Business
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January 08, 2026
SCC’s dual approach to arbitration: Competitive advantage or hidden risk?
The Supreme Court of Canada has never agreed to review an arbitral-related judicial decision after a provincial appellate court has made its ruling. While the SCC is willing to shape the law of arbitration agreements, it has dismissed leave applications in cases primarily focused on reviewing an arbitral award. This difference is quite notable.
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January 08, 2026
An update on copyright, industrial design and breach of confidence developments in 2025, part two
The past year has brought a wave of developments in copyright, industrial design and breach of confidence law, driven in part by the rapid evolution of generative AI and shifting regulatory landscapes. This is the second part of a two-part series of notable decisions, legislative trends and policy shifts shaping this environment in 2025.
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January 08, 2026
Top Ontario employment law decisions of 2025, part two
2025 was another eventful year in employment law. As with previous years, the enforceability of termination clauses continued to dominate courts’ time, but a more balanced approach to these clauses emerged this past year. We also saw our courts address the duty to mitigate, pre-employment inducement and, right before the holidays, claw back clauses, giving those practising in this area clear guidance on these issues. The following is part two of the top Ontario employment law decisions of 2025.
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January 08, 2026
Camelot, Marilyn and the mirage of proof: A journalist’s blunder as blueprint for honest lawyering
Over the holiday break, I had the pleasure of watching the Netflix documentary Cover-Up, which explores the life and career of legendary investigative journalist and author Seymour Hersh. Hersh is known for exposing truths behind government veils. In this documentary, he is portrayed as a somewhat mercurial character, but nonetheless his deeply rooted humanity shows through.
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January 07, 2026
B.C. Court of Appeal overturns $12M intermediary fee in cattle ranch deal
The B.C. Court of Appeal has overturned a $12-million award to an intermediary in a cattle ranch acquisition, ruling that while the parties agreed on services and other terms, the absence of agreement on price defeated enforcement of an alleged oral contract.
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January 07, 2026
McCarthy Tétrault announces 2026 partners
McCarthy Tétrault LLP has welcomed eight new equity partners and 16 new income partners, effective Jan. 1, 2026, according to the firm.
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January 07, 2026
B.C. establishes restricted insurance agency licensing framework
On Dec. 18, 2025, the Government of British Columbia introduced the long-anticipated Restricted Insurance Agent Licence Regulation (Regulation). The Regulation establishes a restricted licensing framework (framework) for businesses that sell ancillary insurance products incidental to their primary business activities, such as add-on insurance offered in connection with the sale or rental of vehicles or electronics.
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January 07, 2026
SECURITIES COMMISSIONS - Investigations and examinations
Appeal by Binance Holdings Limited from investigation decisions by the Ontario Securities Commission and the Divisional Court. The Commission launched an investigation into Binance’s business relating to alleged violations of the Securities Act, which included trading in securities without registration or exemption.
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January 07, 2026
An update on copyright, industrial design and breach of confidence developments in 2025
The past year has brought a wave of developments in copyright, industrial design and breach of confidence law, driven in part by the rapid evolution of generative AI and shifting regulatory landscapes. This update highlights notable decisions, legislative trends and policy shifts shaping this environment in 2025.
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January 07, 2026
Creating competitors: Trump’s regime changes in Canada and Venezuela
Recent press coverage of the capture of Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro, and his replacement with Delcy Rodríguez has been a case of fanciful explanations chasing very few facts. The administration has been of little help with its recent endorsement of Maduro’s second-in-command as the new leader of Venezuela.