Martin Ignasiak

Education

University of Alberta, B.Comm., 1995 University of Alberta, LL.B., 1998

Bar Admissions

Alberta Northwest Territories British Columbia

Martin Ignasiak KC

Partner
Head of Energy Regulatory Practice

T: 403.298.3121 / E: ignasiakm@bennettjones.com

Calgary / Toronto / Vancouver


Martin works closely with clients across Canada in developing and executing strategies for obtaining regulatory approvals for large scale industrial projects—including mines (diamonds, iron ore, oil sands, gold, coal), oil & gas, pipelines, and electric generation facilities (gas, renewable). In his capacity as a regulatory lawyer, Martin has negotiated numerous benefit agreements. He also has extensive experience in electricity market regulation and tolls and tariffs for pipelines and other regulated facilities.

What Clients Say

"Martin is very forward-thinking and strategic, he has a wealth of knowledge and breadth of experience."
"He provides very practical and insightful advice. He takes a holistic big-picture approach and is great at formulating strategy."

Recognized as a "stand-out lawyer," Martin regularly advises clients on the implications of regulatory regimes on their businesses. He advocates for government regulations and policies that provide project proponents and operators with a regime that is timely and predictable. Martin is keenly interested in assisting clients with the challenges and opportunities presented by the energy diversification, including in the areas of CCUS, hydrogen, critical metals and energy storage.

Chambers

"Martin is a truly rare gem in that he is extremely knowledgeable, has unmatched experience in the regulatory space, and understands the commercial and political context. He's the full package."

Martin has appeared before all levels of court, including the Federal Court, Federal Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court of Canada. He has also appeared before, among others, the Canada Energy Regulator (formerly the National Energy Board), the Alberta Energy Regulator (Energy Resources Conservation Board), Alberta Utilities Commission, Joint Review Panels established under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, the Alberta Environmental Appeals Board, the Mackenzie Valley Review Board and Land and Water Board, and the Nunavut Water Board.

Chambers

"He is acknowledged as the gold standard and we wouldn't use anyone else to head up our work."

He is highly ranked by Canadian and global legal directories including Chambers, Lexpert and Best Lawyers in oil & gas, regulatory, Aboriginal law, and environmental law. Martin was named a Lexpert Rising Star as one of Canada's leading lawyers under 40.