


Government & Public Policy
McMillan’s Government and Public Policy team is a recognized leader in government relations and public policy issues, with well-established relationships with key decision makers throughout Canada’s federal, provincial and municipal governments. Our clients benefit, in particular, from our strategic partnership with McMillan Vantage, who deliver targeted and comprehensive government and public relations services. It is a full-service, national public affairs firm and the only such consultancy anchored in a national law firm. Collectively, our experienced team offers government relations counsel, policy and regulatory analysis, and strategic communications services to Canadian and international clients.
Through McMillan Vantage, our lawyers help clients manage risks and maximize opportunities in an increasingly competitive and public marketplace of ideas, policies and corporate strategies. We regularly advise corporations, agencies, non-governmental organizations, associations and governments on government relations and public policy issues. We have initiated legislative changes in key areas of governmental activity including taxation, competition law, business law and the regulation of foreign investment.
McMillan’s Government and Public Policy team is focused on facilitating mutually beneficial relationships between governments’ regulatory activities and the interests of our clients. We support clients by:
- Keeping them abreast of legislative developments that could impact their businesses;
- Assisting in the preparation of submissions with respect to legislation;
- Preparing them for public consultations;
- Assisting with the selection of third-party consultants, such as public relations firms and lobbyists;
- Assisting with public policy research and analysis;
- Advising on lobbyist registration, lobbying compliance and ethical obligations at the federal, provincial, territorial and municipal level;
- Advising on election law compliance at all levels of government, including advertising and political financing rules;
- Providing guidance on issues relating to conflict of interest and anti-corruption;
- Representing corporations, other organizations and executives at all stages of investigations, enforcement proceedings and prosecutions for political and integrity law offences.
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Insights (67 Posts)
Elections and the Workplace: Know Your Rights and Obligations
Coverage of the 2022 Ontario provincial election discussing the Election Act, employer obligations with respect to voting, and employee political activities.
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Apr 21, 2022
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Get With the Program: Third Parties and Political Advertising
Coverage of the 2022 Ontario provincial election discussing the Election Finances Act, third parties, and rules concerning political advertising.
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Apr 21, 2022
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Show Me the Money: Contributions and Doing Business During an Ontario Election
Coverage of the 2022 Ontario provincial election discussing the Election Finances Act, contributions, and rules concerning business during an election.
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Apr 21, 2022
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Lobbying 101: Everything You Need to Know During the Ontario 2022 Election
Coverage of the 2022 Ontario provincial election for lobbyists, government relations professionals, political parties, and grassroots organizations.
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Apr 21, 2022
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Budget 2022 Amends Legislation to Tackle Unfairly Traded Imports
Changes announced in Budget 2022 make it easier for Canadian producers to tackle unfairly traded imports.
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Apr 13, 2022
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Plan for the Ban: Canada Joins UN Countries in World’s First Global Plastic Pollution Treaty
Planning for the World’s First Global Plastic Pollution Treaty
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Mar 30, 2022
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Ontario Proposes to Postpone Implementation of Phase Two of the Excess Soil Regulation
Ministry proposes to delay implementation of Phase 2 of On-Site and Excess Soil Management Regulation from Jan. 1, 2022 to Jan. 1, 2023.
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Mar 15, 2022
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Canada Issues Policy Statement on Investments Linked to Russia under the Investment Canada Act
Investments by Russian investors will be subject to enhanced scrutiny and prolonged timelines.
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Mar 9, 2022
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Wind-up and Hang-up: China Mobile’s Motion to stay an ICA Order Pending Judicial Review Dismissed
Analyzing updates from an Investment Canada Act national security review case to provide key insights to investors into Canada.
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Jan 10, 2022
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Update re: Adoption & Passing of City of Toronto Inclusionary Zoning Policy
An overview of the most recent updates to the Adoption & Passing of City of Toronto Inclusionary Zoning Policy
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Dec 21, 2021
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Canada Enters Into Free Trade Negotiations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
Canada recently announced it will proceed with free trade agreement negotiations with ASEAN member countries, expanding opportunity for trade and investment.
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Nov 30, 2021
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New Municipal Tax Recovery, Similar Problems: Alberta’s Bill 77
Bill 77 promises new municipal tax recovery powers for Albertan municipalities, but has some drawbacks that may hinder its effect.
