James Prsala

Background

About James Prsala

During my employment with the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office, and previously with the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Initiatives (EMLI) I have had the opportunity to gain practical experience engaging on the technical aspects of business in the natural resource and environmental stewardship sectors as well as in the development of significant external relationships with Indigenous Nations, the federal government and stakeholders. In my current role as Project Assessment Director with the EAO I have gained extensive government to government (G2G) experience with Indigenous nations by leading the drafting and development of process and collaboration agreements in both treaty and non-treaty contexts. Notably, finalizing the first agreement negotiated under section 41 of the Environmental Assessment Act. Previously as the Director of the Environmental Stewardship Initiative Branch I was the Provincial Lead for the North Coast Demonstration Project (a cumulative effects assessment and restoration project). In both positions I was operating in a collaborative space, working with diverse cross-agency and inter-governmental teams. The roles required negotiation and dispute resolution skills to effectively advance our shared interests. In addition to G2G experience, I have been tasked with leading and developing policy, related to the Environmental Assessment Act (2018). During my time as a practicing lawyer, through Articles of Clerkship and my time at CLASP (a legal aid clinic), I had the opportunity to practice both written and oral advocacy before a variety of tribunals, courts, and decision makers. I was able to tailor arguments and style my advocacy in an effective manner, despite needing to present before ranges of administrative bodies, each with different capacities and expertise. This experience gave me a thorough understanding of Administrative Law principles, which I relied on to assist clients in a variety of high stress scenarios.