Joëlle R. Chiasson
Lawyer, Partner
Joëlle R. Chiasson has developed a multidisciplinary expertise that spans private practice, litigation, strategic roles in public policy, and executive leadership in the corporate sector. She is recognized for her deep understanding of organizational, regulatory, and environmental issues faced by her clients, as well as for her pragmatic approach and strategic vision, which make her a sought-after legal and business advisor.
Her expertise includes natural resources law, residual materials and contaminated soils management, circular economy, clean technologies, and corporate social responsibility law. She also supports organizations in the development of industrial projects subject to environmental impact assessment and review processes, including social acceptability considerations and the environmental, social, and economic dimensions that accompany them.
Before joining Cain Lamarre, Ms. R. Chiasson established and led the legal department of the organization responsible for managing and modernizing Québec’s curbside recycling system under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework. In this role, she conducted complex negotiations that resulted in structuring agreements with all actors across the value chain, including municipalities, sorting centers, recyclers, and First Nations.
In addition, Ms. R. Chiasson previously served as a political advisor, acting as the strategic interface between the Minister of the Environment and the private sector on major regulatory and industrial files, including mining and wind energy projects, as well as several initiatives related to the carbon market and climate change mitigation. Her strong understanding of governmental processes and public policy development enables her to guide clients through their lobbying registration obligations and assess the potential impacts of government policies on their projects.
Deeply involved in her community, she has served and continues to serve on several boards of directors, including that of Allergies Québec. In her spare time, she enjoys alpine skiing, hiking, reading, and traveling.
Education
2025-2026
- Certified In-House Counsel (CIC.C), Business Leadership Program for In-House Counsel, University of Toronto - Rotman School of Management
2019
- Mediation Accreditation, Barreau du Québec
2013
- Barreau du Québec
- Master of Laws (LL.M.), Common Law and Transnational Law, Université de Sherbrooke
2011
- Juris Doctor (J.D.), Common Law and Transnational Law, Université de Sherbrooke
- Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), Université de Sherbrooke
Teaching, conferences and publications
2026
- “Major Projects Office: Environmental Assessment at Full Speed! (French only)”, Article, Vecteur Environnement, in collaboration with Sarah-Jeanne Morais, lawyer
- “Demystifying the Environment Quality Act and the REAFIE (French only)”, Podcast, 3R MCDQ
- “Environment: Regulatory Issues That Could Affect Your Projects (French only) ”, Webinar with Marie-Pier Goyette-Noël, lawyer, APCHQ
- “Transportation Law: Legal Obligations and Environmental Issues (French only)”, Conference with Stéphane Lamarre, lawyer and Jean-Sébastien Mimeault-Tremblay, lawyer, Conseil Patronal de l’Environnement du Québec (CPEQ)
- “Waste Management: Challenges, Regulatory Risks, and Adaptation Strategies (French only)”, Conference with Sandra Messih, lawyer, Conseil Patronal de l’Environnement du Québec (CPEQ)
2019
- ''Le point sur la chaîne de valeur des matières recyclables'', Canadian Bar Association (CBA-Québec), (French only)
2018
- ''Obligation de décontaminer : la Cour supérieure rectifie le tir'', Vecteur Environnement, (French only)
2017
- ''Modernisation de la LQE : Responsabilité élargie pour les experts en réhabilitation de terrains contaminés'', Vecteur Environnement, (French only)
- ''Certification ISO 14001 : est‑ce utile pour une défense de diligence raisonnable ?'', Vecteur Environnement, (French only)
Engagements
2026 to this day
- Board Member, Quebec Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA)
Since 2024
- Member of the Board of Directors of Allergies Québec
2019 to 2022
- Secretary of the Board of Directors of the RÉA Foundation
Expertise
3
Business Law
Cain Lamarre’s approach to business law is built on a foundation of strong relationships with leaders of companies and institutions of all sizes, throughout Quebec. The firm’s team of renowned, multidisciplinary experts offers pragmatic legal solutions tailored to the regions and sectors in which its clients operate. Our in-depth understanding of business issues, combined with a mastery of complex legal frameworks, make us a trusted partner to support companies in their growth, governance and strategic transactions.
Environmental Law
Cain Lamarre has a team of lawyers specialized in environmental law. Our professionals can help you navigate this complex legal framework.
Municipal Law
Our team of seasoned municipal law professionals provides effective support and advice to both public and private organizations, helping them to navigate the many obligations of the municipal sector.