The aboriginal rights of First Nation and Métis organizations affect many Canadian businesses as well as foreign companies that invest in Canada. Pipelines and railroads cross lands affected by aboriginal rights. Lenders fund aboriginal initiatives. Natural resources companies seek exploration, development, mineral or logging rights on designated lands. Employers hire aboriginal workers. Offshore investors seek joint ventures with First Nations. Many business transactions that seem simple at the outset become complex when aboriginal and treaty rights, Métis rights, and First Nations’ self-governance, taxation, or consultation obligations are involved. 

Clients of Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP (FMC) benefit from the strength of our Aboriginal Law Group in sorting out this complexity. Evolving case law frequently affects deals in progress: we are involved in many of these precedent-setting cases, acting for governments, banks, natural resources companies, investors, municipalities and First Nations. From online gaming development to environmental matters, our multidisciplinary Aboriginal Law Group keeps pace with this rapidly changing field. We also strive to advise our clients on how to prepare for changes yet to come. Our group includes lawyers with extensive capabilities in corporate/commercial, litigation, natural resources, constitutional, real estate, self-government and tax law.