Osler Legal Outlook

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 ...

In this article — “Canada’s EV ecosystem recalibration” — we discuss how the outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential election set the stage for significant EV sector policy changes in 2025. Canadian federal and provincial approaches for the industry also have shifted. These developments have introduced complexity for those seeking to engage in long-term planning.

This article is authored by Michael Fekete, a partner in Osler’s Technol...

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 Rebe...

In this article — “Evolving consumer protection laws will affect suppliers” — we discuss how legislative consumer protection reform will introduce new requirements and restrictions for consumer-facing suppliers. These suppliers should expect many new compliance burdens in 2026 and should take steps now to prepare.

This article is authored by Dominic Mochrie, a partner in Osler’s Franchise and Distribution Group, Christine Jackson, a...

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...

In this article – “Powering AI: Canada’s evolving electricity grid connection policies” — we discuss the challenges that AI is creating for Canada’s electricity systems and the new policy frameworks key provinces are developing in response.

This article is authored by Richard Wong, partner in the Commercial and Energy Groups and Co-Chair of the National Construction and Infrastructure Group, along with associates Cole Tavener, Const...

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 ...

In this article — “How 2025 rewrote the rules of corporate governance for 2026 and beyond” — we review developments in Canadian corporate governance in 2025, particularly in relation to diversity and sustainability-related initiatives and disclosure. For 2026 the emphasis will be on carefully planned stakeholder communications to help mitigate risk while reinforcing a company’s strategic narrative.

This article is authored by John V...

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 ...

In this article – “Search funds in Canada: navigating cross-border challenges” — we examine the issues investors and searchers should consider when establishing search funds in Canada and offer guidance in the face of structural and tax inefficiencies inherent in following the U.S. model. 

This article is authored by partners Raphaël Amram in Osler’s Corporate Group, Chima Ubani, Emerging and High Growth Companies and Chair, Venture...

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.

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In this article — “Building Canada: advancing national priorities and projects” — we discuss how the Building Canada Act is expected to provide greater project development certainty and efficiency. There are both benefits and risks associated with this process, which proponents will want to weigh when determining whether to seek to take advantage of the new framework.

This article is authored by Maureen Killoran, KC, Osler’s Nationa...

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 i...

In this article – “Hot topics in financial services M&A” — we explore Canadian and global market trends in the financial services sector.

This article is authored by Ricco Bhasin, a partner in Osler’s Corporate Group and Co-Chair, Financial Institution Transactions, and Elizabeth Sale, a partner in the Financial Services Group.

Osler Legal Outlook is brought to you by Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP. Osler is a leading, national...

In this article – “Presenting our legal outlook” — the highlights covered here are further explored in the 23 articles that make up this report.

This article is authored by James Brown, a partner in the Corporate Group and Co-Chair of the Mining Group, and Jacqueline Code, Chair of the Research Department at Osler’s Toronto office.

Osler Legal Outlook is brought to you by Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP. Osler is a leading, national...

In this article – “Beyond tariffs: compliance implications of shifting U.S. trade relations” — we discuss how Canadian businesses, particularly those operating internationally or in industries targeted by executive orders, should continue to expect heightened scrutiny from U.S. authorities as it continues to focus on enforcement against foreign entities.

This article is authored by members of the Disputes Group: Lawrence Ritchie, pa...

In this article – “Canada’s crypto realignment: focus on stablecoins and global tax transparency” — we examine the substantial changes to cryptocurrency regulation in Canada in 2025, with securities regulators and financial authorities introducing support for stable coins, as well as the impending legislation that will demand new levels of transparency from market participants.

This article is authored by Matthew Burgoyne, partner i...

In this article — “From AML to AI: regulatory developments in the financial services landscape” — the authors discuss the increasingly complex regulatory environment for Canada’s financial services sector, including enhanced enforcement activity, risk management around the integration of artificial intelligence, machine learning and other technologies, pathways to participation in the Real-Time Rail payments system, stablecoin adop...

In this article — “Shareholder activism in Canada: trends and outlook for coming years” — the authors examine the recent increase of shareholder activism targeting board composition and company leadership, the attitudes of Canadian securities regulators toward intervention, and how issuers and shareholders can calibrate their strategies to align with regulatory expectations and investor priorities.

This article is authored by Teresa...