Education

University of King's College and Dalhousie University, BA (Hons., Contemporary Studies and Political Science), 2005, First Class Honours  University of Oxford, MSt (Oriental Studies – Islamic Law and Modern Middle Eastern History), 2008, with distinction  University of Toronto, JD, 2011 

Bar Admissions

Ontario, 2012

Sabrina A. Bandali

Partner

T: 416.777.4838 / E: bandalis@bennettjones.com

Toronto

Sabrina A. Bandali helps Canadian and international clients navigate a broad range of international trade and investment law issues. She provides strategic advice related to free trade and investment protection agreements, customs law, foreign corrupt practices, economic sanctions, export controls, trade remedies, supply chain/forced labour and international disputes, including investment treaty arbitration. She represents clients in a broad range of industries, including manufacturing, technology, consumer products, retail/fashion, life sciences, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals and agriculture.

Sabrina is a tenacious advocate for her clients. She has litigated matters before ad hoc international arbitration tribunals, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal, the Federal Court of Appeal, the Ontario Court of Appeal and the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (including the Commercial List). She represents clients in trade verifications, trade remedy disputes and appeals of customs valuation, tariff classification, and origin decisions by the Canada Border Services Agency.

As part of her advisory practice, Sabrina helps clients understand the tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade that affect importers and exporters. She develops practical strategies to optimize clients’ cross-border trade activity, including helping them navigate supply chain compliance risks. Sabrina assists businesses in designing and implementing anti-corruption, sanctions, forced labour and import/export compliance programs and conducts related internal investigations and audits.

Sabrina is a frequent speaker on matters related to international trade law and policy, and has testified about Canada’s sanctions regime before the Canadian Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade. She is an adjunct professor at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, where she teaches domestic and international anti-corruption law.

Sabrina is a member of the Advocates' Society, American Bar Association, Canadian Bar Association and Transparency International. She is a Past Chair of the Canadian Bar Association national Women Lawyers Forum.

Select Experience

• Piedmont Lithium, one of only two U.S.-domiciled lithium companies actively supplying in the market today, in its merger with Sayona Mining, creating a combined entity with enterprise value of approximately US$623 million, and in Piedmont's concurrent US$27-million private placement of shares
• LSI Industries (Nasdaq; LYTS), a manufacturer of commercial lighting and display solutions, in its acquisition of Canada’s Best Store Fixtures, a provider of retail fixtures and custom store design solutions for grocery, quick service restaurant, c-store, banking and specialty retail environments
• A Canadian manufacturing company, internal investigation into bribery allegations related to the exportation/importation of products abroad
• A Canadian consumer products company, design and implementation of third-party risk mitigation compliance program
• Lone Pine in a USD $120-million investor-state arbitration against the Government of Canada arising from the revocation of permits for Lone Pine to undertake shale gas exploration in the St. Lawrence River by the Province of Quebec
• Delta Galil USA Inc., in an appeal to the CITT concerning the customs valuation of imported goods and what constitutes permanent establishments for customs law purposes
• Michaels of Canada, ULC, in respect of the customs valuation of goods imported into Canada and related judicial review before the Federal Court of Canada
• Novatex Limited and G-Pac Corporation, Canadian International Trade Tribunal injury inquiry relating to polyethylene terephthalate resin (PET resin) imported from Pakistan, Oman, India and China
• C&F International Limited, Canadian International Trade Tribunal injury inquiry relating to steel concrete reinforcing bar (rebar) imported from China, Korea and Turkey
• Fluor Canada Ltd., in its participation before the Canadian International Trade Tribunal injury inquiry related to certain fabricated industrial steel components (FISC) and judicial review proceedings before the Federal Court of Appeal
• Luxtona Limited, an affiliate of Yukos Oil, in proceedings in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice by the Russia Federation for the set-aside of an interim award related to the Energy Charter Treaty arbitration between Luxtona and Russia

Recent Recognitions

• Lexpert 500 Leading Cross-Border Lawyers
  
  Ranked in International Trade
• Lexperts Rising Stars Leading Lawyers Under 40
  
  Lexperts Rising Stars Leading Lawyers Under 40
• Chambers Canada
  
  Ranked, International Trade/WTO
• Chambers Global
  
  Band 2, International Trade/WTO
• Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory
  

  Most Frequently Recommended, International Trade Regulation
  Consistently Recommended, Environmental, Social & Governance ESG
  Repeatedly Recommended, Commodity Tax/Customs

  
  

• Who's Who Legal Canada
  
  Recommended, Trade & Customs
• Who’s Who Legal: Trade & Customs – A Guide to the World’s Leading Lawyers
  
  Recognized as a leading trade and customs and international sanctions lawyer
• The Legal 500 Canada
  
