Byng Giraud

Byng specializes in obtaining approvals for major projects in the industrial, natural resources, and infrastructure sectors. Byng has been using his extensive experience to help clients de-risk large-scale projects at early stages to allow for construction. Previously, Byng was with Woodfibre LNG Limited as the company’s first North American employee. During the development stages of the project, Byng led the project locally as Country Manager. Byng concurrently served five years as Chairman of Ridley Terminals Inc. a Canadian government-owned bulk export terminal in Prince Rupert, BC. Some of the recent highlights of Byng’s work include:

• Obtained federal, provincial, and indigenous approval of the 2.1 mtpa Woodfibre LNG project.
• Negotiated and helped Squamish Nation implement the first-ever indigenous environmental assessment process in Canada.
• Negotiated the first-ever agreements between operating mines and First Nations in British Columbia including agreements with five first nations at two separate projects.
• Led the corporate affairs and indigenous consultation processes leading to the 2012 reopening of the Huckleberry Mine in northern British Columbia.
• Led the Northwest Powerline Coalition, a coalition of companies, Indigenous groups, and individuals that successfully worked with the BC Government to build the Northwest Transmission line along Highway 37 –thereby opening the region to mining and power projects.
• Chaired Ridley Terminals Inc. during the Federal Crown Corporation’s negotiations with Altagas that led to the building of a 1.2 mtpa liquified propane export facility in Prince Rupert—the first hydrocarbon export facility on the west coast in decades.
• Directly negotiated numerous indigenous economic benefits and related agreements.

Currently, he sits on the BC Assembly of First Nations-BC Business Council “Champion’s Table,” a body dedicated to breaking new ground in economic reconciliation. Byng continues to be involved in innovative efforts at First Nations economic reconciliation. Prior to his corporate career, Byng obtained political and government experience working for Members of Parliament, MLAs, and Senators. He has served on the board of directors of the BC Business Council, the Vimy Ridge Foundation, Geoscience BC, Canada Place Corporation, Initiatives Prince George, and other organizations. In 2012 Byng received the Queen Elizabeth II, Diamond Jubilee Medal, for volunteerism. Byng holds an MSc. Econ. from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, an MBA from the University of Cambridge (Jesus College), and a BA from the University of Victoria. On the weekends, he plays old boys rugby and studies Spanish (Competency A2/B1).