resources Law section of the British Columbia chapter;
• member of the Board of Directors for the Immigrant Employment Council of B.C;
• member of the Board of Directors for the CKNW Kids Fund;
• member of the Greater Vancouver Advisory Board of the Salvation Army (British Columbia Division); and
• member of the YWCA City Shift Strategic Advisory Council.

Sharon is recognized as a leading lawyer, including in The Legal 500 Canada, Lexpert, Chambers Canada and other notable ranking bodies. She is a Business in Vancouver's 40 under forty recipient and Lexpert expert Rising Stars: Canada’s Leading Lawyers Under 40.