Robin Junger is a Harvard Law School graduate and a nationally recognized authority on environmental and Indigenous law. He is a trusted advisor to clients in the energy, mining, forestry and oil and gas sectors, and to First Nations, property developers and governments. Chambers Global, Lexpert, Best Lawyers and Benchmark consistently recognize Robin as a leading lawyer in these areas, and his views are frequently sought and quoted by media.

Robin focusses on his clients’ broadest interests, working to find consensus between companies, Indigenous groups and governments using creative and practical approaches. He also works extensively with corporate, commercial and tax colleagues to develop, structure and implement various forms of agreements, joint ventures and equity participation between companies and Indigenous groups. At the same time, he is a strong defender of the rule of law and has a proven track record of holding government and regulators accountable, including through litigation where necessary.

Robin’s background is unique with more than 25 years of experience practicing law and having served inside government at the most senior levels – Deputy Minister of Energy, Mines & Petroleum Resources, Deputy Minister of Energy and Clean Technology, head of the Environmental Assessment Office, Chair of the Oil and Gas Commission, and Chief Provincial Treaty Negotiator. His substantive areas of work cover the full range of environmental and Indigenous law including environmental assessment, permitting, compliance, contaminated sites, Environmental Appeal Board hearings, mineral / forest / land tenures, capacity funding agreements, exploration agreements, advanced exploration agreements, impact benefit agreements and all related business structures and anti-corruption requirements.


Expertise


Representative Matters

  • Counsel to the Pender Harbour and Area Residents Association in a constitutional challenge to British Columbia’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act
  • Counsel to Waasmoowin Energy Inc, a company established by nine Ontario First Nations to enable equity participation in two transmission line projects in Ontario
  • Counsel to Gibraltar Mines Ltd. in an appeal of its Environmental Management Act Fraser River effluent discharge permit, brought by the Tsilhqot’in National Government
  • Counsel to a global mining company in an appeal of the (then) largest administrative penalty issued under the Environmental Management Act
  • Counsel to Centerra Gold / Thompson Creek Mining in relation to environmental and Indigenous law issues concerning the Mt. Milligan mine and Kemess Underground project.
  • Counsel to Eastern Power regarding environmental assessment issues related to its Hydrogen Ready Power project in Ontario
  • Counsel to the Moose Cree First Nation in respect of its $150 million equity participation in the Lower Mattagami Falls electricity project in Ontario
  • Counsel to West Fraser Mills in respect of various First Nations agreements
  • Counsel in several legal challenges involving third party rights in the context of Indigenous consultation. (Carlyle Commodities, Taranis Resources, China Minerals Mining, T’sylos Park Lodge)
  • Counsel to Stewart Bulk Terminals in respect of various environmental, Indigenous and local government law matters
  • Counsel to the Association for Mineral Exploration in respect of various governmental initiatives and governance matters
  • Represented Gibraltar Mines Ltd. in an Environmental Appeal Board hearing regarding its Environmental Management Act permit.
  • Advising Centerra Gold / Thompson Creek Metals Corp. in respect of environmental and Indigenous engagement issues at its Mt. Milligan mine.
  • Advising an international mining company in respect of a proposed administrative monetary penalty under the Environmental Management Act.
  • Advising a mining company regarding the determination of a project being “substantially started” under the BC Environmental Assessment Act.
  • Advising an international forest company on various agreements with Canadian Indigenous groups.
  • Advised the court appointed monitor in respect of environmental law issues associated with the Walter Energy CCAA proceedings in British Columbia.
  • Advised China Minerals Mining Corporation in challenging a BC government agreement with First Nations that adversely affected access to mineral rights.
  • Counsel to the Major Appliance Recycling Roundtable and Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (BC product stewardship organizations).
  • Counseled an LNG pipeline company in successfully obtaining an environmental assessment certificate for a major intraprovincial pipeline.
  • Represented Stewart Bulk Terminals in relation to a civil claim against the District of Stewart and related waste management issues.
  • Advised and represented Avanti Mining in successfully obtaining environmental assessment approval and negotiating a benefits agreement with the Nisga’a Nation.
  • Counseled on the Moose Cree First Nation’s equity participation in the $2.6B Lower Mattagami Hydroelectric Project in Ontario.
  • Counseled Pattern Energy in successfully obtaining an environmental assessment certificate for the Meikle Wind Energy Project.
  • Counseled and represented a BC coal mine in successfully obtaining an environmental assessment certificate and related compliance matters.
  • Counseled an Ontario natural gas-powered electricity generator on First Nation consultation and environmental assessment matters.
  • Advised the Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations in respect of his decision to approve a Master Development Agreement for Jumbo Resort.
  • Conducted a comprehensive review and provided recommendations regarding the project review (environmental assessment) process for Port Metro Vancouver.
  • Negotiated the Roberts Bank Protocol Agreement (a precursor to the Tsawwassen Final Agreement).

