Richard King is national Co-Chair of Osler’s Regulatory, Indigenous and Environmental Group. Richard practises energy regulatory, Indigenous and environmental law. Richard’s Indigenous law practice focuses on consultation and accommodation of Indigenous groups regarding large natural resource projects (primarily in the energy and mining sectors).
Richard assists clients with advice on the duty to consult, the preparation of Indigenous consultation policies and reports, and negotiating and developing impact benefit and other agreements.
He has been extensively involved in the Ontario energy sector for many years and advises clients on commercial and regulatory matters related to power project development, energy conservation programs and utility regulation. He also advises clients on power transmission and generation projects in Ontario and regularly appears on behalf of clients before the Ontario Energy Board and the Canada Energy Regulator (formerly the National Energy Board). Richard teaches Regulatory Theory in the Energy and Infrastructure LL.M. Program at Osgoode Hall Law School.
Richard’s environmental practice focuses on the environmental aspects of major infrastructure projects, as well as toxic substance regulation and product stewardship matters. Richard is a former adjunct professor of Environmental Law at Western University.
Areas of Expertise
Representative Work
- First Quality Enterprises LLC
First Quality Enterprises in its acquisition of Domtar’s Pulp and Paper Mill in Dryden, Ontario
- Independent Electricity System Operator
The IESO in its procurement of seven new battery storage projects and two new natural gas-fired generators
- Kinross Gold Corporation
Kinross Gold Corporation in its US$1.4 billion acquisition of Great Bear Resources
- Battle North Gold Corporation
Battle North Gold Corporation in its acquisition by Evolution Mining Limited
- KKR
Acting for KKR and AIMCo in their joint acquisition of a combined 65% equity interest from TC Energy in the $6.8B Coastal GasLink Pipeline Project
- Imperial Oil
Imperial Oil in its pipeline approval (leave to construct) from the Ontario Energy Board
- A syndicate of lenders
A syndicate of lenders in connection with the $1.9 billion Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project
- Henvey Inlet Wind LP
Henvey Inlet Wind LP in the $1 billion financing and construction of the Henvey Inlet Wind Farm
- Syndicate of underwriters co-led by CIBC World Markets Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., RBC Dominion Securities Inc. and TD Securities Inc.
Syndicate of underwriters co-led by CIBC World Markets Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., RBC Dominion Securities Inc. and TD Securities Inc. in connection with the $250 million public offering
- Veresen Inc.
Veresen Inc. in the sale of its power generation business for $1.18 billion
- NextEra Energy Canada ULC in consultation matters and contractual arrangements with host Aboriginal communities regarding the development of NextEra’s eight wind farms in southern Ontario.
- Association of Power Producers of Ontario in the Ontario Energy Board proceeding to set export transmission service rates in Ontario.
- Electricity Distributors Association in negotiations with Ontario Power Authority to conclude Master Agreement governing the creation and delivery of conservation and demand management programs in Ontario.
- Natural Resource Gas Limited in its application to Ontario Energy Board to renew contested gas distribution franchise agreement with Town of Aylmer.
- Five Nations Energy Inc. in all regulatory and rate matters related to the development and construction of a greenfield power transmission project along the James Bay coast to connect remote First Nation communities.
- Cliff Natural Resources in connection with Aboriginal consultation associated with chromite mine in northern Ontario.
- American retail products distributor regarding cross-Canada product stewardship obligations.
- NextBridge Infrastructure LP in connection with Aboriginal consultation and participation in relation to 400 km transmission line development.
- TransAlta Energy Corporation in obtaining regulatory and environmental approvals associated with the construction and operation of its 660 MW Sarnia Regional Cogeneration Project.
- EPCOR National Gas Limited Partnership in connection with competition to serve South Bruce (natural gas expansion) and related facilities and rate applications.
- Independent Electricity System Operator in connection with the development, implementation and wind-up of Green Ontario Fund electricity conservation programs.
- Hydro One Networks Inc. in Ontario Energy Board proceeding to purchase assets of Peterborough Distribution.
- Energy storage developer in connection with large-scale pump storage project.
- Large natural resources company in eastern Canada in connection with duty to consult advice and environmental assessment of new facilities and operations.
- Variety of product manufacturers and importers related to toxic substance laws in Canada.