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Nov 24, 2021
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Privacy Commissioner Releases More Guidance for Video Teleconferencing Companies
Video teleconferencing companies face unique cybersecurity and data privacy risks. The OPC has new guidance on how these companies can best address them.
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Nov 3, 2021
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Making a Lot out of a Little – Laneway Housing a Niche Market Opportunity for Municipalities, Property Owners, Real Estate Developers and Investors
An overview of laneway suites / housing as means of adding to housing stock in Toronto and beyond.
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Oct 25, 2021
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Addressing Unique Challenges Faced by Federally Regulated Employers
Federally regulated employers have had to adapt to a number of legal changes and challenges in recent years. This virtual workshop will focus on how to address some of the unique challenges faced by federally regulated employers.
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Tuesday, November 2, 2021
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China’s Arduous Path to CPTPP Accession – A Myriad of Obstacles with an Improbable Outcome
On September 16, 2021, China submitted its request to accede to the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (“CPTPP”).
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Oct 13, 2021
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Can Canada and China still learn from each other? Balancing Research Partnerships, National Security and Economic Competitiveness
In this webinar, we will explore how international research partnerships have become tangled in the complex web of national security and economic competitiveness.
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Monday, October 18, 2021
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Divisional Court confirms Environmental Significance of Ministerial Zoning Orders and Importance of Consultation under the Environmental Bill of Rights, 1993
Review of Divisional Court decision: Ontario’s compliance with Environmental Bill of Rights in passing Bill 197, particularly re: Ministerial Zoning Orders
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Sep 13, 2021
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Federal Government Launches Consultations on Remedies Against Low-Priced Imports
A review of the stakeholder engagement process for proposed amendments to the Special Import Measures Act and the Canadian International Trade Tribunal Act
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Sep 13, 2021
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“Time Machine or Cash Machine?”: Federal Procurement Basics #3 (Compensation and other Remedies)
A review of the remedies in a federal procurement complaint to the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT)
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Aug 18, 2021
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Canadians Heading to the Polls in a Federal Election. Is your Business Ready to Comply with the Canada Elections Act and Lobbying Act during the Campaign?
During the election period, for profit and non-profit companies and charities need to be aware of their Canada Elections Act and Lobbying Act obligations.
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Aug 16, 2021
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Ontario’s Lobbying Watchdog Wants Stronger, Clearer, Lobbyists Registration Act
Ontario's lobbying czar wants changes made to Ontario's lobbying law that will capture more activity and require more corporations and non-profits to comply.
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Aug 10, 2021
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Changes on the Menu: Canadian Food Inspection Agency Publishes Consultation Report on Proposed Guidelines for Simulated Meat and Poultry Products
This Bulletin discusses feedback on the CFIA’s proposed new guidelines for plant-based meat and poultry, what could be changing and what the CFIA is doing next.
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Jul 20, 2021
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City of Toronto’s Current Municipal Comprehensive Review Process
An overview of the City of Toronto's current Municipal Comprehensive Review Process; Request for Employment Land Conversion under the City's Official Plan
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Jul 14, 2021
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Canada’s new mandatory 100% ZEV target is a rapid charge forward.
What we think this announcement means for OEMs, Canadian industry, and more
Canada has announced a mandatory 2035 target for 100% ZEV sales. McMillan and McMillan Vantage Policy Group share what this may mean for OEMs, industry and more.
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Jul 12, 2021
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Impending Implementation of Ontario’s Inclusionary Zoning Regime in Toronto and the GTA
An overview of inclusionary zoning policies and their impending implementation in Toronto and the GTA.
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Jun 25, 2021
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ICMA Green Bond Principles Undergo Minor Facelift
Legal news bulletin discussing recent changes to ICMA Green Bond Principles.
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Jun 17, 2021
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Will BC’s UNDRIP action plan create compliance challenges under the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the UK Bribery Act or the Criminal Code of Canada?
Will BC’s UNDRIP action plan create compliance challenges under the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the UK Bribery Act Criminal Code of Canada?