Speaking Engagements

Working Together and Moving Forward Post Tsilhqot'in Panel Speaker - Minerals North Conference, Smithers, BC

May 2016

State of the (Oil) Nation: What's in the Pipeline?

February 18, 2016

Indigenous Rights and Mineral Development: Challenges and Opportunities - Canadian Perspective

July 17, 2015

Aboriginal Engagement: The Current Context from a Legal Perspective

January 27, 2015

The Tsilhqot'in Decision - What is Next? CLEBC Mining Law 2014

November 5, 2014

Tsilhqot'in v. B.C. - What does it mean for the resource sector? McMillan Seminar, Vancouver, BC

July 16, 2014

Key Aspects of Pipeline Development: Regulatory Process and Structuring of the Contracts

May 10, 2014

Indigenous and environmental issues

May 7, 2014

How do we improve certainty in the IA review process? Theme forum presentation at the International Association for Impact Assessment 34th Annual Conference in Viña del Mar, Chile

April 8, 2014

Environmental litigation regarding impact assessment Chair, paper presentation at the International Association for Impact Assessment 34th Annual Conference in Viña del Mar, Chile

April 8, 2014

Streamlining EIAs and the approval process: How far do we go? 33rd Annual Conference of the International Association for Impact Assessment, Calgary, Alberta

May 13, 2013

Aboriginal Law - Consultation and Other Emerging Issues Lexpert Events, Calgary, Alberta

November 8, 2012

Reconciling the duty to consult with other law Aboriginal Law - Consultation and Other Emerging Issues, Toronto, Ontario

November 2012

Administrative Law Practice Manual, Chapter 2 – Administrative Law Decision Makers

June 20, 2012

BC Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting

May 26, 2012

2012 Environmental, Energy and Resources Law Summit

April 26, 2012

Advanced Administrative Law 2012

April 25, 2012

Aboriginal Consultation and Accommodation speaker, Robin Junger - Environmental Law Forum, Cambridge, Ontario

January 2012

Clean Energy and Innovation in North America Canadian and America Business Council 16th Annual Policy Forum and Business Achievement Award Luncheon, Vancouver

November 2010

Special Address: British Columbia's New Policy for Development of New Renewable & Green Energy Sources Law Seminars International Canada/U.S. Energy Transactions Conference, Vancouver

August 2010

Promoting Clean Energy Partnerships in the Western Interconnection

August 2010

Provincial Government Approaches to Environmental Assessment (Canada) Forum of Federations Environmental Assessment in Federations Conference, Ottawa

September 2009

Legislative Responses to Administrative Law Developments Osgoode Hall Law School Professional Development, The 3rd Annual National Forum Administrative Law and Practice

September 2007
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Teaching Engagements

  • Past sessional instructor, Private International Law and Public International Law, University of Victoria, Faculty of Law

