“Meet CanREA’s Board of Directors” is a series of interviews with CanREA’s diverse and experienced Board members.
Terri-Lee Oleniuk is a member of the Board of Directors of CanREA and serves on the Governance and Human Resources Committee. She is a Partner at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP and leads their regulatory practice group in Calgary, Alberta. She is continuously recognized as a leading lawyer in numerous publications, including Chambers Global, Chambers Canada, Lexpert, The Legal 500 Canada, and the Best Lawyers in Canada. In 2016, Terri-Lee was named a Lexpert Rising Star: Leading Lawyers under 40.
CanREA sat down with Terri-Lee Oleniuk in February 2023, to find out what makes her tick and why she chooses to volunteer her time on CanREA’s Board of Directors.
Q. Why did you choose to get into the renewable energy field?
As Canada positions itself towards a net-zero future, there are numerous opportunities to assist clients who are looking to participate in the energy transition. Renewable energy regulatory and economic policy continues to evolve, and the law is rapidly changing to keep up with the pace of development. This necessitates a nimble and creative approach in working with companies—including developers, investors, and offtakers—to solve challenging issues associated with the transition towards net-zero.
Q. How long have you been involved in the sector?
I’ve been working with renewable-energy sector clients for more than a decade. I’ve assisted clients before various tribunals and regulators to successfully permit wind, solar, energy storage and transmission projects, including Canada’s largest proposed solar and wind power plants. I’ve also acted for renewable energy clients in relation to tariff and other electricity-market matters.
Q. What gets you excited about renewable energy in Canada?
Renewable energy is the fastest-growing energy sector in the country, and ensuring that wind, solar and energy storage play a central role in transforming electricity supply is critical. We are at an important point in the energy transition with new laws, policies and technologies driving change for the benefit of all Canadians. This is an exciting time to be working in renewable energy.
Q. Why did you decide to serve on the CanREA Board?
I decided to serve on the Board of Directors because I wanted to contribute on a national level to the successful development of wind, solar and energy storage projects across the country. My legal expertise and experience enable me to offer actionable and relevant advice to CanREA, regarding future challenges and opportunities for the renewables sector, and how to navigate complex legal and policy matters.
“Meet CanREA’s Board of Directors” is a series of interviews with CanREA’s diverse and experienced Board members. Read more CanREA profiles on our website.
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