Barry engages with decision-makers from throughout the Pacific Northwest while working on cross-border issues. Here he is seen in Washington, D.C. speaking with the Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Senator Lisa Murkowski (R) of Alaska.
Barry Penner, K.C.
We provide insight, legal advice and multi-layered strategies to help you address public policy, regulatory and legal requirements established by governments, First Nations and the Courts. We will also assist you in addressing public expectations and developing positive community relationships, while working seamlessly with your other advisors.
Areas of Practice
* Environmental regulations & First Nations requirements
* Energy & Natural Resource projects
* Intergovernmental Relations, Public Affairs & Policy
* Media Advice, Communications & Representation
* Strategic Counsel to Boards / Organizations
Penner Pacific Advisory Services* can help you reach across municipal, provincial, state, and federal boundaries while providing you with confidentiality guaranteed by solicitor-client privilege.
*A Division of Barry Penner, K.C. Law Corporation
A practicing lawyer with extensive political and international experience, Mr. Penner provides practical strategies, policy and legal advice for addressing issues involving First Nations, various levels of government and the media. Working with a range of private and public sector clients, Mr. Penner's focus is on delivering practical advice which integrates his clients legal needs with their broader corporate and social interests.
Throughout his 16 years in public office, including serving as Attorney General, Minister of Aboriginal Relations & Reconciliation and as British Columbia's longest-serving Minister of Environment, Mr. Penner gained a reputation for being a hard-working and thoughtful member of British Columbia's executive council (Cabinet). He was a Member of the Legislative Assembly from 1996 to 2012, representing residents of the eastern Fraser Valley.
During his time in elected office, Mr. Penner was intimately involved in helping shape environmental, energy and other public policies in Canada's third largest province. He did this while interacting with media and stakeholders on virtually a daily basis.
Mr. Penner also has experience working in Asia and has been President of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region, a public-private partnership that includes 5 five states, three provinces and two territories. Since leaving public service, Mr. Penner has been working on behalf of natural resource companies, First Nations and governments to find solutions to difficult situations.
With his combined knowledge of law, media and government processes, along with his experience with Asia, the U.S. Pacific Northwest and Canada's federal government, Mr. Penner is able to provide integrated and effective advice to clients to help them achieve their goals
Mr. Penner is known as a supporter of projects developed in co-operation with First Nations, including the Kwoeik Creek hydropower project which commenced operation in 2014. A joint venture between the Kanaka Bar Indian Band and Innergex Renewable Energy, the $180 million project in the Fraser Canyon generates enough electricity for 20,000 homes in British Columbia.
Current Work
Senior Counsel & Strategic Advisor, Penner Pacific Advisory Services.* A legal and public affairs advisory practice, Penner Pacific assists with regulatory, environmental and First Nations requirements, as well as providing governmental and media relations advice.
Managing Director, BC International Commercial Arbitration Centre. The Centre is a not-for-profit organization established in 1986 with the support of the governments of British Columbia and Canada. It provides an efficient, confidential way of resolving commercial disputes while avoiding the court system.
Director, Board of Directors, College of Physicians & Surgeons of British Columbia. Established in 1886, this is the oldest self-regulating professional organization in British Columbia and is responsible for ensuring the 12,000 medical doctors in the province maintain expected standards of practice and conduct.
PREVIOUS WORK
Chair, Board of Directors, Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC). A provincial Crown corporation with approximately CDN $4 billion in annual revenue and $14 billion under investment, ICBC provides some of the most comprehensive automobile insurance and road safety programs in Canada.
Arbiter, New West Partnership Trade Agreement. Established in 2010, this agreement between the Provincial Governments of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan, created Canada's largest, barrier-free, inter-provincial market.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Laws Degree, University of Victoria, 1992
Bachelor of Arts Degree, Simon Fraser University, 1989 (Political Science & Economics)
Liberal Arts Diploma, University of the Fraser Valley, 1986 (formerly Fraser Valley College)
MEMBERSHIP / AFFILIATION
Practicing member of the Law Society of British Columbia (called to bar in 1993)
Pacific Northwest Economic Region
Association of International Petroleum Negotiators
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Elected in 1996, 2001, 2005 and 2009 to the BC Legislative Assembly to represent residents of the eastern Fraser Valley and provide assistance with BC government agencies and programs
Chaired the Legislative Committee on Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders and Private Bills
Co-chaired BC’s Alternative Energy and Power Technology Task Force (2005)
Member of Climate Action & Clean Energy Committee of Cabinet (2007 - 2011)
Member of the Canadian Council of Ministers of Environment (2005 - 2010)
Served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Government House Leader
CABINET EXPERIENCE
Attorney General, Government of British Columbia (2010 to 2011)
- Responsible for a $443 million annual budget, legal advice and services to government and some government agencies, independent prosecution of criminal cases, drafting of legislation to implement government policy, court services, Family Maintenance Enforcement Program, funding of legal aid provided by the Legal Services Society
Minister of Aboriginal Relations & Reconciliation, British Columbia (2010 to 2011)
- Responsible for a $40 million annual budget, strategic leadership and advice to government agencies in their interactions with aboriginal people, helping set government’s negotiating strategy and mandate for treaty negotiations, while working with the Federal government and other organizations to foster positive relationships with aboriginal people, supporting economic development initiatives through strategic engagement agreements with First Nations
Minister of Environment, Government of British Columbia (2005 to 2010)
- Responsible for a $160 million annual budget, policy direction for an organization of approximately 1,400 employees and Canada’s largest network of parks and protected areas, overseeing the Environmental Assessment Office (which examines potential environmental impacts of proposed major projects, as well as economic, social, heritage and health effects), water licencing and allocation for residential, agricultural and energy use, permitting for air emissions, solid waste management plans for local governments, recycling programs, and regulation of hunting and fresh-water fishing opportunities
*A Division of Barry Penner, K.C. Law Corporation
Barry speaking in Tokyo, Japan about LNG opportunities and regulatory processes in British Columbia
RECOGNITION / AWARDS
“Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award Medal” in 2013, in recognition of Mr. Penner’s almost 16 years of public service to constituents in the eastern Fraser Valley and the people of British Columbia
“Power 50” award in 2010 from Vancouver Magazine, recognizing Mr. Penner as “one of the most credible [cabinet] ministers” in British Columbia
“Hot Potato” award from the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) for his efforts to address challenging cross-border issues
“Order of the Smashed Brick” from Canadian Consulate in Seattle, Washington, for working to reduce tensions and barriers between Canada and the United States
“Top 40” alumni award in 2014 from the University of the Fraser Valley, recognizing Mr. Penner as one of the institution's top graduates over the past 40 years
British Columbia “Open” Scholarship
Simon Fraser University’s “Chancellor’s Scholarship”
Barry is 'pointing the way' to Canada's Ambassador to the United States, Gary Doer, during a PNWER meeting in Portland, Oregon.
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Penner Pacific Advisory Services*