News


Media Mentions


Rankings & Recognition

  • Recognized by Chambers Canada (2025) as a leading lawyer in the areas of Aboriginal Law and Environmental Law
  • Recognized as a leading lawyer in the 2024 Lexpert Special Edition on Energy and Mining
  • Recognized by Best Lawyers in Canada (2025) as a leading lawyer in the areas of Aboriginal Law / Indigenous Practice, Administrative and Public Law, Energy Law, Energy Regulatory Law, and Environmental Law
  • Recognized in the 2024 Benchmark Litigation: Canada Guide
  • Recognized in the 2024 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory as a Repeatedly Recommended Lawyer in the areas of Aboriginal Law and Environmental Law
  • Recognized by Chambers Global (2024) as a leading lawyer in the areas of Environment and Indigenous Law
  • Recognized by Chambers Canada (2024) as a leading lawyer in the areas of Environmental Law and Indigenous Law
  • Recognized by Best Lawyers in Canada (2024) as a leading lawyer in the area of Aboriginal Law / Indigenous Practice, Administrative and Public Law, Energy Law, Energy Regulatory Law and Environmental Law
  • Recognized in the 2023 Lexpert Special Edition on Canada’s Leading Energy Lawyers
  • Recognized in the 2023 Benchmark Litigation: Canada Guide as a Litigation Star
  • Recognized in the 2023 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory as a Consistently Recommended Lawyer in the areas of Environmental Law and a Repeatedly Recommended Lawyer in the area of Indigenous Law
  • Recognized by Chambers Global (2023) as a leading lawyer in the area of Environmental Law
  • Recognized by Chambers Canada (2023) as a leading lawyer in the areas of Aboriginal Law and Environmental Law
  • Recognized by Best Lawyers in Canada (2023) as a leading lawyer in the areas of Aboriginal Law; Administrative and Public Law; Energy Law; Energy Regulatory Law and Environmental Law
  • Recognized in the 2022 Benchmark Litigation: Canada Guide as a Litigation Star
  • Recognized in the 2022 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory as a Consistently Recommended Lawyer in the areas of Environmental Law and Indigenous Law
  • Recognized by Chambers Global (2022) as a leading lawyer in the areas of Aboriginal Law and Environmental Law
  • Recognized by Best Lawyers in Canada (2022) as a leading lawyer in the areas of Aboriginal Law; Administrative and Public Law; Energy Law; Energy Regulatory Law and Environmental Law
  • Recognized by Chambers Canada (2022) as a leading lawyer in the areas of Aboriginal Law and Environmental Law
  • Recognized in the 2021 Lexpert Special Edition on Canada’s Leading Energy Lawyers as a Leading Energy Lawyer
  • Recognized in the 2021 Benchmark Litigation: Canada Guide as a Litigation Star
  • Recognized in the 2021 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory as a Consistently Recommended Lawyer in the areas of Environmental Law and Indigenous Law
  • Recognized by Chambers Global (2021) as a leading lawyer in the areas of Aboriginal Law and Environmental Law
  • Recognized by the Best Lawyers in Canada (2021) as a leading lawyer in the areas of Aboriginal Law and Environmental Law
  • Recognized by Chambers Canada (2021) as a leading lawyers in the areas of Aboriginal Law and Environmental Law
