About Sylvia
Sylvia is a labour and employment lawyer who advises employers and employees on a range of workplace matters, including wrongful dismissal claims, human rights matters, workplace investigations, federally regulated workplaces, Indigenous organizations, and public sector clients. She has experience in complex multi-party mediations, systemic human rights complaints, trauma-informed training, and the development and implementation of sexual violence and misconduct policies. Sylvia also advises band councils on employment and human rights matters, bringing a practical understanding of the unique legal considerations facing Indigenous employers.
Prior to joining Ascent, Sylvia practised general civil litigation and labour and employment law at a global law firm. She later worked as counsel with the Department of Justice Canada, advising on matters involving public safety and defence, and Indigenous and Aboriginal law. She has trial and court experience with appearances at the B.C. Supreme Court, the Federal Court, and administrative tribunals.
Sylvia takes a pragmatic, results-focused, and compassionate approach to her work. She strives to achieve fair outcomes for her clients, recognizing that many workplace disputes are fundamentally about relationships that can often be repaired with the right approach.
Outside of the office, Sylvia has sat as a board member and chair for a non-profit organization dedicated to violence prevention, harm reduction, and safety education. She is deeply involved in B.C.’s electronic music community as both an event producer and DJ. She co-founded an event production collective dedicated to supporting and developing local femme and non-binary artists. When she’s not behind the decks, she enjoys hiking local trails, searching for new music, baking pies, and spending time with her two cats.