  Leading Lawyer, International Trade

Recent Insights, News & Events

• How To Stay Resilient in an Uncertain World
  In The News / May 16, 2025
  Sabrina Bandali is one of the featured speakers on The Globe and Mail’s webinar, Strategies for the Unexpected: How to Stay Resilient in an Uncertain World.
• Managing Risk Amid Tariff Chaos
  In The News / May 09, 2025
  Sabrina Bandali speaks with the Globe and Mail about the importance of corporate risk management as businesses assess the risks and uncertainties caused by US President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
• Insights on Tariff Strategy and Cross-Border Trade Compliance
  Speaking Engagements / May 08, 2025
  Sabrina Bandali spoke at the 2025 AIAG Customs & Trade Conference** in the session *Driving North American Trade*. She provided Canadian insights into recent developments in trade and tariff policy
• LSI Industries Acquires Canadas Best Holdings
  Client Work / March 24, 2025
  LSI Industries Inc., a leading NASDAQ-listed manufacturer of commercial lighting and display solutions, has announced the acquisition of privately held Canada’s Best Store Fixtures, a leading provider of retail fixtures and custom store design solutions for grocery, quick service restaurant, c-store, banking, and specialty retail environments.
• 156 Bennett Jones Lawyers Featured in 2025 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory
  Announcements / March 11, 2025
  The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory has recognized 156 Bennett Jones lawyers in the 2025 edition. The firm also received rankings across 32 practice areas.   
• What Gets a Reprieve From US Tariffs?
  In The News / March 07, 2025
  Sabrina Bandali speaks with the Globe and Mail about what Canadian goods get a reprieve from tariffs, after US President Donald Trump signed a pair of executive orders on March 6 that temporarily exempt USMCA-qualifying goods from the tariffs that he had imposed only two days earlier.
• Canada Imposes 25% Retaliatory Surtax on Certain US Goods
  Blog / March 05, 2025
  On February 1, 2025, US President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order announcing a 25% tariff on imports of most Canadian goods and a 10% tariff on Canadian energy products in addition to any tariffs currently in place. The stated justification for the measures was an alleged national security emergency caused by illegal fentanyl imports and migrant entry across the Canadian border. The tariffs were originally announced for Tuesday, February 4, 2025, but the United States delayed their entry into force for a month. The tariffs came into effect on March 4, 2025.
• From Advisors to Architects: The Expanding Role of Law Firms
  In The News / February 21, 2025
  Canadian Lawyer writes an opinion column on how lawyers today aren’t just legal advisors. They’re business architects, political strategists and crisis navigators. Nowhere is this transformation more evident than in how law firms are responding to the surge in demand triggered by US tariff uncertainty.
• Chambers Global Ranks Bennett Jones Lawyers in 2025 Guide
  Announcements / February 13, 2025
  Bennett Jones has been recognized in the Chambers Global Guide 2025, with 49 lawyers ranked across 19 practice areas. Clients in Canada and around the world trust us to navigate their most complex legal matters. Our inclusion in Chambers Global Guide 2025 highlights our commitment to an exceptional client experience, deep industry knowledge and long-standing client relationships.
• Law Firms Mobilizing to Tackle Barrage of US Tariff Developments
  In The News / February 13, 2025
  Sabrina Bandali speaks with Canadian Lawyer about how the Bennett Jones is helping clients strategize in the face of surging US tariff updates and Canada’s planned retaliatory measures.
• Sabrina Bandali on Trade and Tariffs in Globe and Mail
  In The News / February 05, 2025
  Sabrina Bandali speaks with the Globe and Mail on how businesses are assessing the cross-border landscape to account for potential tariffs.
• Shift to New Trading Partners Won’t Be Quick or Easy for Canada
  In The News / February 05, 2025
  Sabrina Bandali talks with the Financial Post on how trade tensions with the United States could push Canadian businesses to find new markets, but not without cost.
• Trump Doubles Down on 25% Tariffs for Canada and Mexico, Ordering Sweeping Review of Trade Policies
  In The News / January 23, 2025
  Sabrina Bandali speaks with the Globe and Mail about US President Donald Trump ordering several cabinet secretaries and senior officials on Monday to investigate a slew of trade issues in a trade memo—including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, the US's persistent trade deficits and new export opportunities.
• Duty Calls: Preparing for US and Canadian Tariffs
  Blog / January 17, 2025
  The re-election of President Trump signals a renewed era of trade disruption and volatility in the form of US import tariffs on goods from Canada and other countries. After weeks of speculation, President Trump is expected to unveil new tariffs or other trade restrictive measures on or shortly after his January 20, 2025, inauguration. Working with the provincial governments to develop a ‘Canada First’ collaborative response, the Government of Canada has vowed to impose retaliatory tariffs targeting US imports into Canada and is exploring other and novel ways to respond to the expected US measures. The announcement of the Canadian response is expected to follow soon after the announcement of the US measures.
• Twenty-One Bennett Jones Lawyers Recognized in 2025 Lexpert Leading 500 Cross Border Lawyers
  Announcements / January 14, 2025
  Twenty-one Bennett Jones lawyers are recognized as leading lawyers in the 2025  Lexpert 500 Cross Border Directory (formerly ALM 500). This recognition underscores Bennett Jones' dedication to helping clients with their most complex legal matters. The Lexpert 500 Cross Border Directory profiles the most frequently recommended lawyers across Canada in approximately 35 practice areas identified via an extensive, annual peer survey. Lexpert produces the Directory in collaboration with American Lawyer Media.
• Lynx Software Technologies Announces Acquisition of Core Avionics & Industrial
  Client Work / November 29, 2024
  Lynx Software Technologies, Inc., a portfolio company of private equity firm OceanSound Partners, and a leader in foundational, open architecture software solutions for edge computing, has announced the acquisition of Core Avionics & Industrial, Inc. (CoreAVI). CoreAVI is the leading provider of development tools, software libraries, and deployable software packages that enable safety-critical graphics processing unit (GPU)-based computing, including certified graphics rendering, autonomy, and AI applications.
• Trump’s Tariff Threats Foreshadow Turbulent Trade Times Ahead
  In The News / November 28, 2024
  Sabrina A. Bandali speaks with Law.Com on what US President-elect Donald Trump’s threat to impose 25 percent tariffs on all Canadian and Mexican imports as soon as he takes office could mean for trade.
• Bennett Jones Recognized as Top-Tier Firm in Legal 500 Canada Rankings
  Announcements / November 14, 2024
