About Christine

Christine Burton holds a BA (Hon.) in Sociology with high distinction from the University of Toronto and a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School, York University. Her career spans extensive experience in international and Indigenous issues, community development, policy, non-profit governance, and legal matters.

Originally from Perth, Western Australia, Christine immigrated to Canada at the age of 12 and lived across Canada in British Columbia, Yellowknife, Toronto, and Fort McMurray before settling in Edmonton in 2023 to be closer to family.

Christine's professional journey includes roles such as an Ontario Crown Prosecutor, political assistant to the Ontario Attorney General, and international election expert for the United Nations and Commonwealth Secretariat in Cambodia and South Africa. She also served as Manager for Regulatory and Legal Affairs at Suncor Energy, where she specialized in consultation, issues management, and community development.

In Fort McMurray, Christine practiced law at McMurray Regional Law and engaged deeply with the community, serving as a municipal councillor and founding/chairing various local organizations including the Wood Buffalo Wellness Society, Wood Buffalo Women and Baby Care Association, and Arts Council Wood Buffalo. She remains Chair for the Wood Buffalo Wellness Society, and with her leadership and the hard work of the team, the organization expanded its mandate to become a leader in services for the homeless, those in need of after care, and those dealing with trauma and mental health issues, with a focus on meeting the needs of Indigenous Peoples.

Christine's career is marked by a dedication to community welfare, legal expertise, and a passion for supporting marginalized groups and cultural initiatives. Her dedication to community service earned her accolades such as the Heart of Wood Buffalo Award for non-profit governance and the Women of Influence Award.

Christine is a mum to two children and enjoys spending time with family and friends. She continues her legal practice in Edmonton, serving all of Alberta, with a focus on family and collaborative law, estate planning, and notaries.

Personal & career highlights

Early career and international work:

  • Volunteered with the United Nations in Cambodia on a one-year mission teaching civic and human rights and helping to set up the first democratic elections in the country.

  • Served as an election expert in South Africa, helping to organize the first multi-racial elections in South Africa and the official end of apartheid in the country.

  • Political assistant to the Ontario Attorney General.

  • Ontario Crown Prosecutor.

Legal and corporate experience:

  • Practiced law in private practice in Fort McMurray, focusing on family law, civil litigation, real estate, wills and estates, and employment law.

  • Manager with Regulatory and Legal Affairs at Suncor Energy - Negotiated impact-mitigation agreements with Indigenous, government, and community organizations.

  • Owner and operator of highly successful retail food business in Fort McMurray.

Community leadership:

  • Elected councillor with the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo in 2012-2013.

  • Founded and chaired several organizations, including the Wood Buffalo Wellness Society (current), HUB Family Resource Centre, Wood Buffalo Women and Baby Care Association, Arts Council Wood Buffalo, Wood Buffalo Artists Forum, RMWB Combative Sports Commission.

  • Worked with Indigenous communities in the N.W.T and Wood Buffalo region, addressing issues of addictions, poverty, homelessness, health, education, employment, cultural retention, and reconciliation.

Volunteerism and advocacy:

  • Active volunteer and community advocate, and has lobbied for midwifery regulation in Alberta since 1996.

  • Worked with non-profit organizations across Canada addressing issues of women’s health and domestic and sexual violence.

  • As an artist, Christine is passionate about the arts and has worked to support visual artists and develop arts and culture in the Wood Buffalo region.

  • Recognized with the Heart of Wood Buffalo and Women of Influence awards for her non-profit governance and leadership.

Legal contributions:

  • Assisted residents affected by the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire with pro bono legal consultations.

  • Supported immigrants, refugees and foreign workers, setting up and running a free monthly notary clinic/services and encouraging young lawyers to volunteer. The clinic has provided more than $1.5 million in free legal services over the past 17 years.

  • Served as Volunteer Chair of the Penhorwood Condo Board in Fort McMurray, after seven condo buildings were evacuated permanently for structural failure. Christine chaired the Litigation Committee that settled a $60 million lawsuit against 28 defendants, after 10 years of litigation.

  • Mentor to young lawyers and articling students.

  • Taught business law at Keyano College 2022-2023.