Bar Talk
Phil Fontaine, the former national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, has been hired as an adviser to Ogilvy Renault LLP, helping the law firm's clients - including resource companies - negotiate with aboriginal groups.
Mr. Fontaine said much of the resource development in Canada over the next few years will have to involve aboriginal people: "It's going to take place on first nations land and territory. So I think it's important to develop good relationships."
He said recent court decisions now force resource companies into meaningful consultations with aboriginal groups.
"I believe there has been a very fundamental shift that has occurred," Mr. Fontaine said in an interview. "And most of industry understand the new requirements. They want to do it right."
On the move Borden Ladner Gervais LLP has added two new lawyers to its Toronto office. Neil Guthrie has joined the firm from the Ontario Securities Commission, as a partner and national research director.
Mark Wheeler, a specialist in securities, capital markets and mining, has signed up with BLG as a partner, leaving Beach Hepburn LLP.
McMillan LLP, meanwhile, has a new management partner in its Montreal office. Charles Chevrette has taken over from Andrew Etcovitch, who will continue his practice in the firm's tax group.
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