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Jun 15, 2021
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Federal Procurement Basics #2: The Many Grounds for Federal Procurement Challenges: A ‘Keeping It Simple’ Summary
A review of the grounds for filing a federal procurement complaint to the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT)
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Jun 1, 2021
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Charging Ahead: Alberta and Saskatchewan Joining Forces with Ontario and New Brunswick on Small Modular Reactors
Update on developments in nuclear energy and small modular nuclear reactors in Canada, including the memorandum of understanding that was recently signed.
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May 26, 2021
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BILL 96 – Top 10 Impacts of the Revised Charter of the French Language on your Business and When to Expect Implementation of Such Revisions
Changes to Québec’s language laws are coming. Here is a top ten list of potential impacts, and the likely timeline and process for adoption.
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May 19, 2021
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Federal Procurement Update #1: Filing a Complaint at the Canadian International Trade Tribunal: A Sprint Rather than a Marathon
A review of when and how to file a federal procurement complaint to the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT)
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May 5, 2021
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Is COVID-19 Government Assistance No Strings? No Way! All Lobbyists Have Reporting Requirements
Applying for and/or receiving COVID-19 financial assistance creates reporting obligations for all lobbyists. Have you updated your lobbyist registration lately?
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Apr 19, 2021
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Canadian Government Expands National Security Guidance
On March 24, 2021, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry announced that the government updated its National Security Guidelines.
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Mar 25, 2021
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Lobbying Reform Déjà Vu? Canada’s Commissioner of Lobbying Recommends Heightened Obligations for Lobbyists Once Again
Canada’s Commissioner of Lobbying Submits Preliminary Recommendations to House of Commons Committee on federal Lobbying Act reform.
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Mar 19, 2021
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Canada Updates Official Terrorist Entities List – What It Means for Your Business
The Canadian government has placed the Proud boys on the list of terrorist entities. This announcement has certain key implications for Canadian companies.
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Feb 23, 2021
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Canada’s Transport Minister Approves Air Transat’s Take-Over by Air Canada
In a long-awaited decision, Canada’s newly appointed Transport Minister approved Air Canada’s acquisition of rival Transat on public interest grounds
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Feb 22, 2021
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Emerging Competition & Data Privacy Issues for Real Estate Organizations
Changes to Canada’s privacy laws, developments with low-commission brokerages and changes to short-term rental regulations will impact real estate associations.
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Feb 2, 2021
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The Quick and Dirty on Ontario’s New Excess Soil Regulations
A concise summary of Ontario's new excess soil regulation (O.Reg 406/19) and key takeaways for affected parties.
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Jan 25, 2021
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Deferred Prosecution Agreements: The Continued Use of DPAs in the Antitrust Sphere in the United States
In this bulletin, we discuss the deferred prosecution agreement recently entered into by Argos USA LLC with the United States Department of Justice.
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Jan 19, 2021
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Do Not Go Directly to Jail – Just Yet Anyway: Competition Bureau Confirms its View that Buy-Side Agreements between Competitors are not Criminally Unlawful
On November 27, 2020, the Competition Bureau clarified its view that the criminal cartel provisions of the Competition Act do not apply to buy-side agreements.
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Nov 30, 2020
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COVID-19: July 22nd Update on the Impacts to Development Applications and Hearings
Status update (July 22, 2020) re: land use planning and municipal response to COVID-19 in Ontario; processing applications, appeals, and municipal closures.
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Jul 22, 2020
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Government Proposes Fundamental Changes to the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
This article provides a detailed analysis of the proposed changes to the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy announced by the Government on July 17, 2020.
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Jul 21, 2020
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Alberta’s Recovery Plan: Invest Alberta and the Invest Alberta Corporation
Overview of Alberta's Recovery Plan announced June 29, 2020 and the new Invest Alberta
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Jul 8, 2020
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Project Management Amid COVID-19 – The Triage
Best practices for construction project management during the COVID-19 pandemic, and other force majeure circumstances.
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Apr 8, 2020
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Book Launch Event | Public-Private Partnerships in Canada: Law, Policy and Value for Money
Tim Murphy will discuss his journey and key moments throughout the writing process. The event will feature special guest Hon. Monte McNaughton, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure.
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June 19, 2019 - 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm EST
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Ontario Proposes Major Changes to the Employment Standards Act, 2000
On October 23, 2018, the Government of Ontario has put forward legislation, titled the Making Ontario Open for Business Act, 2018 (Bill 47)
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Oct 26, 2018
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Ontario to Make Major Changes to Employment and Labour Standards through the Making Ontario Open for Business Act
The Government of Ontario today introduced legislation to repeal several changes to the province's employment and labour standards legislation made through Bill 148.