  • Recognized in the 2020 Lexpert Special Edition on Canada’s Leading Infrastructure Lawyers as a Leading Infrastructure Lawyer
  • Recognized in the 2020 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory as a Repeatedly Recommended lawyer in the area of Indigenous Law and a Consistently Recommended lawyer in the area of Environmental Law
  • Recognized by Chambers Global (2020) as a leading lawyer in the areas of Aboriginal Law and Environmental Law
  • Recognized in the 2019 Lexpert/ROB Infrastructure – Special Edition as one of Canada’s Leading Infrastructure lawyers
  • Recognized by Chambers Canada (2020) as a leading lawyer in the areas of Aboriginal Law and Environmental Law
  • Recognized in the 2019 Lexpert/ROB Energy – Special Edition as one of Canada’s Leading Energy lawyers
  • Recognized by Best Lawyers in Canada (2020) as a leading lawyer in the areas of Aboriginal Law and Environmental Law
  • Recognized in the 2019 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory as a Repeatedly Recommended lawyer in the areas of Environmental Law and Indigenous Law
  • Recognized by Chambers Global 2019 as a leading lawyer in the areas of Aboriginal Law and Environmental Law
  • Recognized by Chambers Canada 2019 as a leader in Aboriginal Law and Environment Law
  • Recognized in the 2018 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory as a Repeatedly Recommended lawyer in the areas of Environmental Law and Indigenous Law
  • Recognized in the Lexpert Report on Business 2018 – Special Edition, as one of Canada’s leading Energy lawyers
  • Recognized in Best Lawyers in Canada (2019) as a leading lawyer in the areas of both Environmental and Aboriginal Law
  • Recognized in Chambers Global 2018 as a leading lawyer in the areas of both Environmental and Aboriginal Law
  • Recognized in Chambers Canada 2018 as a leading lawyer in the areas of both Environmental and Aboriginal Law
  • Recognized in Best Lawyers in Canada 2018 as a leading lawyer in the areas of both Environmental and Aboriginal Law
  • Repeatedly recommended, Environmental and Aboriginal Law, in the 2017 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory
  • Recognized by Chambers Global 2017 as a leading lawyer in Environmental and Aboriginal Law
  • Recognized by Chambers Canada 2017 as a leading lawyer in the areas of Aboriginal Law – Canada and Environment – Canada
  • Recognized by Lexpert in the Special Edition – Leading Canadian Lawyers in Global Mining 2016/17
  • Recognized by Lexpert in the Special Edition Report on Canada’s Leading Energy Lawyers 2016
  • Recognized by Chambers Global 2016 as a leading lawyer in Environmental and Aboriginal Law
  • Listed in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory 2016 as a leading practitioner in the areas of Aboriginal and Environmental Law
  • Recognized by Lexpert in the Report on Business Magazine 2016 as a “Leading Energy Lawyer”
  • Recognized in Lexpert’s Special Edition on Canada’s Leading Infrastructure Lawyers 2016
  • Recognized as Lexpert Ranked Lawyers in 2015
  • Recognized as a leading lawyer in the 2015/16 Lexpert Special Edition on Global Mining
  • Harvard Law School Addison Brown Prize (private international law)
  • Law Society of British Columbia Graduate Scholarship
  • Law Foundation of British Columbia Graduate Fellowship

