


Administrative & Public Law
Across sectors, there are times when organizations require the approval of various Canadian administrative agencies and tribunals in order to further their mandates. When a stamp of approval is required, McMillan’s administrative lawyers combine a deep understanding of Canadian administrative law with a strong recognition of our clients’ business objectives and stand ready to pursue litigation when the need arises.
Our litigation lawyers have represented clients before a wide range of administrative tribunals, including the Environmental Appeal Board, Labour Relations Boards, Information and Privacy Commissioners, the Natural Resources Conservation Board, the Trademarks Opposition Board, the Competition Tribunal, and others. Should an administrative agency and tribunal act outside their scope of authority — either unconstitutionally or unfairly — we seek relief for our clients via judicial review. In the face of challenging government action, McMillan’s Litigation Group has appeared before all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada.
Our expertise is not limited to representing private-sector clients before administrative bodies. Our lawyers also act on behalf of governmental agencies and statutory decision-makers, advising them on points of administrative law and legal strategies to defend their interests.
McMillan professionals help clients lead by: appearing on their behalf before administrative tribunals; arguing judicial review applications and appeals of administrative decisions; providing advice on intellectual property issues; negotiating with tribunal officials; advising on the law and prospective legislative changes; dealing with expropriations and related matters.
Primary Contacts
View All ContactsInsights (44 Posts)
Settlement Counsel – valuable addition to the dispute-resolution toolkit
Settlement Counsel is litigation counsel engaged for the sole purpose of resolving a dispute or settling a case.
Read More
Mar 28, 2023
×
Canada Will Introduce A Foreign Influence Transparency Registry – Government of Canada Opens Consultations on the Registry Thru May 9, 2023
Public Safety Canada, the federal department responsible for national security announced consultations on a foreign influence transparency registry.
Read More
Mar 10, 2023
×
One Year On: Economic Sanctions Have Become a Primary Tool of Canadian Foreign Policy and New Russian Sanctions are Imposed
Canada continues to impose sanctions against additional countries, including Sri Lanka, Haiti, and Myanmar, and joins the G7 Enforcement Coordination Mechanism.
Read More
Mar 1, 2023
×
Broadening the Environmental Enforcement Toolkit: Ontario Expands Administrative Monetary Penalty Regime for Environmental Violations
Ontario is broadening its existing administrative monetary penalties (AMPs) regime for environmental violations.
Read More
Feb 28, 2023
×
Clear as Mud: The Legal Implications of Land Use Planning in Yukon
A January 31, 2023 decision of the Yukon Supreme Court has raised serious questions about how permitting decisions will be affected.
Read More
Feb 13, 2023
×
Just the Facts Please! A Discussion of Limitation Periods for Environmental Claims
This Bulletin considers how limitation periods apply to environmental claims in Ontario and how to reduce the risk of missing one.
Read More
Feb 2, 2023
×
Quebec Superior Court Orders That Corporations Must Provide Information to Police – Even Where Data Stored Abroad
The Quebec Superior Court rules the American companies may have to produce documents stored abroad to aid in Canadian criminal investigations.
Read More
Jan 24, 2023
×
Sanctions Pivot: Canada Seeks Forfeiture of Russian-Owned Assets to Fund Reconstruction of Ukraine and Adds Oil Price-Cap Restrictions
Canada, in a first for G7 states, seeks seizure & forfeiture of sanctioned oligarch's assets for use in compensation & reconstruction of Ukraine.
Read More
Dec 22, 2022
×
Modernization of the Investment Canada Act is Underway
The Canadian federal government introduced Bill C-34, An Act to Amend the Investment Canada Act, to modernize Canada’s national security regime.
Read More
Dec 12, 2022
×
Supreme Court of Canada Hits Pause Button on Double Royalties Payable by Online Music Service Users
The Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the Copyright Act does not require online music service providers to pay two separate royalties to access works online.
Read More
Nov 2, 2022
×
Are First Nation Shared Decision-Making and Collaboration Agreements Being Used Illegally?
What do non-treaty agreements mean for people or companies that may be affected by them.
Read More
Aug 9, 2022
×
Jurisdictional Battle Over The Environment Continues – Canada’s Impact Assessment Legislation Found Unconstitutional
On May 10, 2022, the Alberta Court of Appeal ruled that the federal Impact Assessment Act and related Physical Activities Regulations are unconstitutional.
Read More
May 25, 2022
×
What is the Capital Markets Tribunal?
This article provides further information about the new Capital Markets Tribunal.
Read More
May 5, 2022
×
Confidentiality of Compelled Testimony is Affirmed by the Ontario Securities Commission
Compelled testimony provided to the OSC is confidential. But what happens when Commission Staff discloses testimony without complying with the Securities Act?
Read More
Apr 21, 2022
×
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
Read More
Dec 21, 2021
×
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.
Read More
Oct 25, 2021
×
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
Read More
Sep 13, 2021
×
Masters and Clergy – Is the Clergy “Principle” No More?
An overview of a recent Ontario Divisional Court decision which weighs in on the legal status of the Clergy Principle.
