Richard J. King

Richard J. King

Partner, Regulatory, Indigenous and Environmental

Co-Chair: Regulatory, Indigenous and Environmental

Key Contact: Climate Change and Emissions Trading

Key Contact: Regulatory

Contact Information

rking@osler.com

tel: 416.862.6626

Office

Toronto

Bar Admission

Ontario, 1996

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.

Language(s)

English

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). He 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.

  • First Quality Enterprises LLC

    First Quality Enterprises in its acquisition of Domtar’s Pulp and Paper Mill in Dryden, Ontario

  • Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)

    The IESO in its procurement of seven new battery storage projects and two new natural gas-fired generators

    • 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.
  • Find More

  • Chambers Canada: Canada’s Leading Lawyers for Business: Recognized in Energy: Power (Regulatory); Aboriginal Law
  • 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."
  • The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory: Recognized in Aboriginal Law; Energy (Electricity)
  • The Lexpert Guide to the Leading US/Canada Cross-Border Corporate Lawyers in Canada: Recognized in Energy (Electricity)
  • Best Lawyers in Canada: Recognized in Aboriginal Law; Environmental Law; Energy Law; and Energy Regulatory Law; "Lawyer of the Year", Energy Law
  • Legal 500: Recognized as a Leading Lawyer, Aboriginal Law, Energy and Natural Resources: Power
  • Who’s Who Legal: Recognized in Canada - Environment; Canada - Energy; Energy - Power/Electricity
  • Received London School of Economics, Law Award of Merit
  • Received Osgoode Hall Law School, Environmental Law Prize
  • Received Osgoode Hall Law School, Rights of Indigenous Peoples Prize

  • Sustainability Program Advisory Council, Ryerson Polytechnic University
  • Canadian Institute for Environmental Law and Policy (former director) 

  • 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) 

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.