First Quality Enterprises in its acquisition of Domtar’s Pulp and Paper Mill in Dryden, Ontario
The IESO in its procurement of seven new battery storage projects and two new natural gas-fired generators
Kinross Gold Corporation in its US$1.4 billion acquisition of Great Bear Resources
Battle North Gold Corporation in its acquisition by Evolution Mining Limited
Acting for KKR and AIMCo in their joint acquisition of a combined 65% equity interest from TC Energy in the $6.8B Coastal GasLink Pipeline Project
- Imperial Oil
Imperial Oil in its pipeline approval (leave to construct) from the Ontario Energy Board
- A syndicate of lenders
A syndicate of lenders in connection with the $1.9 billion Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project
- Henvey Inlet Wind LP
Henvey Inlet Wind LP in the $1 billion financing and construction of the Henvey Inlet Wind Farm
- Syndicate of underwriters co-led by CIBC World Markets Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., RBC Dominion Securities Inc. and TD Securities Inc.
Syndicate of underwriters co-led by CIBC World Markets Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., RBC Dominion Securities Inc. and TD Securities Inc. in connection with the $250 million public offering
- Veresen Inc.
Veresen Inc. in the sale of its power generation business for $1.18 billion
- NextEra Energy Canada ULC in consultation matters and contractual arrangements with host Aboriginal communities regarding the development of NextEra’s eight wind farms in southern Ontario.
- Association of Power Producers of Ontario in the Ontario Energy Board proceeding to set export transmission service rates in Ontario.
- Electricity Distributors Association in negotiations with Ontario Power Authority to conclude Master Agreement governing the creation and delivery of conservation and demand management programs in Ontario.
- Natural Resource Gas Limited in its application to Ontario Energy Board to renew contested gas distribution franchise agreement with Town of Aylmer.
- Five Nations Energy Inc. in all regulatory and rate matters related to the development and construction of a greenfield power transmission project along the James Bay coast to connect remote First Nation communities.
- Cliff Natural Resources in connection with Aboriginal consultation associated with chromite mine in northern Ontario.
- American retail products distributor regarding cross-Canada product stewardship obligations.
- NextBridge Infrastructure LP in connection with Aboriginal consultation and participation in relation to 400 km transmission line development.
- TransAlta Energy Corporation in obtaining regulatory and environmental approvals associated with the construction and operation of its 660 MW Sarnia Regional Cogeneration Project.
- EPCOR National Gas Limited Partnership in connection with competition to serve South Bruce (natural gas expansion) and related facilities and rate applications.
- Independent Electricity System Operator in connection with the development, implementation and wind-up of Green Ontario Fund electricity conservation programs.
- Hydro One Networks Inc. in Ontario Energy Board proceeding to purchase assets of Peterborough Distribution.
- Energy storage developer in connection with large-scale pump storage project.
- Large natural resources company in eastern Canada in connection with duty to consult advice and environmental assessment of new facilities and operations.
- Variety of product manufacturers and importers related to toxic substance laws in Canada.
Latest Insights
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Webinar Jun 25, 2024
Indigenous Law Insights: June 2024
Staying abreast of developments in Indigenous law and policy is critical for legal and business professionals in many industries across Canada. To hel...
Read more
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Webinar Feb 27, 2024
Indigenous Law Insights: River Dena Council v. Yukon Indigenous mining project consultation and the SCC upholds Bill C-92 constitutionality
Staying abreast of developments in Indigenous law and policy is critical for legal and business professionals in many industries across Canada. To hel...
Read more -
Blog Feb 12, 2024
Ontario releases new regulations for carbon storage
New regulations in Ontario pave the way for carbon storage demonstration projects using private wells. Richard King, Jake Sadikman, Jennifer Fairfax, ...
Read more
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Osler Update Jan 5, 2024
Regulation of ‘forever chemicals’ (PFAS) in Canada
The federal government recently announced its intention to designate PFAS as a class of toxic substances under CEPA.
Read more
Awards and Recognition
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Chambers Canada: Canada’s Leading Lawyers for Business: Recognized in Energy: Power (Regulatory); Aboriginal Law
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Chambers Global: The World’s Leading Lawyers for Business: Recognized in Aboriginal Law and Energy: Power (Regulatory)
- “…frequently advises clients on the duty to consult as well as assisting with the negotiation of impact and benefit agreements.”
- “…is well known in the market for having “a ton of regulatory experience” and regularly appears before both provincial and national energy boards.”