  Bennett Jones has once again been recognized as a top-tier firm in five practice areas in the 2025 Legal 500 Canada guide. Known for our deep knowledge and client-focused approach, we consistently deliver strategic solutions that help clients solve their most complex legal matters. This recognition highlights our commitment to excellence and our dedication to achieving the best results for our clients.
• Economic Sanctions Comparison among the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and the European Union
  Speaking Engagements / November 14, 2024
  Sabrina A. Bandali spoke on the panel Economic Sanctions Comparison among the US, Canada, UK, and the European Union. The panel explored the growing scope of economic sanctions imposed by these jurisdictions, particularly in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Sabrina contributed her expertise to discussions on the legal and regulatory aspects of sanctions policies across the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and the European Union, focusing on the procedures for adding individuals and organizations to sanctions lists, advising companies on export controls and merchandise transfers and navigating the complexities of investigating and prosecuting sanctions violations.
• Canada Consults on Changes to Strengthen Canada's Forced Labour Import Ban
  Blog / October 28, 2024
  Canada has opened a 30-day consultation period on potential measures to increase the effectiveness of its existing import prohibition on all goods mined, manufactured or produced, wholly or in part, by forced labour from being imported in Canada. Submissions are due by November 15, 2024.
• Bennett Jones Top Ranked in Chambers Canada 2025
  Announcements / September 26, 2024
  Bennett Jones is proud to have once again been recognized as one of Canada’s leading law firms across 41 practice areas, with 135 lawyer rankings in Chambers Canada 2025. These rankings reflect the deep trust our clients place in us to solve their most complex legal matters and underscore our lawyers' extensive understanding of their industries and businesses, enabling us to consistently deliver an exceptional experience. In this year's guide, Bennett Jones has 10 Band 1 practice rankings, 20 Band 1 lawyer rankings and 10 newly-ranked lawyers. In addition to this year's rankings, Bennett Jones was awarded Class Action Law Firm of the Year and was a finalist for Real Estate Law Firm of the Year. 
• Canada Responds to China's Electric Vehicle, Steel and Aluminum Overcapacity
  Blog / September 06, 2024
  On August 23 and 26, 2024, Canada announced a series of measures to address the threat of increased imports of Chinese electric vehicles, and steel and aluminum products and promised additional consultations on the imposition of surtaxes on a broader range of imports. 
• Canada Border Services Agency Publishes Update of Trade Verification Priorities
  Blog / August 30, 2024
  The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has released an updated list of trade compliance verification priorities effective July 2024. The CBSA periodically sets verification priorities which reflect its evaluation of the risk of non-compliance with customs regulations concerning the importation of specific categories of goods or supply chains. New targets and priorities may be added throughout the year. The current verification priorities are set out in the table below.
• Canada Seeks Business Input on CUSMA Ahead of 2026 Joint Review
  Blog / August 26, 2024
  On August 17, 2024, the Government of Canada initiated a public consultation on the operation of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA or the Agreement). The Government is seeking views on what is working well with CUSMA and on potential areas for improvement, in advance of the first joint review of CUSMA in 2026. Businesses and other stakeholders have until October 31, 2024, to submit their views.
• Surviving a CBSA Audit
  Speaking Engagements / July 08, 2024
  Sabrina A. Bandali spoke as a panelist at the 2024 ICPA Canada Conference, during a session titled "Surviving a CBSA Audit," offering practical strategies and insights to help businesses successfully navigate audits conducted by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Sabrina's experience and knowledge in customs and trade matters provided conference attendees insights into enhancing their compliance practices and mitigating potential risks associated with customs audits.
• 2024 ICPA Canada Conference
  Event / July 08, 2024
  We are excited to be attending the ICPA Canada Conference in Toronto where professionals in the world of supply chain and import/export compliance, security and government relations will meet, learn and network together.
• Canada Announces 30-Day Consultation on Measures to Address China's Trade Practices Related to Electric Vehicles
  Blog / July 02, 2024
  On July 2, 2024, Canada will initiate a 30-day consultation period on potential policy responses to China’s rapid rise as the world’s largest manufacturer of electric vehicles (EVs). Canada alleges that unfair trade practices in the Chinese EV industry directly and indirectly threaten electric vehicles in Canada.
• ABA 2024 ILS Annual Conference
  Speaking Engagements / May 07, 2024
  Sabrina A. Bandali spoke as a panelist at the ABA Section of International Law conference, held in Washington. The conference focused on addressing various legal issues pertinent to international law, with a particular emphasis on tackling forced labor in supply chains. Sabrina offered valuable insights and strategies to help organizations navigate regulatory frameworks and uphold human rights standards in their operations.
• Navigating Sanctions and The Impacts for Your Business Clients
  Speaking Engagements / April 11, 2024
  Sabrina A. Bandali contributed as a program speaker at the OBA event focused on "Navigating Sanctions and the Impacts for Your Business Clients," providing invaluable insights into the complexities surrounding sanctions and their implications for businesses.
• Clarity and Confusion: Updates to Canada's Guidance on Forced Labour Reporting Requirements
  Blog / April 10, 2024
  As businesses finalize their reports under the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act (the Act) in advance of the May 31, 2024, statutory deadline, Public Safety Canada has updated its administrative guidance to clarify certain technical requirements, while also sowing confusion in respect of the basic question of which entities have reporting obligations under the Act. Public Safety Canada revised its guidance for Entities, originally issued in December 2023, on March 5, and March 20, 2024, and also added a page for answers to top questions and other amendments on March 5. A separate section was also added to the guidance website on March 13, 2024, to address the reporting obligations of government institutions.
• Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise Publishes First Final Investigation Report
  Blog / April 03, 2024
  On March 26, 2024, the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE) published a final report on its investigation into allegations that a Canadian mining company, Dynasty Gold Corporation, operating in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, used or benefitted from forced labour. Following its investigation, the CORE concluded that the mining company violated internationally recognized human rights and made several recommendations as a result.
