Sabrina Spencer practices in the areas of Environmental, Climate and Indigenous Legal Matters with a focus on advancing reconciliation and addressing climate change. She has experience helping clients in a broad range of sectors to navigate the constantly evolving regulatory landscape in BC and across Canada.
Strategic and pragmatic sustainability advice
By virtue of her varied professional experience, Sabrina is uniquely positioned to provide strategic and pragmatic advice on sustainability matters to businesses across a wide range of sectors. In addition to her legal practice, she has also held senior sustainability roles in the financial services and forestry sectors, and has previously practiced law exclusively for local governments. Most recently, Sabrina was the VP, Environment and Regulatory at the BC Council of Forest Industries where she was responsible for leading the organization’s climate change and reconciliation strategies. Throughout her professional and academic careers, Sabrina has worked to support the advancement of climate change prevention, mitigation and adaptation. She has advised public and private companies on risks related to climate change impacts, ESG performance and reporting standards, as well as on regulatory risks associated with net zero, water security and biodiversity protection.
Effective regulatory guidance
Sabrina has extensive experience assisting natural resource, pipeline, energy and utility projects through various regulatory processes, including provincial or territorial and federal assessments. She also has experience with permitting on reserve lands in accordance with both the Indian Act and Land Codes enacted under the First Nations Land Management Act. Sabrina has assisted with proceedings before administrative tribunals, including the BC Environmental Appeal Board, BC Utilities Commission, Canada Energy Regulator and Canadian Transportation Agency. Sabrina is also able to offer unique insights into the regulatory landscape due to her work on various environmental policy issues during her time at the BC Council of Forest Industries and through her work with local governments.
Indigenous relations experience
Having advised both commercial and local government clients on Indigenous relations strategies and related matters, she also has extensive experience in Indigenous legal matters. Sabrina has supported clients, including as lead counsel, through the negotiation and drafting of impact benefit agreements and other agreements focused on advancing reconciliation. Outside of the office, Sabrina enjoys trying Vancouver’s newest restaurants, pretending to be an artist or waiting for a flight en route to her next adventure destination.
