Canadian Infrastructure Law

James was appointed as the Assistant Deputy Attorney General, Legal Services Branch in August 2016. He began his career in private practice in the United Kingdom in 1996, and moved into industry in London in 2001 as in-house counsel with BAA Plc, the world’s largest airport
operator, with a practice focused upon major infrastructure development. After relocating to British Columbia, James practiced for two and a half years with Pushor Mitchell LLP in Kelowna. James joined the BC Public Service in 2007 and developed a busy commercial transactional practice engaged in delivering the Province’s public private partnership (P3) program, including the Port Mann Highway 1 Project, the South Fraser Perimeter Road Project, the Evergreen Line Project and the George Massey Tunnel Replacement
Project. In addition, James has been involved in many other P3 projects in an advisory capacity, including the Sierra Yoyo Desan Road Project, as well as a number of the Province’s non-transportation, vertical infrastructure projects, including the Surrey Pre-Trial Services Centre Expansion Project, the Okanagan Correctional Centre and the Children’s and Women’s Hospital Redevelopment Project.

Agnes von dem Hagen is Vice President of the Transaction Legal department at Infrastructure Ontario. In this role, Agnes oversees the legal team working with Infrastructure Ontario’s business units to deliver Alternative Financing and Procurement/P3 projects and certain commercial and special projects for the Province. She and her team advise on and manage various matters during the pre-transaction, transaction and implementation stages of these projects, including structuring and risk allocation of the project, procurement processes, negotiations and closing of the transaction, and advising on contract management issues during the construction, operation and maintenance of the asset. The team also plays a key role in familiarizing co-sponsors and other funders with project documents and the P3 model for all asset types, including transit, highways, hospitals and other social infrastructure projects.

Prior to joining Infrastructure Ontario in 2012, Agnes practiced corporate and commercial law at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP in the Business, Infrastructure/P3 and Construction Groups. Agnes obtained her LL.B. from the University of British Columbia and was admitted to the Ontario Bar in 2008.

Jessica has a Bachelor’s Degree from McMaster University in Art History, Criticism and Conservation. A seasoned event and marketing manager, she has executed live engagements globally in the legal, technology, financial, not-for-profit and consumer products industries for many of the world’s leading organizations. Prior to joining Cambridge Forums, Jessica worked in conference management, specializing in executive events for C-Suite executives, Board members and VIP clients. A fluid communicator, Jessica utilizes her leadership skills and passion for creating flawless participant experiences as a Forum Director, focusing on programs in private wealth and antitrust. A food & wine aficionado, Jessica is also accredited with the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 Award in Wine & Spirits. When she’s out of the office, Jessica enjoys hot yoga, skiing and travel.

Brenna joins Cambridge Forums with 20 years of experience in events, fundraising, and development. She has spent most of her career in the music industry, working for the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, overseeing the planning of high-profile events like the JUNO awards. Most recently, she launched a successful national advocacy campaign for the live music sector resulting in significant relief funding from the federal government. Her early career involved raising funds and executing events for non-profit organizations and foundations, including the University of Toronto and the Ireland Fund of Canada.  Brenna looks forward to her role as Forum Director to blend her experience and passion for bringing people together and fostering meaningful connections.  She is a mother of two, a fitness enthusiast, and is best known for her sense of humour.