• 2024 Annual ICPA Conference
  Event / March 20, 2024
  We are excited to be attending the ICPA Annual Conference in Orlando where professionals in the magical world of supply chain and import/export compliance, security and government relations will meet, learn and network together.
• 8th Annual Canadian Forum on Global Economic Sanctions
  Speaking Engagements / March 07, 2024
  Sabrina A. Bandali participated as a panelist at the 8th Annual Canadian Forum on Global Economic Sanctions, organized by The Canadian Institute. During the event, Sabrina lent her expertise to a panel discussion focused on the interplay between forced labor, Canada’s Modern Slavery Act and economic sanctions. Sabrina provided attendees with valuable perspectives on compliance strategies and ethical considerations in international trade.
• Navigating Canada’s Anti-Forced Labour Act
  Event / February 20, 2024
  Members of our International Trade & Investment and Sustainability & ESG groupsinvestigated the transformative implications of Canada's Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act (formerly Bill S-211). With the first reporting deadline on May 31, 2024, this webinar explored how to fulfill the reporting obligations affecting corporations, trusts, partnerships and other organizations linked to Canada's import and distribution activities.
• Chambers Global Ranks Bennett Jones Lawyers in 2024 Edition
  Announcements / February 15, 2024
  Bennett Jones has 49 lawyer rankings across 19 practice areas in Chambers Global 2024. Chambers and Partners is an independent research company operating across 200 jurisdictions delivering 49 detailed rankings and insight into the world's leading lawyers. 
• Much-Anticipated Guidance Released on Canada's Forced Labour Reporting Requirements
  Blog / January 15, 2024
  On December 20, 2023, Public Safety Canada issued long-awaited guidance that provides details on the reporting requirements introduced in the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act (the Supply Chains Act). Public Safety Canada also hosted a public information webinar on January 11, 2024 to further discuss the guidance.
• Ashley White and Sabrina A. Bandali Honoured As 2023 Lexpert Rising Stars
  Announcements / November 24, 2023
  Ashley White and Sabrina A. Bandali are winners of Lexpert Rising Star awards for 2023. This prestigious award honours Canada’s leading lawyers under 40 from law firms, in-house departments and other practices. This year's Rising Stars were announced at a gala event in Toronto on November 23. 
• Sabrina Bandali on Trade Agreements and Customs Affecting Canada and Canadian Business
  Speaking Engagements / October 31, 2023
  Sabrina Bandali will participate as faculty in the upcoming Osgoode Certificate in Managing Legal and Business Risk in the Supply Chain. She will be speaking on the topic of Trade Agreements and Customs Affecting Canada and Canadian Business.
• IBA Annual Conference 2023
  Event / October 29, 2023
  We are thrilled to participate in the International Bar Association Annual Conference in Paris, where our attendees and featured speakers will provide valuable industry insights, build contacts and develop business.
• Sabrina Bandali on All the World is Trade at the 2023 Mexico Global Conference
  Speaking Engagements / October 11, 2023
  Sabrina Bandali speaks as part of a panel at the 2023 Mexico Global Conference hosted by the New York State Bar Association's International Section on the topic "All the World is Trade."
• Bennett Jones Top Ranked in Chambers Canada 2024
  Announcements / September 28, 2023
  Bennett Jones has been recognized as one of Canada’s leading law firms across 39 practice areas, with 124 lawyer rankings in Chambers Canada 2024. In this year's guide, Bennett Jones has 11 Band 1 practice rankings, 21 Band 1 lawyer rankings and 10 newly-ranked lawyers. In addition to this year's rankings, Bennett Jones was awarded Real Estate Law Firm of the Year and was a finalist in Projects and Energy Law Firm of the Year.
• UPDATED Canadian Sanctions Targeting Russia, Belarus and Separatist Territories in Ukraine Expanded in Response to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine
  Blog / August 08, 2023
  This blog was originally published on February 25, 2022, and has been updated to reflect further developments. Canada has banned all investments and related financial transactions, trade in goods, tourism and related financial transactions, the docking of cruise ships licensed or registered in Canada (except in emergency situations), and the provision of technical assistance to the regions of Ukraine controlled by the self-declared Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic, and since September 29, 2022, the Russian-occupied areas of the Kherson oblast and Zaporizhzhia oblast. These restrictions are in addition to the restrictions that apply to the Crimea region of Ukraine, which have been in place since 2015. 
• Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise Launches First Complaint-Based Investigation
  Blog / July 17, 2023
  On July 11, 2023, the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise announced the launch of two separate investigations into allegations that Uyghur forced labour was used in the supply chains and operations of two Canadian companies.
• Emerging Regulation: What Companies Doing Business in/with China Should Know about Forced Labour in Supply Chains
  Speaking Engagements / June 28, 2023
  Jessica Horwitz and Sabrina A. Bandali spoke on a panel moderated by Stephen Bowman, entitled Emerging Regulation: What Companies Doing Business in/with China Should Know about Forced Labour in Supply Chains. This event was co-hosted by Bennett Jones and the Canada China Business Council.
• New Canadian Economic Sanctions "Deemed Ownership" Rule Now in Force
  Blog / June 27, 2023
  On June 22, 2023, Budget Implementation Act, 2023, No. 1 (formerly Bill C-47) received Royal Assent. Among the various other measures in this omnibus bill, the Act made significant amendments to Canada's autonomous sanctions statutes, the Special Economic Measures Act (the SEMA) and the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (the Magnitsky Law), to clarify "ownership" and "control" rules for purposes of sanctions imposed under the SEMA and the Magnitsky Law.
• 2023 ICPA Canada Conference
  Event / June 13, 2023
  We are excited to be attending the ICPA Canada Conference in Toronto where professionals in the world of supply chain and import/export compliance, security and government relations will meet, learn and network together.
• CBSA Proposes "Last Sale" Rule for Customs Valuation
  Blog / May 30, 2023
  The Canada Border Services Agency is proposing to fundamentally change Canadian customs valuation rules in draft amendments to the Valuation for Duty Regulations, (SOR/86-792) published on May 27, 2023. While the stated purpose of the draft amendments targets the valuation of goods by non-resident importers by valuing goods based on the "last sale" in a series of transactions resulting in the importation of goods into Canada, as drafted, the amendments will also affect Canadian resident importers.
• Legal Developments in Environmental and Supply Chain Compliance
  Speaking Engagements / May 15, 2023
