Suromitra Sanatani joined Heenan Blaikie as Strategic Counsel in 2008.

Ms. Sanatani began her career in litigation before transitioning from the practice of law to senior corporate positions in the non-profit, public, and private sectors. In her role as Vice-President of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, she demonstrated a proven track record in representing the interests of small business. During that period, she was elected for eight consecutive years as Chair of the Coalition of BC Businesses. Later, as Vice-President, Corporate & Government Relations of Partnerships BC, an agency of the British Columbia government established to facilitate public private partnerships, Ms. Sanatani played a pivotal role that led to the Crown corporation’s growth from a start-up to an enterprise responsible for over $4 billion in infrastructure projects. She also headed up the pan-Canadian public private partnership initiative which has involved the provinces of Québec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia.

Based on her multi-disciplinary background, Ms. Sanatani provides clients with advice relating to strategic planning, leadership and management issues, and government relations. By pulling together experts from a variety of disciplines, Ms. Sanatani works to serve clients’ needs beyond legal matters. In taking an integrative approach to client issues, her practice serves to advance clients’ strategic priorities in a proactive way.

Ms. Sanatani is an executive member of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, the federal agency that promotes and supports university-based research and training in the humanities and social sciences. She is also a director of the Pacific Parkinsons Research Institute.