Sharon G.K. Singh

Sharon Singh provides advice on regulatory, climate change, environmental, governance and Aboriginal law matters to the infrastructure, mining, energy, manufacturing, construction, garment and agribusiness sectors.

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

• Environmental & Regulatory: Sharon advises both industry, governments and Indigenous peoples on navigating the regulatory and environmental/impact assessment and operating permitting processes. She undertakes regulatory and environmental audits and complex due diligence, including related to contaminated sites and brownfield development, and advises on transportation of dangerous goods legislation. In her climate change practice, Sharon advises on opportunities and compliance requirements related to climate change and emissions legislation and policies, including drafting agreements related to regulated and voluntary carbon markets.  

• Indigenous Relations & Aboriginal Law: Sharon helps clients create resilient partnerships between Indigenous peoples and industry, including in the Indigenous peoples' capacity as proponents, shareholders, rights-holders and decision-makers. She negotiates complex commercial agreements, including equity ownership and investments by Indigenous peoples and communities in natural resources, new energy and infrastructure projects. Her work includes assisting clients with obtaining finance and permitting on reserve or Treaty lands.  

• ESG & CSR: Sharon assists clients in embedding proactive ESG and CSR practice within their organization, including understanding opportunities and legal risks arising from reporting to voluntary standards and frameworks and public disclosures and negotiating commercial agreements with respect to supply chain emission reduction targets. Sharon also has experience with assisting clients on product and multi-material stewardship regulatory requirements.  

• Investigations & Crises Management: Sharon advises clients on modern slavery, supply chain diligence, human rights related complaints and dispute resolution mechanisms. She 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.

Sharon has a reputation for her ability to progress things forward and find solutions by leveraging her trusted relationships between industry groups, associations, governments, Indigenous and local communities, and the not-for-profit sector. She 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;
• contributing member of the Business Council of British Columbia's Aboriginal, Environmental, and Community committees;
• contributing 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 and Chambers Canada, and is a Business in Vancouver's 40 under 40 recipient. In March 2016, Sharon was awarded a Wendy McDonald Award, in the category of Women of Promise by the Leadership Circle of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.