  Sabrina A. Bandali presented at the 2023 International Compliance Professionals Association Europe Conference in Amsterdam on environmental and supply chain compliance.
• 2023 ICPA Europe Conference
  Event / May 14, 2023
  We are excited to be attending the ICPA Europe Conference in Amsterdam where professionals in the world of supply chain and import/export compliance, security and government relations will meet, learn and network together.
• Canadian Court Clarifies Threshold for Foreign Bribery Convictions
  In The News / May 10, 2023
  Sabrina A. Bandali comments in Global Investigations Review on how a recent acquittal of a Canadian national accused of bribing a foreign public official has confirmed the minimum standard for convictions under the country’s anti-bribery legislation.
• Canadian Government Introduces Legislation to Add Sanctions 50% Rule and Update Rules on Ownership and Control
  Blog / May 04, 2023
  On April 20, 2023, Canada's federal government introduced Bill C-47, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on March 28, 2023. Among the numerous legislative changes contained in this omnibus budget bill are some potentially significant amendments to certain Canadian economic sanctions legislation, namely the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA) and the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Magnitsky Law). 
• Canada Introduces Mandatory Forced Labour Prevention Reporting Legislation
  Blog / May 03, 2023
  Today, the House of Commons passed Bill S-211, An Act to enact the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act and to amend the Customs Tariff (the Act). The Act introduces a public reporting requirement that will apply to many government institutions and private sector entities.
• What Canada’s New Forced Labour Reporting Law Means For Mining Companies
  Articles / April 14, 2023
  Sharon Singh, Sabrina Bandali and Jessica Horwitz write in Canadian Mining Journal on how Canada may soon have a new public reporting regime that will have immediate implications for mining companies. Bill S-211, an act to enact the fighting against forced labour and child labour in supply chains act and to amend the customs tariff, is poised to imminently pass third reading in the House of Commons. 
• Chambers Global Ranks Bennett Jones Lawyers in 2023 Edition
  Announcements / March 06, 2023
  Bennett Jones has 50 lawyer rankings across 19 practice areas in Chambers Global 2023. Chambers and Partners is an independent research company operating across 200 jurisdictions delivering detailed rankings and insight into the world's leading lawyers.
• What Canada's New Forced Labour Reporting Law (Bill S-211) Means for Businesses
  Blog / February 06, 2023
  After several stalled efforts in recent years, Parliament is poised to pass a supply chain transparency law aimed at preventing and reducing the risk of forced labour and child labour in supply chains. Private members Bill S-211, "An Act to enact the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act and to amend the Customs Tariff", is expected to pass third reading in the House of Commons shortly and will have immediate implications for Canadian business and importers.
• U.S. Export & Re-Export Compliance for Canadian Operations
  Speaking Engagements / February 01, 2023
  Sabrina Bandali speaks at the 12th Annual U.S. Export & Re-Export Compliance for Canadian Operations conference in Toronto. She was joined by Ken Purchase of Pratt & Whitney to discuss The Intensifying Convergence of Export Controls and Economic Sanctions: Overcoming the Pain Points of Updating Your Risk-Based Compliance Program. 
• U.S. Export and Re-Export Compliance for Canadian Operations
  Speaking Engagements / February 01, 2023
  Sabrina Bandali speaks at the 12th Annual U.S. Export & Re-Export Compliance for Canadian Operations conference in Toronto. She was joined by Ken Purchase of Pratt & Whitney to discuss The Intensifying Convergence of Export Controls and Economic Sanctions: Overcoming the Pain Points of Updating Your Risk-Based Compliance Program. 
• A Canadian Perspective on Global Investigations Around the World
  Articles / January 23, 2023
  Sabrina Bandali, Emrys Davis, Alan Gardner, Laura Inglis, Amanda McLachlan, Ruth Promislow and Nathan Shaheen co-author the Canada chapter in Global Investigations Review's Practitioner’s Guide to Global Investigations, Volume II: Global Investigations around the World. They look at the nuances of law and process in Canada that practitioners are likely to encounter in cross-border investigations. This includes Canada's legal framework for corporate liability, the steps in an investigation, co-operative agreements giving immunity or leniency and corporate compliance programs.
• ICPA: 2022 Canadian Customs Duty Savings
  Speaking Engagements / December 06, 2022
  Jessica Horwitz, Sabrina Bandali and George Reid presented at an International Compliance Professionals Association webinar entitled 2022 Canadian Customs Duty Savings. 
• Stalling on Anti-Corruption in Canada
  In The News / November 25, 2022
  Sabrina Bandali comments in CBA National magazine on the state of confronting corruption in Canada. She says that foreign bribery case law is thin on the ground in Canada and its scarcity feeds a vicious cycle. With little in the case law to go on, businesses struggle to know precisely what the law requires of them.
• Bennett Jones Shines In Legal 500 Canada Rankings
  Announcements / November 09, 2022
  Bennett Jones has been recognized as a top-tier firm in five practice areas in the 2023 Legal 500 Canada guide: Aviation, Cannabis, Dispute Resolution: Alberta, Environment and Oil and Gas.
• Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade
  Speaking Engagements / November 02, 2022
  Sabrina A. Bandali testifies at the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade, speaking on sanctions enforcement and the need for government guidance to help companies avoid unintended economic consequences.
• International Bar Association Annual Conference 2022
  Event / October 30, 2022
  Bennett Jones is one of Canada’s premier business law firms and home to more than 500 lawyers and business advisors. With deep experience in complex transactions, disputes and regulatory matters, the firm is well equipped to advise international businesses and investors in connection with their Canadian ventures, and connect Canadian businesses and investors with opportunities around the world.
• Sabrina Bandali on Cuba Sanctions Dilemmas and How to Resolve Them
  Speaking Engagements / September 21, 2022
  Sabrina Bandali speaks at the 7th Annual Canadian Forum on Global Economic Sanctions, hosted by The Canadian Institute. She will discuss The Most Pressing Cuba Sanctions Compliance Dilemmas and How to Resolve Them - The Finer Points of Managing U.S. and Canadian Conflicts of Law.
• Geopolitics and Geoeconomics: Trade and Investment Disruptions and Implications
  Updates / June 16, 2022
  International trade and investment is a crucial channel through which economies and individual businesses specialize, innovate, become more productive, and grow incomes, output and employment while also containing input costs and inflationary pressures through competitive supply.
• Canada's Federal Budget 2022 and Canadian Sanctions Implications
  Blog / May 12, 2022
