Kate Babony

Kate is a member of the Indigenous Practice Department. Her practice focuses on consultation, negotiation, land-related matters, and complex project development involving First Nations, Crown agencies, and industry proponents. She leads the department’s work on First Nation Additions to Reserve and related real estate needs, and regularly advises First Nations on consultation, accommodation, governance, and strategic engagement.

Kate frequently represents First Nations before the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and in consultation processes involving the nuclear sector. She also has in-depth knowledge of the Major Projects Office and its role in advancing projects of national interest, including the consultation obligations and relationship-building requirements that arise in that context.

Her broader practice includes industry partnerships, transmission line negotiations, relationship agreements, capacity funding agreements, impact assessment matters, and complex negotiations with Crown and industry parties. Kate has a particular interest in the duty to consult, UNDRIP, and the practical implementation of Indigenous rights in regulatory and project-development processes. She has assisted clients in negotiating precedent-setting Crown agreements designed to protect, recognize, and advance their rights and interests.

Kate also has significant experience working with consortiums of First Nations to advance shared objectives while respecting each Nation’s distinct governance, priorities, and decision-making processes. Her ability to build trust, facilitate consensus, and mediate difficult issues is a central strength of her practice.

Prior to law, Kate had an award-winning real estate practice in the Greater Toronto Area, and her first career was in education. During law school, she focused on Indigenous legal issues, including dispute resolution, and served on the Indigenous education committee, working closely with faculty and students to advance Indigenous knowledge and rights. She also completed a placement with a boutique Indigenous law firm. Kate received the Spring Forward graduating award for demonstrating grit, perseverance, and growth.

Kate is an active lacrosse mom, coffee lover, and outdoorswoman. She is honoured to represent her clients and is grateful for the relationships and trust that ground her work in this area.