OUR PEOPLE

Matthew Sherrard is an associate in Gowlings’ Montréal office, practising in the areas of constitutional and administrative law, with a focus on Aboriginal law and governance.  He is also involved in energy matters.

Matthew has assisted Aboriginal clients in a variety of First Nation governance matters, including negotiations with provincial and federal government representatives, by-law drafting, by-law prosecutions and private housing matters. He has also been involved in assisting with the establishment of a significant Aboriginal regional police force, assisted an Aboriginal health agency to revise agreements relating to the provision of services in partnership with multiple local First Nation Bands, and has provided legal support to assist in the creation of an Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal business partnership.

Matthew has also advised developers, lenders and investors regarding Aboriginal consultation, accommodation and related matters, including Impact and Benefits Agreements, in relation to wind energy projects in Ontario and Québec, provided advice regarding power purchase agreements, and has been involved in providing support to senior counsel appearing before a provincial energy regulator on behalf of a major national energy company.

He previously worked for a national firm in Montréal and at a major firm in Atlantic Canada, as well as clerking with a senior judge of the Federal Court of Canada in Ottawa.

Prior to his legal career, Matthew was responsible for leading, and subsequently managing, international development exchange projects in the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, Central America and the Caribbean on behalf of a Canadian organization. He was also involved in a World Bank project in western India.

Matthew practises law in English and French, as well as being fluent in Spanish. He also speaks some Arabic.