Directorships & Affiliations

  • Vancouver Bar Association
  • Canadian Bar Association
  • Member – British Columbia roster of panelists for the British Columbia-Alberta Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement, the New West Partnership Trade Agreement and the Agreement on Internal Trade
  • Board Member and Executive Committee Member – Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia
  • Member, Policy Review Committee, BC Chamber of Commerce
  • Member, British Columbia roster for the Bid Protest Mechanism arbiter

Education & Admissions

2004
Called to the Yukon Territory bar
1994
Called to the British Columbia bar
1993
LLMHarvard University
1992
BAUniversity of Calgary
1991
JD University of British Columbia

Publications

  • The silence is deafeningWhere is British Columbia going with mineral tenure reform following the Gitxaala decision?” Canadian Mining Journal, co-authored with Sasa Jarvis, Cory Kent and Joan Young (March 2, 2024)
  • Distributing securities to Canadian First Nations and the need to modernize NI45-106.” co-authored with Andrew Spencer, Cory Kent and Sasa Jarvis (August 24, 2023)
  • B.C.’s new UNDRIP act — more questions than answers“, Vancouver Sun (December 2019)
  • Supreme Court Law Review, 2nd Series, Volume 83” Third Party Rights in the Context of Aboriginal Consultation and Negotiations (May 2018)
  • A ‘duty to consult’ aboriginals is no excuse to delay project approvals“, Financial Post (November 2016)
  • Aboriginal Title and Mining in Canada – More Questions than Answers“, Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Institute (2015)
  • Canada: First Nation Challenge Based On Spiritual Interests Rejected In Jumbo Case“, Mondaq (April 16, 2014)
  • “Case Law Update 2012-2013: Duty to Consult”, Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia, Aboriginal Law Conference – 2013 (October 2013)
  • “Sustainability report: Will B.C.’s major projects be decided in a courtroom?”, Business In Vancouver (July 9, 2013)
  • Minerals and Mining – Canada Chapter“, Globe Law and Business (May 2012)
  • “BC Administrative Law Practice Manual, Chapter 2 – Administrative Law Decision Makers”, BC Continuing Legal Education Society (May 2012)
  • “Administrative Law Remedies in the Aboriginal Law Context”, Canadian Journal of Administrative Law Practice, Vol. 25, No. 1 (March 2012)
  • “Improving the environmental assessment process”, The Vancouver Sun (February 2012)
  • “Mining – Recent Developments of Importance”, The 2012 Lexpert/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada – 14th Edition (January 2012)
  • “Cumulative Effects”, Canadian Aboriginal Law 2011 Conference, Pacific Business Law Institute (November 2011)
  • Administrative Law Remedies in the Aboriginal Law Context“, Continuing Legal Education Society of BC, 2011 Administrative Law Conference (October 2011)
  • “Judicial Consideration of the Administrative Tribunals Act”, Continuing Legal Education Society of BC, Administrative Law Conference (October 2010)
  • “Judicial Consideration of the Administrative Tribunals Act”, Continuing Legal Education Society of BC, Administrative Law Conference (October 2008)
  • British Columbia’s Experience with the Administrative Tribunals Act” (2006)
  • “Judicial Consideration of the Administrative Tribunals Act”, Continuing Legal Education Society of BC, Administrative Law Conference (October 2006)
  • “Judicial Oversight of Voluntary Organizations”, Continuing Legal Education Society of BC, Administrative Law Conference (2004)
  • “British Columbia’s New Drinking Water Protection Act”, The Advocate, Vol. 62, Part 1, page 25 (January 2004)
  • “Authorization of Waste Discharge” Waste Management Act Review Discussion Paper #1 Prepared for the Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection (September 2002)
  • “Developments in International Law”, Annual Review of Law & Practice The Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia, 1996, 1997 and 1998 editions (1998)
  • “Case Comment: Tolofson v. Jensen”, Manitoba L.J., Vol. 23, Nos. 1 & 2, 689 (1995)
  • “A Proposed Choice of Law Methodology for Tort in Canada: Comparative Evaluation of British and American Approaches”, 26 Ottawa Law Review 75 (1994)
  • 34 Harvard International Law Journal 288 reviewing “Blaine Sloane, United Nations General Assembly Resolutions In Our Changing World”, 1991 (1992)

Insights (17 Posts)View More

Featured Insight

More Than Meets the Eye: The Legal Implications of British Columbia’s Agreement to Recognize Aboriginal Title Over Haida Gwaii

An analysis of legal implications related to the BC Government's agreement with the Haida Nation to recognize Aboriginal title over Haida Gwaii.

Read More
Apr 23, 2024
Featured Insight

The Latest Risk to the BC Natural Resource Sector: Government Uses Little Known Law to Freeze Mining Rights Unless First Nations Consent

BC's government has issued unprecedented orders, to prohibit mining activity in certain areas, unless First Nations consent.

Read More
Mar 11, 2024
Featured Insight

BC Government Consulting on New Law to Give Indigenous Groups Control over Crown Land Decisions

The Government of BC is seeking to amend the Land Act to provide decision making power over Crown land to Indigenous groups.

Read More
Jan 24, 2024
Featured Insight

Indigenous Law Update: What the B.C. Natural Resource Sector Should Know About “Non-Treaty” Agreements

This bulletin discusses non-treaty agreements with indigenous groups in British Columbia.

Read More
Aug 22, 2023
Featured Insight

Clear as Mud: The Legal Implications of Land Use Planning in Yukon

A January 31, 2023 decision of the Yukon Supreme Court has raised serious questions about how permitting decisions will be affected.

Read More
Feb 13, 2023
Featured Insight

Can they really do that? Understanding the limits of governmental permitting and compliance powers

While every company strives to achieve constructive relations with regulators, sometimes this is not enough. In such cases, understanding the rules that apply to regulators and the limits of their powers can be essential to levelling the playing field.