  As explained in our recent insight on the 2022 Canadian Federal Budget, on April 7, 2022, the Federal Government of Canada released Budget 2022: A Plan to Grow Our Economy and Make Life More Affordable. The Budget sets the fundamental groundwork of the Federal Government's goals for national economic development, promising continued investment in economic growth and innovation in Canada. Among the changes introduced in Bill C-19, titled the Budget Implementation Act, 2022, No. 1 (Budget Implementation Act, 2022), are significant amendments to the Special Economic Measures Act and the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law) as well as corresponding changes to the Seized Property Management Act.
• Set-Aside Applications Cannot Be Used to Reargue Merits of the Claim
  Blog / April 27, 2022
  The Ontario trial court has once again emphasized that an application to set aside an arbitral award under Article 34 of the Model Law is not to be used as an opportunity to reargue the merits of the claim. Under Article 34(2)(a)(ii), where the issue before the court is whether a party could not present its case, the court’s analysis will focus on whether the arbitral tribunal’s conduct was “sufficiently serious to offend [Ontario’s] most basic notions of morality and justice.”
• Continuing the Conversation—The Trade Environment: Evolving Context and Canadian Priorities
  Event / February 16, 2022
  In December 2021, Bennett Jones presented our Fall Economic Outlook which focused on the Canadian and global economic recovery that continues amid supply chain disruptions, trade friction, labour shortages and changes in the workplace. We invite you to continue the conversation and to join us in taking a deeper and more practical look at the trade challenges Canada faces. We encourage you to share this invitation with others in your organization who would find this topic of interest.
• CBSA Clarifies Documentary Requirements to Establish that Imported Goods Are Not Produced with Forced Labour
  Blog / February 04, 2022
  On January 20, 2022, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) updated its policy document, Memorandum D9-1-6, titled Goods manufactured or produced wholly or in part by prison labour (the D-Memo), to provide guidance to importers about the evidence they will be expected to produce if their goods are detained because the CBSA suspects that the goods were produced by prison or forced labour.
• Canada Seizes Imported Goods Alleged to be Produced with Forced Labour
  Blog / November 18, 2021
  On November 15, 2021, the Globe and Mail reported the first seizure under the Canadian prohibition on the importation of goods "mined, manufactured or produced wholly or in part by forced labour." According to the CBSA, customs officials seized a shipment of women's and children's clothing imported into Quebec from China. This is the first reported seizure or enforcement action against goods produced with forced labour that has been publicly reported in Canada.
• Case Commentary: Canada Opens Initial Consultations on New Carbon Pricing Mechanism
  Articles / November 18, 2021
  Valerie Hughes, Thomas McInerney, Sharon Singh, Sabrina A. Bandali, Darrel Pearson and Sylvan Lange write a case commentary in Environmental Liability on Canada opening initial consultations on a new carbon pricing mechanism. 
• Sabrina A. Bandali in AFLA on Human Rights and Trade Laws
  Speaking Engagements / November 17, 2021
  Sabrina A. Bandali speaks at The New Disruptor: Sanctions and Human Rights Law in the Cross-Border Supply Chain event presented by the American Foreign Law Association.
• Bennett Jones Lawyers in OBA Institute Series
  Speaking Engagements / November 09, 2021
  Stephen Bowman, Sabrina A. Bandali, Ian Michael, Sharon Singh, Jason Berall and Jessica Horwitz speak and moderate various panels at the Ontario Bar Association's Institute Series. 
• Sabrina Bandali Speaks in OBA Award of Excellence Presentation
  Speaking Engagements / October 19, 2021
  Sabrina Bandali speaks in the Ontario Bar Association keynote address for this year’s recipient of the OBA Award of Excellence in International Law.
• Bennett Jones: "Top Tier" in Chambers Canada 2022
  Announcements / September 16, 2021
  Bennett Jones has been recognized as one of Canada’s leading law firms across 38 practice areas, with 111 lawyer rankings in Chambers Canada 2022. Bennett Jones has 8 Band 1 practice rankings and 14 Band 1 lawyer rankings in this year's guide.
• Canada Joins Mexico in CUSMA Chapter 31 Dispute Over Auto Rules of Origin With the U.S.
  Blog / September 13, 2021
  On August 20, 2021, Mexico filed a request for consultations with the United States under the dispute settlement provisions of Chapter 31 of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA, also known as the USMCA) to resolve disagreements between the parties about certain rules of origin related to automotive parts and vehicles.
• Canada Opens Initial Consultations on New Carbon Pricing Mechanism
  Blog / August 18, 2021
  On August 5, 2021, the Government of Canada announced its launch of an initial exploratory phase of consultations on border carbon adjustments (BCAs), along with the release of a discussion paper. These exploratory consultations will involve discussions with the provinces and territories, industry associations representing those sectors most impacted, as well as labour and environmental organizations and academics with expertise on BCAs. The broader Canadian public will be consulted through a second phase of consultation in the fall.
• CBSA Proposes Far-Reaching Changes to Canadian Customs Valuation Law
  Blog / June 21, 2021
  Profound changes to the Valuation for Duty Regulations are on the horizon. We previously alerted readers that the federal government of Canada had included a number of provisions in its 2021 budget that would impact international trade and customs regulation in Canada. Among these were changes to customs valuation law intended "to improve duty and tax collection by ensuring that goods are valued in a fair and consistent manner by all importers as a means to level the playing field between domestic and foreign businesses."
• CBSA Updates its Guidance on the Enforcement of the Import Prohibition on Goods Produced with Forced Labour
  Blog / May 18, 2021
  On May 7, 2021, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) published an updated version of its policy, Memorandum D9-1-6, titled "Goods manufactured or produced wholly or in part by prison labour" (the "D-Memo"), in which the CBSA provides updated information concerning the enforcement of the recent prohibition on the importation into Canada of goods manufactured or produced by forced labour, which entered into force on July 1, 2020.
• Trade Implications of Budget 2021 in Canadian Lawyer
  In The News / May 13, 2021
  Canadian Lawyer writes on the most significant potential impacts of Canada's federal Budget 2021 on Canadian and non-resident businesses participating in international and interprovincial trade activity. The [...]
• Canada's Federal Budget 2021 and International Trade Implications
  Blog / April 21, 2021
  On April 19, 2021, the Federal Government of Canada unveiled its first budget in two years, promising over $100 billion in new spending intended to propel Canada's economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Part of the government's recovery plan involves a number of legislative amendments that will affect international trade and domestic trade within Canada.
• Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise Launches Human Rights Complaints Process
  Blog / March 29, 2021
  On March 15, 2021, the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE) launched its complaints process, enabling the receipt of complaints respecting human rights abuses arising from the operations abroad of Canadian companies in the garment, mining, and oil and gas sectors.
• Canada Imposes Economic Sanctions Against China
  Blog / March 23, 2021
  On March 22, 2021, Canada imposed new economic sanctions against four officials and one entity under the new Special Economic Measures (People’s Republic of China) Regulations, based on Canada's assessment of their participation in gross and systematic human rights violations in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) affecting Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities.
• International Women's Day 2021
  Event / March 08, 2021
  A Conversation on Challenges, Choices and Change Bennett Jones invites you to celebrate International Women's Day by participating in a conversation with leading women in law on their path to positions of influence and authority in the legal profession. Sharing personal experiences that span multiple sectors, jurisdictions and decades, our panel of diverse voices will engage in a virtual roundtable discussion, delving into a range of topics including:
• Bennett Jones in Chambers Global 2021
  Announcements / February 21, 2021
  Bennett Jones has 51 lawyer rankings in 18 practice areas in Chambers Global 2021. Chambers and Partners is an independent research company operating across 200 jurisdictions delivering detailed rankings and insight into the world's leading lawyers.
• A Renewed Effort to Introduce Legislation to Combat Modern Slavery in Corporate Supply Chains
  Blog / December 02, 2020
  Following two previous efforts, Parliament is again considering legislation to address modern slavery in corporate supply chains. Bill S-216: An Act to enact the Modern Slavery Act and to amend the Customs Tariff is currently at second reading in the Senate after its introduction by Senator Miville-Dechêne.
• Sabrina Bandali on Hong Kong and China: The Future for Export Controls and Sanctions
  Speaking Engagements / November 19, 2020
  Sabrina Bandali speaks on "Hong Kong and China: What Is the Future for Export Controls and Sanctions" at the Canadian Institute's 6th annual Forum on Global Economic Sanctions for Canadian Operations.
• Applying the USMCA Auto Rules of Origin in the Canadian Market
  Event / September 22, 2020
  The Bennett Jones International Trade and Investment group hosted a special presentation focused on understanding and applying the new USMCA rules and discussing their effect on operational decisions and commercial strategies for the automotive parts supply chain.
• Bennett Jones is Recognized in Chambers Canada 2021
  Announcements / September 10, 2020
  Bennett Jones has been recognized as one of Canada’s leading law firms across 38 practice areas, with 115 lawyer rankings in Chambers Canada 2021.
• Understanding the CUSMA/USMCA: A Look at the Uniform Regulations and New Canadian Guidance
  Blog / July 09, 2020
  After months of anticipation by the Canadian trading community, and just days before the agreement's entry into force on July 1, implementation details were published for the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA, also known as the USMCA or T-MEC). Companies with North American supply chains will now need to consider this guidance to determine how to leverage the opportunities presented by the new Agreement.
• ABA Section of International Law Meeting
  Speaking Engagements / June 02, 2020
  Two Bennett Jones lawyers will be speaking at the ABA Section of International Law Meeting—Emrys Davis on June 2 on "The 1792 Conundrum" and Sabrina Bandali on June 11 on Global Sanctions. [...]
• Amendments to Canada's Export Control List Take Effect May 1, 2020
  Blog / May 01, 2020
  On April 1, 2020, Global Affairs Canada published an Order Amending the Export Control List, SOR/2020-48. The Order updated the Export Control List, SOR/89-202 to incorporate by reference an updated version of A Guide to Canada’s Export Control List. The Order adds, removes, or clarifies items listed on the ECL, and came into legal effect on May 1, 2020.
• Sabrina Bandali on Meeting the Supply Chain Challenges of COVID-19
  Speaking Engagements / April 21, 2020
  Sabrina Bandali is a panellist on the American Bar Association’s CLE webinar on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on international supply chains. She is joined by panel members from the United [...]
• Bennett Jones Names New Partners
  Announcements / April 06, 2020
  Bennett Jones is pleased to announce that 27 lawyers have been admitted to the partnership. They serve clients from our offices throughout the firm and represent a cross section of our key industry groups and practice areas including corporate, litigation and dispute resolution, regulatory and tax.
• Trade Implications of COVID-19 from a Canadian Perspective
  Blog / April 02, 2020
  The COVID-19 pandemic has already had, and will continue to have, far-reaching effects on international trade, and given its heavy reliance on trade, on the Canadian economy. In the three months that have followed the initial outbreak in China, a variety of legal, administrative and regulatory issues have emerged as the novel coronavirus has spread and public health efforts have been initiated to "flatten the curve". These issues will impact international trade, and create uncertainty for businesses.
• Sabrina Bandali on Export Controls and Sanctions Update
  Speaking Engagements / March 25, 2020
  Sabrina Bandali co-presents on "Export Controls and Sanctions Update: Latest Practice Issues and Development" at the Canadian Bar Association's OBA International Law Program. 
• Bennett Jones Celebrates International Women's Day 2020
  Announcements / March 06, 2020
  The women at Bennett Jones reflect on living fulfilling lives and having successful careers in our video honouring International Women's Day 2020. 
• Sabrina Bandali on Written Gowning Requirements in Canadian Courts
  In The News / January 22, 2020
  Sabrina Bandali comments in The Lawyer's Daily on how Canadian courts are moving to adopt written gowning requirements expressly accommodating counsel whose personal circumstances, such as a medical condition, disability or pregnancy, make it hard to don the usual courtroom attire.
• Introducing Incoterms 2020
  Blog / January 21, 2020
  On January 1, 2020, the most recent edition of Incoterms® came into effect. Among the changes are a new set of rules, DPU (described below), new carriage security obligations, cost clarifications, and changes to insurance requirements and buyer and seller obligations. Parties using Incoterms® in their contracts should be aware of, and where possible take the benefit of, these changes. Unless the applicable Incoterms® rules are otherwise specified, contracts entered into effective from January 1, 2020 that refer to Incoterms® rules, will likely be assumed to be using the 2020 rules.
• Bennett Jones' Leading Lawyers in Chambers Canada 2020
