Alex is a skilled advocate and
litigator who practises exclusively in the area of Aboriginal law. With a
particular focus on collaboration and innovation, he works closely with his Indigenous
clients to develop litigation and alternative dispute resolution strategies
centred on advancing their unique goals and achieving lasting results.
Alex is a member of the firm’s
Indigenous Practice Group. He is also a member of the firm’s Litigation &
Dispute Resolution Group. Alex’s practice primarily focuses on helping
Indigenous communities, governments and nations navigate the various complex legal
avenues available to them to advance their rights, resolve their outstanding
claims and ensure their communities prosper for generations to come.
A significant component of Alex’s
practice involves strategically using litigation and alternative forms of
dispute resolution to advance the recognition and respect of Indigenous rights,
including in the area of self-government, situations involving overlapping
Indigenous rights or interests, and outstanding claims against the Crown. He
regularly advises on litigation and dispute resolution processes related to
Crown accountability, constitutional law, self-government, administrative law,
environmental protection and enforcement of Aboriginal and Treaty rights. Alex’s
expertise also includes Crown duties such as consultation, accommodation, the
honour of the Crown and commercial disputes involving Indigenous peoples and
their rights. He takes an innovative and practical approach to advocacy, working
hand-in-hand with his clients to achieve meaningful and lasting results that
align with their distinct rights, needs and vision for self-determination.
As a result of his work on behalf
of Indigenous and non-Indigenous clients, Alex has appeared before all levels
of Court, including courts in Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, the Northwest
Territories, the Yukon, and the Federal Court and Federal Court of Appeal, as
well as in commercial arbitrations. He has also appeared before the Supreme
Court of Canada multiple times.
Prior to joining Aird & Berlis,
Alex practised at a nationally recognized Aboriginal law boutique firm where he
focused on litigation for Indigenous governments and communities. He also summered, articled and practised at
a national law firm, working in commercial litigation, where he advocated for
clients on a range of matters, including complex contractual disputes, class
action defence and shareholder disputes.
