Sharon Singh talks with Lexpert for their special edition on mining in Canada. She shares her insights on diversity in the sector, working with Indigenous communities and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting.
On Diversity
“It’s not just about female representation. It is about all representation,” says Sharon Singh, partner and co-head of the Aboriginal law practice at Bennett Jones LLP. “Why that is important to the mining industry is because we make better decisions.” Singh practises in Vancouver and advises clients in mining and other industries on regulatory law, climate change, environmental issues, governance, and Aboriginal law.
On Partnerships with Indigenous Communities
In mining, the relationships with Indigenous communities have evolved from stakeholders to rights holders, where the First Nations are dealt with as governments, says Singh. She says this mentality shift has produced partnerships through equity ownership, service provision, and the “upfront work” of ensuring the nation is on board with the project.
“The mining industry has always led in terms of employment and economic development opportunities. It’s one of the biggest employers of Indigenous people. But it’s focused more on the partnerships piece.”
On ESG Reporting
In mining, there is generally a “more acute focus” on the quality of ESG reporting, says Singh, because it is not “a communications exercise.” “It is a legal exercise that has legal ramifications.”