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Overview

Martin works closely with clients across Canada in developing and executing strategies for obtaining regulatory approvals for large scale industrial projects—including mines (diamonds, iron ore, oil sands, gold, coal), oil & gas, pipelines, and electric generation facilities (gas, renewable). In his capacity as a regulatory lawyer, Martin has negotiated numerous benefit agreements. He also has extensive experience in electricity market regulation and tolls and tariffs for pipelines and other regulated facilities.

Recognized as a "stand-out lawyer," Martin regularly advises clients on the implications of regulatory regimes on their businesses. He advocates for government regulations and policies that provide project proponents and operators with a regime that is timely and predictable. Martin is keenly interested in assisting clients with the challenges and opportunities presented by the energy diversification, including in the areas of CCUS, hydrogen, critical metals and energy storage.

Martin has appeared before all levels of court, including the Federal Court, Federal Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court of Canada. He has also appeared before, among others, the Canada Energy Regulator (formerly the National Energy Board), the Alberta Energy Regulator (Energy Resources Conservation Board), Alberta Utilities Commission, Joint Review Panels established under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, the Alberta Environmental Appeals Board, the Mackenzie Valley Review Board and Land and Water Board, and the Nunavut Water Board.

He is highly ranked by Canadian and global legal directories including Chambers, Lexpert and Best Lawyers in oil & gas, regulatory, Aboriginal law, and environmental law. Martin was named a Lexpert Rising Star as one of Canada's leading lawyers under 40.

Client Work

Northback Holdings Corporation in regulatory and environmental permit matters for the Grassy Mountain steelmaking coal project, including advice on Indigenous issues
Valory Resources Inc. in regulatory and environmental permit matters for the Mine 14 and Blackstone underground steelmaking coal projects
Conuma Resources Limited in regulatory aspects of its existing British Columbia operations and its anticipated restart of the Quintette Mine purchased from Teck Resources
Alberta Transportation regarding the Alberta provincial government enlisting Martin Ignasiak to expedite the Springbank Dam Project. 
Kinder Morgan Canada in the proposed expansion of the Trans Mountain Pipeline System, including detailed route hearings before the Canada Energy Regulator (formerly the National Energy Board) concerning objections by the City of Burnaby and other parties in Segment 7.
Suncor Energy Inc. regarding its multi-billion dollar oil sands projects near Fort McMurray, Alberta, including the North Steepbank Mine Extension, the Voyageur Upgrader and Firebag, including a public hearing before the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board.

Recognitions & Awards

Chambers Canada

Ranked Band 1, Energy: Oil & Gas (Regulatory)
Canada’s Leading Lawyers for Business
Recognized, Energy: Provincial Regulatory & Litigation (Alberta)

Chambers Global

Band 1, Energy: Oil & Gas (Regulatory)

Benchmark Litigation: Canada

Recognized as a Litigation Star and named Queen’s Counsel

Legal 500

Leading Lawyer, Energy and Natural Resources: Oil & Gas
Recognized in Aboriginal Law and Environment

Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory

Calgary’s leading oil and gas lawyers in 2021
Most Frequently Recommended, Energy (Oil & Gas)
Consistently Recommended, Energy (Electricity); Environmental Law
Repeatedly Recommended, Aboriginal Law

 

 

 

Lexpert's Leading 500 Cross-Border Lawyers in Canada

Recognized as a leading Oil & Gas lawyer 

Education & Bar Admissions

Education

  • University of Alberta, B.Comm., 1995
  • University of Alberta, LL.B., 1998

Bar Admissions

  • Alberta
  • Northwest Territories
  • British Columbia

News, Events & Speaking Engagements

PlaceholderIn The News

One Canadian Economy Act: Growing the Energy Sector Together

August 7, 2025
Martin Ignasiak KC
Martin Ignasiak KC
PlaceholderIn The News

The Case for Canadian Trade Corridors is Long Overdue

April 2, 2025
Martin Ignasiak KC
Martin Ignasiak KC