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34 www.canadianlawyermag.com FEATURE GC PROFILE "We move really fast, and we sometimes have a higher risk tolerance than other companies, so we need external counsel who can work within those parameters and be a strategic and trusted partner for us" government's goals of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Elliott and her team were involved in helping to gather greenhouse gas data and set targets across the enterprise. Parkland recently announced that it would build a renewable diesel facility at its Burnaby refinery in British Columbia, able to produce approximately 6,500 barrels of renewable diesel per day. The British Columbia government is partly funding this project, so Elliott is involved in ongoing discussions with the government about clean fuel standards and different policy items that are important to Parkland. Elliott and her team work with different Indigenous communities on joint ventures that benefit both parties. Parkland operates in many small communities across North America and the Caribbean, so Elliott needs to ensure that the business operates in a way that protects those communities. "We're passionate about operating in an environmentally sustainable way so commu- nities can continue to thrive, while we're also providing them with the services that they need every day," she says. Continuing to support the company's rapid growth trajectory is an important goal for Elliott. As an owner of the flagship convenience brand On the Run, Parkland aggressively aims to own at least 1,000 On the Run locations by 2024. Keeping on top of regulatory changes is another priority for Elliott. "It's really about making sure that we are pushing and operating in a safe, sustainable way, but in a way that's also compliant with the jurisdictions in which we operate," says Elliott. "It's complicated when you work in so many countries because the rules of engage- ment shift and change." Another priority for Elliott and her teams – consisting of around 35 people spread among the sustainability, government rela- tions, and regulatory groups – is intention- ally building relationships with the busi- ness. Her team focuses on understanding what the company is trying to achieve with each objective, offering advice on risk, and helping business partners achieve their goals more effectively. Elliott adds that being a strategic partner allows Parkland to have a seat at the table in decision-making for the business. Elliott favours partners who understand Parkland's business and culture when retaining external counsel. "We move really fast, and we sometimes have a higher risk tolerance than other companies, so we need external counsel who can work within those parameters and be a strategic and trusted partner for us," says Elliott. FACT FILE Attended the University of Calgary Began her career at litigation boutique Jensen Shawa Solomon Duguid Hawkes LLP Worked at the Court of Appeal of Alberta Joined Parkland as legal counsel in 2016 Appointed vice president, senior general counsel, and corporate secretary in 2018 Appointed chief sustainability officer in 2020