Regulatory

At Blakes, our regulatory lawyers work with clients to successfully navigate the complex spectrum of Canadian regulations with a view to advancing our clients' business objectives. With a finger on the pulse of cutting-edge developments, our team advises clients on all areas of regulatory policy, from artificial intelligence to environmental, social and governance.

Our subject matter experts work together as an integrated team to identify and navigate the web of regulatory frameworks that may apply to a deal, project, commercial agreement or dispute, while staying focused on achieving our client's overall goals. Unpacking sector nuances and competing regulatory regimes, we determine how schemes connect and affect each other. Our multidisciplinary approach allows us to examine issues from multiple perspectives, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.

We have developed deep sector-specific knowledge in heavily regulated industries such as financial services, energy, mining, life sciences and communications to steer clients through ever-changing regulatory developments.

Our regulatory lawyers offer unparalleled expertise and practical advice on matters including:

Transactions – We advise on the regulatory aspects of the most significant M&A transactions in Canada, including representing clients before the Canadian Competition Bureau, securities regulators, cabinet ministers with statutory approval powers and other regulatory authorities.
Project Development - Blakes lawyers are at the forefront of major projects across the country, including energy, mining, power and infrastructure developments. Our lawyers help clients navigate regulatory matters throughout all stages of a project, including complex areas such as environmental and Indigenous law.
Regulatory Compliance – We assess regulatory risk and develop risk management, corporate governance and compliance strategies to meet our clients’ needs.
Responding to New or Proposed Regulatory Frameworks – We work with clients in established and disruptive industries to help them get ahead of regulatory changes by participating in formal consultations, becoming active in the parliamentary or legislative committee process, or otherwise developing strategies to help shape regulatory frameworks. We advise on the full spectrum of rules and strategic considerations for clients who deal with the public sector.
Regulatory Proceedings and Enforcement - Our litigators represent clients before all levels of courts and tribunals on regulatory disputes, including those involving agencies and government departments. This includes helping clients handle permit refusals by regulators, as well as challengers by other parties. Our expertise covers specialized areas such as judicial review, securities litigation, business crimes, investigations and compliance, and product liability.

Our sector-focused lawyers possess extensive regulatory knowledge and a proven track record of practical results. With several former regulators and senior public office holders among our ranks, we provide invaluable firsthand industry insight across key sectors. Our multidisciplinary regulatory lawyers collaborate closely to provide cohesive solutions to complex regulatory issues. To find out more, visit the pages below.

Practices

Sectors

Recent Experience

Royal Bank of Canada on its C$13.5-billion acquisition of HSBC Bank Canada.
Secure Energy Services Inc. on its C$2.3-billion enterprise value merger with Tervita Corporation before the Competition Bureau, Competition Tribunal and Federal Court of Appeal.
PKM Canada North 40 Limited Partnership (Pembina) in its dispute with CNOOC Marketing Canada before the Canada Energy Regulator regarding access to certain federally regulated oil storage facilities that are part of the Trans Mountain Pipeline ULC pipeline system.
Suncor Energy Inc. in its intervention before the Canada Energy Regulator regarding Enbridge’s application to convert its mainline to contract carriage.
National Hockey League Enterprises as its Canadian regulatory advisor on broadcasting and media matters concerning the distribution of its programming in Canada and its interest in the NHL Network. Also represented the NHL in CRTC proceedings in relation to regulatory treatment of new media.
A major multinational food manufacturer on the successful relaunch of most of its food products, including comparative claims on label, in print, on television and online to promote newly reformulated products. This file included negotiation with Advertising Standards Canada to pre-clear broadcast ads.
The acquisition of a heavily regulated military goods business, including trade-related due diligence and compliance advice in connection with the Controlled Goods Program under the Defence Production Act, the Export and Import Permits Act and the Chemical Weapons Convention Implementation Act.
Seven Leaf Medical Cannabis, Canada’s first Indigenous-owned and operated producer of medical cannabis licensed by Health Canada, on First Nation taxation issues and regulatory issues relating to the establishment of a medical cannabis production facility located on a First Nation reserve.
An international investment bank in an Ontario Securities Commission regulatory investigation probing alleged negligence regarding securities offerings of an Ontario public issuer.
Smucker Foods of Canada Corp., providing ongoing legal advice on food regulatory, marketing and advertising matters.
Multinational pharmaceutical, medical device, cannabis and vaping companies on regulatory issues including importation, licensing, product recalls and safety concerns, and the promotion and sale of products.
Leading companies in the financial services, pharmaceutical, professional services, energy, media and technology sectors on lobbying compliance matters.