Charles W. Bois

Partner | Vancouver

604.643.1224

Portrait of Charles W.  Bois

Overview

Charles Bois has a diverse practice that focuses on the oil and gas, energy, mining and natural resources, Aboriginal, environmental, commercial, and construction and infrastructure sectors. In addition to his legal experience, Charles has over 20 years of business experience in the natural gas industry, including senior management and consulting roles.

Charles has been able to combine his business and energy experience with his legal expertise to become a trusted adviser on commercial, administrative and regulatory, Aboriginal, and environmental matters (such as permitting, climate change, GHG emissions trading, and offsets), as well as mining, energy (including oil, gas, hydro, and sustainable and renewable energy), and construction and infrastructure matters. He works with and represents clients before the BC Utilities Commission, the BC Oil and Gas Commission, the BC Labour Relations Board, the National Energy Board, the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board, and the Yukon Environmental Assessment Board.

Charles advises a diverse client base that includes Crown corporations, government departments and agencies, utilities, industrial consumers, independent power producers, contractors, and other clients. He works to help them understand and assess issues and achieve their goals.

Prior to attending law school at the University of British Columbia, Charles worked extensively in the natural gas industry and has experience in regulatory and environmental issues, construction of natural gas plants and pipelines, contract negotiations, marketing, systems, and project management.  Prior to becoming a lawyer, Charles prepared submissions to the National Energy Board, Environmental Boards, and various state and provincial utility commissions. He participated in numerous industry task forces coordinating and addressing a variety of business and regulatory issues in the natural gas industry. Charles also negotiated natural gas and natural gas by-products supply and sales agreements.

In his spare time, Charles has been deeply involved in the energy industry and community activities. He regularly volunteers at a pro bono legal clinic organized by the Access to Justice Society and is an instructor at the Law Society of British Columbia’s Professional Legal Training Course. He is an active member of many energy industry associations. Charles is currently an Executive Director of the non-profit Canadian Institute of Energy (BC). He was a director of: the non-profit Naval Officer’s Association of British Columbia; the non-profit Langley Community Music School; St. Andrews Hall, a Presbyterian College; and the College of Applied Biologists.

Professional achievements & leadership

  • The Best Lawyers in Canada, Energy Law, 2017 - 2023; Construction Law, 2020 - 2024; Energy Regulatory Law 2022-2024; Environmental Law, 2022-2024

Thought leadership

Presentations
  • "Permitting and Contract Procurement," Miller Thomson seminar: Project Development - Environmental and Indigenous Considerations, 2017
  • "BC Contaminated Sites 101," Miller Thomson seminar: Environmental Issues in Property Development, 2015
  • “Fundamentals of Construction Contracts in British Columbia: Understanding the Issues,” Common Issues During Construction Contract Performance, Lorman seminar, 2014
  • “BC Contaminated Sites 101 and Consultants Liability,” Miller Thomson presentation, 2014
  • “An Overview of the Regulatory Framework Regarding Water Usage and Disposal in Shale Gas Recovery,” Canadian Institute conference, Oil & Gas Water Management Strategies, 2012
  • “Analyzing Resource Revenue Sharing Models: Agreements Under IBA’s and Agreements with the Crown,” Canadian Institute conference, BC Aboriginal Consultation, 2011
  • “Water Regulations,” EPIC conference, Understanding Environmental Regulations, 2011
  • “The Role of Sustainability and Earning Social License in Advancing Your Company’s Objectives: The Must-Have Competencies for Mining in Canada,” Canadian Institute conference, Mine Feasibility & Project Implementation, 2010
  • “Independent and Renewable Power in BC,” Miller Thomson seminar, CleanTech, Green Energy and Environmental Update, 2009
  • “Construction Subcontracts,” Lorman seminar, “onstruction Documents in British Columbia: Not the Same Old Thing!, 2008
  • “Builder’s Liens and Pay When Paid Clauses,” Lorman Seminar, What to Do When Construction Projects Go Bad in British Columbia, 2008
  • “Bidding and Tendering: Will the Fun Ever Stop?” Miller Thomson Construction Law seminar, 2008
Publications
  • “BC Supreme Court: Province Cannot Surrender Statutorily-Imposed Environmental Assessment Obligations,” EnviroNotes!, February 2016
  • “Due Diligence in Buying Residential Property–Beware Leaking Oil Tanks,” EnviroNotes!, May 2011
  • “Tougher Environmental Enforcement Measures Now In Place,” EnviroNotes!, BC Client Alert, February 2011
  • “Report Indicates Canada Should Implement National Climate Policies Ahead of U.S.,” Miller Thomson Client Alert, 2011
  • “Consultation Process for Proposed Emissions Trading and Offsets Regulations,” EnviroNotes!, December 2010
  • “Consultation Process for Proposed Emissions Trading and Offsets Regulations,” EnviroNotes!, BC Client Alert, November 3, 2010
  • “Major Petroleum Spill in Johnstone Strait in Orca Sanctuary: Due Diligence Lessons for Captains and Barge Owners,” EnviroNotes!, September 2010
  • “BC Introduces New Clean Energy Act,” EnviroNotes!, BC Client Alert, May 2010
  • “Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Some Recent Developments in Canada,” Canadian Consulting Engineer, 2010
  • “Liens and Cost Recovery,” Canadian Consulting Engineer, 2009
  • “BC’s Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Emission Reporting to Begin on January 1, 2010,” EnviroNotes!, BC Client Alert, December 2009
  • “British Columbia’s Mandatory Greenhouse Emissions Reporting to Begin on January 1, 2010,” EnviroNotes!, December 2009
  • “Climate Change: Carbon Tax v. Cap and Trade,” EnviroNotes!, BC Client Alert, June 2009

Corporate directorships

  • Vice-Chair, Market Development Committee, and Appointed to Advisory Council of Clean Energy Association of BC
  • Secretary Treasurer, British Columbia Environment Industry Association
  • Executive Member, Canadian Institute of Energy (BC)
  • Executive Member, Canadian Bar Association – Administrative Law Section (BC Branch)
  • Member, Yukon Law Society Discipline Committee

Professional memberships

  • Canadian Wind Energy Association
  • Clean Energy Association of BC
  • British Columbia Law Society
  • Yukon Law Society

Bar admissions & education

  • Yukon, 2000
  • British Columbia, 1997
  • LL.B., University of British Columbia, 1996