Robert has been involved in negotiating numerous agreements between First Nations, industry and governments that have been recognized as changing the way in which industry approaches First Nations engagement respecting major project developments in Canada. Recently, IWF Group became a general partner of FN CGL Pipeline Limited Partnership (FNCGL), where the current limited partners are the Halfway River First Nation, McLeod Lake Indian Band, Saulteau First Nations, West Moberly First Nations and the Haisla Nation. FNCGL was formed for purposes of holding and eventually exercising an option to acquire an equity interest in the Coastal GasLink Pipeline, the pipeline component of the LNG Canada Project.
Robert also has extensive experience with the specific claims process in Canada, having been involved in the preparation, negotiation and/or resolution of over 100 First Nations claims, covering a broad range of issues. His work in this area has been recognized as standard setting, particularly with respect to matters concerning the economic benefits and land entitlement provisions of the Numbered Treaties of Western Canada. He has published on the topic of treaty land entitlement and the effects of inflation on the annuity provisions of treaties and has been an expert witness on the history and treaty rights of First Nations in Canada.
Robert has a B.A. from the University of Toronto (International Relations and Finance) and an M.A. in International Relations from the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University.