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The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory: Recognized in Aboriginal Law; Energy (Electricity)
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The Lexpert Guide to the Leading US/Canada Cross-Border Corporate Lawyers in Canada: Recognized in Energy (Electricity)
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Best Lawyers in Canada: Recognized in Aboriginal Law; Environmental Law; Energy Law; and Energy Regulatory Law; “Lawyer of the Year”, Energy Law
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Legal 500: Recognized as a Leading Lawyer, Aboriginal Law, Energy and Natural Resources: Power
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Who’s Who Legal: Recognized in Canada – Environment; Canada – Energy; Energy – Power/Electricity
Media Mentions
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Osler News Sep 25, 2023
22 Osler lawyers recognized in Lexpert Special Edition: Energy 2023
Osler is proud to announce that 22 of our lawyers are featured in the Lexpert Special Edition: Energy 2023, recognizing leading lawyers in the oil and...
Read more -
Osler News Aug 24, 2023
178 Osler lawyers recognized in Best Lawyers in Canada 2024
Osler is proud to announce that 178 of our lawyers have been recognized in the 2024 edition of Best Lawyers in Canada, with 13 named “Lawyer of the Ye...
Read more -
Osler News Jun 15, 2022
25 Osler lawyers recognized in Lexpert Special Edition: Infrastructure 2022
Congratulations to 25 of our lawyers for their inclusion in the Lexpert Special Edition: Infrastructure 2022.
Read more -
Osler News Aug 26, 2021
Osler recognized in 2022 edition of Best Lawyers Canada
Osler is proud to announce that 168 of our lawyers have been recognized in the 2022 Best Lawyers Canada rankings
Read more
Community Involvement
- Sustainability Program Advisory Council, Ryerson Polytechnic University
- Canadian Institute for Environmental Law and Policy (former director)
Speaking and Writing
Speaking Engagements
Indigenous Law Insights: River Dena Council v. Yukon Indigenous mining project consultation and the SCC upholds Bill C-92 constitutionality
Read moreIndigenous Law Insights: Métis Nation of Ontario self-government agreement and the federal Interpretation Act non-derogation clause
Read moreIndigenous Law Insights: Creating partnerships within Indigenous communities and use of traditional knowledge in project approvals
Read moreIndigenous Law Insights: Blueberry First Nations implementation agreement and the current state of First Nations self-government agreements
Read moreIndigenous Law Insights: Placing an on-reserve business into receivership and contracting with First Nations
Read moreThe past, present and future of green claims: key insights for practitioners and businesses
Read moreIndigenous Law Insights: Duncan’s First Nations claim alleging infringement of Treaty 8 rights on basis of cumulative effects
Read moreIndigenous Law Insights: Indigenous private business joint projects and a look at cases involving Ontario duty to consult
Read moreIndigenous Law Insights: Intersection of Civil Code of Québec and Indigenous law and the B.C. UNDRIP action plan
Read moreIndigenous Law Insights: Project development on reserve lands and Indian Act provisions governing contracting with First Nations
Read moreIndigenous Law Insights: Equity interests in resource development and Treaty rights infringement caused by cumulative effects
Read moreOsler’s Year-End Professionalism Series: Indigenous Law: Past, Present and Future
Read moreREAL Environmental Insights Series – Navigating Ontario’s New Cap-and-Trade Regime
Read morePublished Work
Richard is a regular speaker at conferences on Aboriginal consultation, and electricity and natural gas regulation in Ontario.
- The Tsilhqot’in Decision: The Supreme Court Confirms Aboriginal Title, Energy Regulation Quarterly, Vol. 2, September 2014.
- Chapter on IFC Performance Standard Six: Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources, in Torrance, Michael (ed.), IFC Performance Standards on Environmental & Social Sustainability: A Guidebook (LexisNexis, 2012).
- Energy Sector Update: What’s New in Aboriginal Law, Ontario Bar Association’s 2012 Institute, February 2012.
- Legal Aspects of Electricity Conservation and Demand Management, Electricity Distributors Association CDM Delivery Strategies, May 2011.
- Ontario Rolls Out Bold New Feed-In Tariff, North American Windpower, April 2009.
- Energy Regulation in Ontario Under the McGuinty Government (2003 to 2007), Energy and the Law, Queen’s University, 2008.
- First Nation Rights in Canadian Energy Projects, Counsel to Counsel Magazine, May 2008.
Credentials
Education
- London School of Economics and Political Science, LL.M.
- Osgoode Hall Law School, LL.B.
- York University, M.E.S.
- University of Western Ontario, B.Sc.
Languages
- English
Professional Affiliations
- Association of Power Producers of Ontario
- Electricity Distributors Association
- Ontario Energy Association
- Ontario Waterpower Association (former committee member Class EA for Waterpower)
- Ontario Bar Association (Aboriginal section)
