Not Just A Lawyer

Bridging Policy, Law, and Community for Strategic Success

Your Trusted Partner in Public Policy,
Legal Advisory, and Community Engagement

We provide insight, legal advice and multi-layered strategies to help you address public policy, regulatory and legal requirements established by governments, First Nations and the Courts.  We will also assist you in addressing public expectations and developing positive community relationships, while working seamlessly with your other advisors.

16+ Years Shaping BC’s
Environmental and Energy Landscape

Penner Pacific Advisory Services* can help you reach across municipal, provincial, state, and federal boundaries while providing you with confidentiality guaranteed by solicitor-client privilege.

*A Division of Barry Penner, K.C. Law Corporation

Environmental Regulations  
& First Nations Requirements

Energy & Natural
Resource Projects

Intergovernmental Relations,
Public Afairs Policy

Media Advice, Communications
& Represention

Strategic Counsel to Boards
& Organizations

Barry Penner, K.C.

A seasoned lawyer with deep political and international experience, he specializes in strategies for addressing issues involving First Nations, governments, and media. He combines legal expertise with broader social and corporate interests, leveraging experience in Asia, the U.S. Pacific Northwest, and Canada’s federal government to deliver comprehensive guidance.

Over 16 years in public office, including roles as Attorney General, Minister of Aboriginal Relations & Reconciliation, and British Columbia’s longest-serving Minister of Environment, he earned a reputation as a dedicated and thoughtful member of British Columbia’s Cabinet. From 1996 to 2012, he represented residents of the eastern Fraser Valley in the Legislative Assembly.

During his time in elected office, he played a key role in shaping environmental, energy, and other public policies in Canada’s third-largest province, engaging with media and stakeholders on a near-daily basis.

He also has experience working in Asia and has served as President of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region, a public-private partnership encompassing five states, three provinces, and two territories. Since leaving public service, he has been working on behalf of natural resource companies, First Nations, and governments to find solutions to complex issues.

Current Leadership
and Advisory Roles

Alternate Member, Registration Committee, College of Physicians & Surgeons of British Columbia

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Senior Counsel & Strategic Advisor,  Penner Pacific Advisory Services.*

A legal and public affairs advisory practice, Penner Pacific assists with regulatory, environmental and First Nations requirements, as well as providing governmental and media relations advice.

Chair, Energy Futures Institute (EFI)

which was launched in 2023 as part of a not-for-profit society with the goal of refreshing the conversation on important energy issues. In this role, Mr. Penner has brought attention to challenges facing energy security & environmental objectives in British Columbia, while putting forward recommended policy options to address affordability, reliability and sustainability.

Member, Finance & Audit Committee, Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER)

It is a non-profit, public-private organization dedicated to addressing common issues and interests like economic competitiveness and protecting the natural environment. The Canadian provinces and territories of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories along with the American states of Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Oregon compose the membership.

Alternate Member, Registration Committee, College of Physicians & Surgeons of British Columbia

Established in 1886, this is the oldest self-regulating professional organization in British Columbia and is responsible for ensuring the 12,000 medical doctors in the province maintain expected standards of practice and conduct.

Barry Penner supports projects in collaboration with First Nations, such as the Kwoeik Creek hydropower project, which began in 2014. This $180 million
joint venture between the Kanaka Bar Indian Band and Innergex Renewable Energy generates enough electricity for 20,000 homes in British Columbia.

Distinctions and Achievements

Business In Vancouver’s Top 500 Most Influential Business Leaders

2021

“this special magazine profiles 500 individuals deemed to be the most influential business leaders in the province”

Queens Diamond Jubilee Award Metal

2013

in recognition of Mr. Penner’s almost 16 years of public service to constituents in the eastern Fraser Valley and the people of British Columbia

Power 50 Award

2010

 from Vancouver Magazine, recognizing Mr. Penner as “one of the most credible [cabinet] ministers” in British Columbia

Hot Potato Award

2013

from the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) for his efforts to address challenging cross-border issues

Order of the Smashed Brick
Diamond Jubilee Award Metal

from Canadian Consulate in Seattle, Washington, for working to reduce tensions and barriers between Canada and the United States

Top 40 Alumni Award

2014

 from the University of the Fraser Valley, recognizing Mr. Penner as one of the institution’s top graduates over the  past 40 years

50 Remarkable UFV Graduates

2024

in celebration of UFV’s 50th anniversary, the university recognizes it’s top 50 remarkable graduates

British Columbia ‘Open’ Scholarship

Simon Fraser University’s ‘Chancellor’s Scholarship’

Previous Work

Chair, Inquiry Committee, Panel E, College of Physicians & Surgeons of British Columbia

(2021-2024).

Managing Director, BC International  Commercial Arbitration Centre.

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Chair, Board of Directors, Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC)

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Arbiter, New West Partnership Trade Agreement.

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Managing Director, BC International  Commercial Arbitration Centre.

The Centre is a not-for-profit organization established in 1986 with the support of the governments of British Columbia and Canada. It provides an efficient, confidential way of resolving commercial disputes while avoiding the court system.

Chair, Board of Directors, Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC)

A provincial Crown corporation with approximately CDN $4 billion in annual revenue and $14 billion under investment, ICBC provides some of the most comprehensive automobile insurance and road safety programs in Canada.

Arbiter, New West Partnership Trade Agreement.

Established in 2010, this agreement between the Provincial Governments of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan, created Canada’s largest, barrier-free, inter-provincial market.