Details
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
Featured Insight

Are First Nation Shared Decision-Making and Collaboration Agreements Being Used Illegally?

What do non-treaty agreements mean for people or companies that may be affected by them.

Read More
Aug 9, 2022
Featured Insight

Will BC’s UNDRIP action plan create compliance challenges under the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the UK Bribery Act or the Criminal Code of Canada?

Will BC’s UNDRIP action plan create compliance challenges under the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the UK Bribery Act Criminal Code of Canada?

Read More
Jun 15, 2021
Featured Insight

Court of Appeal Holds Duty to Consult Does Not Apply to Statutory Interpretation

Court of Appeal Holds Duty to Consult Does Not Apply to Statutory Interpretation

Read More
Jan 6, 2020
Featured Insight

Sacred places and the duty to consult: SCC confirms governments must balance Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Interests

Sacred places and the duty to consult: SCC confirms governments must balance Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Interests

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Nov 7, 2017
Featured Insight

Duty to Consult does not Apply to all Aboriginal Concerns

Duty to Consult does not Apply to all Aboriginal Concerns

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Apr 17, 2017
Featured Insight

An update on aboriginal law and best practices for the C-suite

The session will focus on practical issues and questions commonly faced by senior managers and executives in the development, sale, acquisition and financing of major projects.

Details
February 2, 2017 - 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM
Featured Insight

A Thunderbolt Decision on Métis Rights:Daniels v Canada (Indian Affairs and Northern Development)[1]

A Thunderbolt Decision on Métis Rights: Daniels v Canada (Indian Affairs and Northern Development)1

Read More
Apr 28, 2016
Featured Insight

Equivalency Agreements, Environmental Assessment and Aboriginal Consultation – Implications of Coastal First Nations v. British Columbia (Environment)

Equivalency Agreements, Environmental Assessment and Aboriginal Consultation – Implications of Coastal First Nations v. British Columbia (Environment)

Read More
Jan 20, 2016
Featured Insight

Lexpert Seminar Toronto – Managing Regulatory Risks: Compliance, Inspections and Investigations

Our expert faculty will provide their "lessons learned" and best practices for general counsel, in-house lawyers, compliance and risk management professionals dealing with these everyday challenges.

Details
December 2, 2015 - 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Featured Insight

What do the Recent Site C Decisions Mean for Major Projects in British Columbia?

What do the Recent Site C Decisions Mean for Major Projects in British Columbia?

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Sep 30, 2015
Featured Insight

Knock, Knock: Responding to Search Warrants and Inspections in the Environmental Law Context

Knock, Knock: Responding to Search Warrants and Inspections in the Environmental Law Context

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Feb 22, 2015

Deals & Cases (5 Posts)

Featured Insight

McMillan Represents Gibraltar Mines Ltd. in Victory Before the Environmental Appeal Board

McMillan represented Gibraltar Mines Ltd. the second-largest copper mine in Canada and a wholly owned subsidiary of Taseko Mines Ltd., in a significant victory before the Environmental Appeal Board involving the Tsilhqot’in Nation Government and the Director, Environmental Management Act.

Read More
Dec 12, 2023
Featured Insight

Tahoe Resources and Lake Shore Gold close business combination

Tahoe Resources and Lake Shore Gold close business combination

Read More
Apr 6, 2016
Featured Insight

Tahoe Resources and Lake Shore Gold announce Business Combination

Tahoe Resources and Lake Shore Gold announce Business Combination

Read More
Feb 8, 2016
Featured Insight

Cassiar Gold files judicial review petition alleging “incremental treaty agreement” is unfair to third party interests

Cassiar Gold files judicial review petition alleging “incremental treaty agreement” is unfair to third party interests

Read More
Jan 25, 2016
Featured Insight

Cedar 1 LNG Export Ltd. receives LNG export license

Cedar 1 LNG Export Ltd. receives LNG export license

Read More
Nov 26, 2015