Current employer:
Bennett Jones LLP

Education and work experience:

• Bachelor of Science, Neuropsychology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
• LLB, University of Toronto
• Partner at Bennett Jones LLP for 26 years as a litigator and regulatory counsel

AALA leadership roles:
I am currently serving a one-year term on the board of AALA. I have participated in the planning for the educational symposiums over the last several years and am involved in organizing the programming for the Thursday sessions for our upcoming meeting in Memphis.

How did you get interested or involved in agricultural law?
I have been involved in agriculture in one way or another my whole life, and as I have developed my law practice, returning to this area (from a straight litigation role) has felt like coming back to my roots.

What is your current role and what type of work are you doing?
I am the co-chair of Bennett Jones’ agribusiness, food and beverage group and have the privilege of working with my many colleagues in our offices across Canada who are experts in the agriculture space. My practice focuses on guiding ag companies that are coming to (or that are already in) the Canadian market to ensure they are aware of and in compliance with applicable agriculture laws and regulatory requirements, including in respect of crop inputs, food safety, PFAS, animal feed, seeds and fertilizers (amongst others). My journey as a regulatory lawyer began with an opportunity to work with pesticide manufacturers in the Canadian equivalent of the FIFRA data compensation process, including as part of the stakeholder consultations that put these rules into our regulatory regime.

What are some challenges and opportunities you see in your job and the ag law profession?
We are living through a period of major changes in technology and substantially increased regulation, particularly in respect of the agricultural sector. Helping our members and my clients navigate this ever-evolving landscape is both rewarding and constantly challenging.

How does AALA help or benefit your profession or current role?
My AALA membership has provided me with introductions to many others who are involved in considering similar issues on a day-to-day basis. The educational sessions have given me a cross-border perspective on agricultural law that I would not have otherwise had.

What is one of your favorite AALA memories or experiences?
I have truly enjoyed being involved on the planning committee for the educational symposium, particularly this year for our trip to Memphis.