Osler Legal Outlook

In this article — “Data sovereignty: looking to the past as Canada decides how to move forward” — we discuss the expectation that the Canadian government will reveal its digital and AI strategy in 2026 that will prioritize data sovereignty. Industry experts have recommended Canada take measures to ensure data remains in this country and is insulated from foreign jurisdictions.” This article is authored by Michael Fekete, a partner in Osler’s Technology Group and John Salloum, a partner in Osl...

In this article – “Canadian and U.S. regulatory developments are reshaping market oversight” — we discuss the Canadian securities enforcement priorities alongside navigating North American and global trends and policy directions. This article is authored by partners in the Disputes Group: Lawrence Ritchie, Alexander Cobb and Teresa Tomchak together with associates Ankita Gupta and Jayne Cooke. Osler Legal Outlook is brought to you by Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP. Osler is a leading, natio...

In this article — “Increasing AI in litigation: advantages, perils and increasing regulation” — we discuss how law firms are increasingly relying on AI. Such use also raises significant issues of professional responsibility and accuracy in the development of the law. Lawyers and legal departments are taking a more active role in shaping the frameworks that enable responsible use. This article is authored by Christopher Naudie, who is a partner in Osler’s Disputes, Government Investigati...

In this article – “Restructuring the Canadian tobacco industry: a model for the future?” — we examine an unprecedented decision of the Ontario Superior Court which sanctioned historic plans of compromise in respect of three Tobacco companies and the implications for future litigation-oriented restructuring in Canada. This article is authored by partners in the Insolvency and Restructuring Group, Marc Wasserman, Chair, and Martino Calvaruso, together with partners in Osler’s Disputes Gr...

In this article — “Canadian M&A outlook: cautious optimism in a reshaped market” — we review developments in the Canadian M&A market in 2025. Although there were fewer transactions overall, deal value surged. As larger players continue to transact and demonstrate executable deal paths, we expect new opportunities to emerge in 2026. This article is authored by Emmanuel Pressman, Osler’s National Co-Chair, Alex Gorka, Co-Chair of the Mergers and Acquisitions Group and Diana Windrim, an ...

In this article – “Navigating the new Competition Act: early impacts and emerging challenges” — we examine the initial developments under the amended Competition Act and how it is reshaping the landscape of Canadian Competition law. This article is authored by partners in the Competition/Antitrust and Foreign Investment Group: Shuli Rodal, Chair, Michelle Lally and Kaeleigh Kuzma together with associates Zach Rudge and Valeska Rebello, and Chris Naudie who is a partner in Osler’s Disput...

In this article — “Asset joint venture monetizations” — we discuss asset joint ventures as a strategy for funding large, long-dated capital programs in a higher-rate environment and tas a way to retain operational control over business-critical infrastructure. These transactions have proven to be compelling in the right circumstances to unlock significant value. This article is authored by Alex Gorka, a partner in Osler’s Corporate practice and Co-Chair of the Mergers and Acquisitions Group, ...

In this article — “Privacy and data-related law reform to continue in 2025” — we discuss the significant reform of privacy legislation at the federal and provincial levels in Canada. Key topics include enhanced enforcement regimes, new requirements for compliance, and internal governance mechanisms for businesses. This article is authored by Adam Kardash, Co-Chair and partner with Osler’s Privacy and Data Management Group, partner Joanna Fine and associates Maryna Polataiko and Andy Nagy. Osl...