Shem has over 16 years of experience in the environmental industry, with special focus within the heavy industrial construction sector. His background consists of a variety of onsite environmental management roles in large undertakings throughout Canada and abroad, often in remote locations, requiring an acute understanding of the regulatory framework across various jurisdictions. Shem is highly knowledgeable in best practices for the design and implementation of monitoring programs as well as mitigation measures to protect the environment during construction, operation, and decommissioning of various Projects. Notable projects that Shem has been a part of, include Vale’s ‘Long Harbour Nickel Processing Plant Project’ (2012-2014), Nalcor’s ‘Lower Churchill Project – Muskrat Falls’ Powerhouse and Spillway (2014-2017), Rio Tinto’s ‘Kemano Tunnel 2 Project’ (2018-2019) in British Colombia, and the City of Kingston’s ‘Wabaan Bridge’ (Third Crossing Project (2019-2022)), in Ontario. The former, consisted of a 1.2-kilometre bridge built within the Rideau Canal, a federally managed waterway, designated National Historic Site of Canada, as well as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Shem’s working background also consists of various consultant roles, inclusive of coordinating environmental assessments and compliance permitting for different projects throughout Canada. With Hatch, Shem has supported and advised on the decommissioning of hydro dams, several remediation projects, the construction of mines, bridges, and harbour improvements, as well as renewable energy projects throughout Atlantic Canada. Shem recently led the Environmental Impact Assessment and registration of J.D. Irving, Limited’s ‘Brighton Mountain Wind Farm’, a proposed 350 MW wind farm located in central New Brunswick.

Shem holds a master’s degree in environmental policy (2017) through Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN)-Grenfell Campus, with a program focus on policy development and planning, as well as environmental assessment. His research, centered around the transition to a sustainable food system in Newfoundland and Labrador. Specifically, via holistic approaches to soil and crop cultivation, coupled with integrating technology and renewable energy systems into food production, to increase food sovereignty. Shem also was as a lecturer at MUN while undertaking his master’s program and received the distinction of ‘Fellow to the School of Graduate Studies’.

Shem previously served on the Board of Directors for the Western Environment Centre (2016-2018), based out of Corner Brook on the islands west coast, where he helped to coordinate community composting and gardening programs throughout the region. He is currently serving a two-year term, on the Board of Directors for econext (2024-2026).

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