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Oct 23, 2018
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Ontario’s New Cabinet Revealed
On Friday, June 29, 2018, Ontario's new government was sworn in. Who are the new players and what will they bring to their new roles?
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Jul 16, 2018
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What the new Doug Ford Government means for the Energy Sector – A detailed analysis
With a new provincial government now in control of Ontario's policy landscape, we are pleased to provide insight into what lies ahead for the Energy sector.
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Jul 4, 2018
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Ontario Welcomes New Cabinet – Expect Quick Action
On June 29, 2018, Ontario welcomed a new Premier, a new Provincial Government and a new Cabinet.
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Jun 30, 2018
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Navigating Change: Post Election Insights
McMillan LLP and McMillan Vantage Policy Group invite you to our ‘Post-Election Insights’ event. Our panel of government relations experts have deep political knowledge and first-hand experience with the campaigns.
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June 20, 2018 - 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM
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Canada’s Use of its National Security Power
The Government of Canada's decision to reject the proposed acquisition of Aecon, a major Canadian construction services firm, by China Communications
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Jun 1, 2018
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BC excavator’s court case takes a dig at municipal procurement policies undermined by the CFTA & CETA
Is the use of reprisal clauses (also called litigation exclusion provisions) in municipal procurement policies and tender documents about to hit rock bottom?
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Mar 21, 2018
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A Thunderbolt Decision on Métis Rights:Daniels v Canada (Indian Affairs and Northern Development)[1]
A Thunderbolt Decision on Métis Rights: Daniels v Canada (Indian Affairs and Northern Development)1
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Apr 28, 2016
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Delivery Like It’s 1999: Ontario Proposes Update to Franchise Disclosure Law
Delivery Like It's 1999: Ontario Proposes Update to Franchise Disclosure Law
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Apr 26, 2016
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In this Great Future, You Can’t Forget Your Past – Update to the Government of Canada’s Integrity Regime Provides Clarity, Includes General Anti-Avoidance Provisions
In this Great Future, You Cant Forget Your Past – Update to the Government of Canadas Integrity Regime Provides Clarity, Includes General Anti-Avoidance Provisions
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Apr 6, 2016
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Lexpert Seminar Toronto – Managing Regulatory Risks: Compliance, Inspections and Investigations
Our expert faculty will provide their "lessons learned" and best practices for general counsel, in-house lawyers, compliance and risk management professionals dealing with these everyday challenges.
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December 2, 2015 - 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
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For Better or Worse? Canada Updates Procurement Integrity Regime
Canadas Updated Procurement Integrity Regime: Equal Parts Déjà Vu and New
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Aug 4, 2015
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Update: Safe and Accountable Rail Act Receives Royal Assent
Update: Safe and Accountable Rail Act Receives Royal Assent
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Jun 27, 2015
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Ontario Announces Major Plans for the Ontario Electricity Market and Creates Infrastructure Opportunities
Ontario Announces Major Plans for the Ontario Electricity Market and Creates Infrastructure Opportunities
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Apr 21, 2015
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Update: Government of Canada Proposes to Change Federal Railway Liability Regime
Update: Government of Canada Proposes to Change Federal Railway Liability Regime
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Feb 28, 2015
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Update: Government of Canada Proposes to Change Federal Railway Liability Regime
Update: Government of Canada Proposes to Change Federal Railway Liability Regime
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Feb 28, 2015
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Update: Government of Canada Proposes to Change Federal Railway Liability Regime
Update: Government of Canada Proposes to Change Federal Railway Liability Regime
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Feb 28, 2015
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UPDATED: Canada Expands Economic Sanctions and Targets Russian Energy Sector
UPDATED: Canada Expands Economic Sanctions and Targets Russian Energy Sector
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Feb 21, 2015
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Staying Out of the Crosshairs – Keeping On Top of Russia Related Economic Sanctions
Staying Out of the Crosshairs – Keeping On Top of Russia Related Economic Sanctions
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Nov 21, 2014
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Alderville Solar Project Reaches Financial Close
Alderville Solar Project Reaches Financial Close
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May 13, 2013
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