Read More
Jul 7, 2021
×
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.
Read More
Jun 25, 2021
×
The LPAT and the New “Ontario Land Tribunals” Cluster
The New Ontario Land Tribunals Cluster and moving forward with hearings at the LPAT.
Read More
Jul 6, 2020
×
COVID-19: July 6th Update on the Impacts to Development Applications and Hearings
Status update (July 6, 2020) re: land use planning and municipal response to COVID-19 in Ontario; processing
applications, appeals, and municipal closures.
Read More
Jul 6, 2020
×
COVID-19: May 13th Update on the Impacts to Development Applications and Hearings
Status update (May 13, 2020) re: land use planning and municipal response to COVID-19 in Ontario; processing applications, appeals, and municipal closures.
Read More
May 13, 2020
×
COVID-19: April 22nd Update on the Impacts to Development Applications and Hearings
Status update (April 22, 2020) re: land use planning and municipal response to COVID-19 in Ontario; processing applications, appeals, and municipal closures.
Read More
Apr 22, 2020
×
COVID-19: April 15th Update on the Impacts to Development Applications and Hearings
Status update (April 15, 2020) re: land use planning and municipal response to COVID-19 in Ontario; processing applications, appeals, and municipal closures.
Read More
Apr 15, 2020
×
COVID-19: April 7th Update on the Impacts to Development Applications and Hearings
Read More
Apr 7, 2020
×
COVID-19: March 30th Update on the Impacts to Development Applications and Hearings
Status update (March 30, 2020) re: land use planning and municipal response to COVID-19 in Ontario; processing applications, appeals, and municipal closures.
Read More
Mar 30, 2020
×
COVID-19: “Essential” Information About the Consequences of Continuing to Operate a “Non-Essential Business” in Ontario and Québec
An outline of the potential consequences to continuing to operate a business ordered to close by the governments of Quebec and Ontario.
Read More
Mar 25, 2020
×
COVID-19: What is the Impact on Development Applications and Hearings?
Status update re: the land use planning and municipal response to COVID-19 in Ontario; processing applications, appeals, and municipal closures.
Read More
Mar 23, 2020
×
Amendments to the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 and Marine Liability Act
On December 13, 2018, Bill C-86, A second Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on February 27, 2018 and other measures, otherwise known as the Budget Implementation Act was given royal assent.
Read More
Feb 13, 2019
×
SCC Supports LGBTQ Students In Balancing Religious Freedoms and Statutory Mandates
June 15, 2018, Supreme Court upheld the Ontario and British Columbia Law Societies' decisions to deny accreditation to TWU's proposed law school, a 7-2 decision
Read More
Aug 1, 2018
×
SCC Says Judges Have No Business Reviewing Decisions of Voluntary Associations
The recent Supreme Court of Canada decision in Highwood Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses (Judicial Committee) v. Wall[1] holds that judges have no business
Read More
Jun 15, 2018
×
Bill C-49: Some Welcome Improvements to Rail Service Level Arbitration
Bill C-49: Some Welcome Improvements to Rail Service Level Arbitration
Read More
Jun 13, 2017
×
Bill C-49: Government of Canada Proposes to Amend the Canada Transportation Act
Bill C-49: Government of Canada Proposes to Amend the Canada Transportation Act
Read More
May 16, 2017
×
Standard of Review Reform: Maybe Another Time?
Standard of Review Reform: Maybe Another Time?
Read More
Oct 13, 2016
×
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
Read More
Apr 6, 2016
×
Judicial Review “Through the Looking Glass”: Issue-By-Issue Analysis
Judicial Review "Through the Looking Glass": Issue-By-Issue Analysis
Read More
Feb 22, 2016
×
The Persian Conversion: New rules for doing business in Iran
The Persian Conversion: New rules for doing business in Iran
Read More
Feb 9, 2016
×
Updated – Bill 73: Smart Growth for Our Communities Act, 2015
Updated - Bill 73: Smart Growth for Our Communities Act, 2015
Read More
Jan 18, 2016
×
Equitable Remedies at Tribunals? Only if Statutory
Equitable Remedies at Tribunals? Only if Statutory
Read More
Jul 22, 2015
×
Bill 73: Smart Growth for Our Communities Act, 2015
Bill 73: Smart Growth for Our Communities Act, 2015
Read More
Jul 18, 2015
×
The Emaciation of Ontario’s Labour Relations Board and Human Rights Tribunal
The Emaciation of Ontario's Labour Relations Board and Human Rights Tribunal
Read More
Jun 25, 2015
×
Bill 73: Smart Growth for Our Communities Act, 2015
Bill 73: Smart Growth for Our Communities Act, 2015
Read More
Jun 18, 2015
×
What Fair is Fair? The Duty of Fairness Owed to RFP Proponents
What Fair is Fair? The Duty of Fairness Owed to RFP Proponents
Read More
Jun 9, 2015
×
Subscribe for updates
Get updates delivered right to your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Our website uses cookies that are necessary for site navigation, user input, and security purposes. By continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies as described in our Cookie Policy.
Manage consent
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.