  Announcements / September 19, 2019
  Bennett Jones has been recognized as one of Canada’s leading law firms with over 100 recognized practitioners nationally in Chambers Canada 2020. Here are a few things clients have said: “The [...]
• CBSA Publishes Update of Trade Verification Priorities: Are You Ready?
  Blog / September 04, 2019
  The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) updated its online statement of its current trade verification (audit) priorities in July 2019. Importers of goods targeted for verification would be wise to ensure that they have reviewed their current customs compliance practices and are ready to respond if they are contacted by the CBSA.
• Sanctions Round-Up: Nicaragua, Venezuela, Ukraine and Yemen; White Supremacist Groups Added to Anti-Terrorism List
  Blog / July 31, 2019
  The Government of Canada made a number of changes last month to its economic sanctions and anti-terrorism regimes.
• Bennett Jones Sponsors the 2019 ICPA Canada Conference in Toronto
  Event / May 16, 2019
  Protect your goods and your interests when doing business in Canada by starting on the right foot. Meet Canadian customs and international trade law leaders from Bennett Jones at this year's ICPA Conference in Toronto.
• Canada Increases Steel Quota for Mexico and Drops Surtax on Re-Imported Canadian Steel
  Updates / February 15, 2019
  Without fanfare or announcement, the Government of Canada made two important amendments to the provisional surtaxes on steel products imported into Canada.
• Sabrina Bandali on Seeing Diverse Lawyers Survive and Thrive
  In The News / November 26, 2018
  Sabrina Bandali writes on the upcoming Roundtable of Diversity Associations (RODA) annual conference, held in partnership with the Ontario Bar Association. The theme of this year's event is Accelerating a Culture Shift in the Legal Profession. RODA was formed five years ago to celebrate and promote diversity in the legal profession and beyond. Sabrina is chair of the OBA's Equality Committee.
• Canada to Impose Provisional Steel Safeguards Effective October 25
  Updates / October 15, 2018
  Effective October 25, 2018, provisional safeguard measures apply to seven categories of steel products imported into Canada from most countries. These provisional safeguard measures take the form of tariff rate quotas (TRQs), with a 25% over access surtax that will apply to imports for 200 days from October 25, 2018, to May 13, 2019.
• Introducing the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)
  Updates / October 04, 2018
  After 13 months of negotiations, the United States, Mexico and Canada have concluded the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The USMCA is designed to replace the quarter-century-old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The new agreement, reached on September 30, 2018, should temper the uncertainty that has hung over access for Canadian goods and services to the U.S. market and improve business confidence in Canada. However, the USMCA will not come into force until it is ratified, which may not occur before early 2019.
• Sabrina Bandali in Nexus on U of T’s Global Professional Master of Laws Program
  In The News / July 26, 2018
  Sabrina Bandali is featured in Nexus magazine on the Global Professional Master of Laws (GPLLM) program at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law. Sabrina co-designed a course on anti-corruption law and continues to teach in the program. It was launched in 2011 with 17 students and with a focus on business law. Now, three additional streams are offered and projected enrollment is more than 80 students for the fall of 2018.
• Countering the Countermeasures Mitigation Strategies for Importers
  Blog / July 18, 2018
  Since July 1, 2018, Canada has imposed 25% and 10% ad valorem surtaxes on the importation of a wide variety of U.S. "originating" goods. Canadian and non-resident importers have been wondering what they [...]
• Canada Counters U.S. Tariffs with Measures of its Own
  Blog / June 30, 2018
  The Government of Canada has released its updated list of U.S. products that will be subject to a surtax when imported into Canada as of July 1, 2018. The final list targets approximately $16.6-billion [...]
• Canada Retaliates to U.S. Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum
  Blog / June 05, 2018
  As of midnight on May 31, the Trump administration revoked the exemptions to the U.S. ad valorem tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum previously granted to Canada, the EU, and Mexico. In a swift response [...]
• Sabrina Bandali in Law Times on Anti-Corruption Law
  In The News / May 07, 2018
  Sabrina Bandali comments in Law Times on the Supreme Court of Canada denying leave in R. v. Karigar after the Ontario Court of Appeal upheld a three-year sentence in the first conviction of an individual in Canada under the anti-corruption statute.
• Sabrina Bandali on Pathways to Power for Women Lawyers
  Speaking Engagements / April 17, 2018
  Sabrina Bandali speaks as a panelist at the Ontario Bar Association’s Women Lawyers Forum in Toronto. This is part of the Pathways to Power series that shines a light on the journey of distinguished female lawyers into positions of power and influence in international law. Sabrina will share her insights on the unique challenges women face in the legal profession and key strategies to help overcome them.  
• Sabrina Bandali Speaks on the Contents of Your Phone and the Law
  Speaking Engagements / November 27, 2017
  Sabrina Bandali speaks on the panel Section 8 of the Charter: Are the Contents of Your Phone Protected from the Law? at Roundtable of Diversity Associations' 3rd Annual Diversity Conference. The event is held in partnership with the Ontario Bar Association (OBA). The panel will explain the latest cases on search and seizures of personal property by law enforcement officials. It will also address the right to search in light of new technology and impacts on racialized communities.
• Ontario Court of Appeal Upholds Karigar Conviction for Bribery of Foreign Public Official
  Blog / July 12, 2017
  On July 6, 2017, the Ontario Court of Appeal upheld Nazir Karigar's conviction and three-year prison sentence for agreeing to bribe to a foreign public official contrary to the Corruption of Foreign Public [...]
• A Post-U.S. TPP? Taking Stock and Looking Ahead
  Blog / June 20, 2017
  May 2017 may have been a turning point for the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement entering into force. After the U.S. withdrawal from the Agreement in January 2017, the remaining TPP-11 countries openly questioned whether there remained a sufficient foundation to maintain the multi-faceted trade liberalization consensus that took seven years to negotiate, largely under U.S. leadership. After meetings in May 2017, it appears that there is a new willingness among the major economies in the TPP-11 to stay the course without U.S. involvement.
• Supreme Court Sustains Protections for World Bank Information Sharing
  Blog / May 03, 2016
  On April 29, 2016, the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) ruled unanimously in World Bank Group v. Wallace that documents from World Bank Group investigations remain immune from document production requests [...]
• Panama Papers Leaks: Do You Know Your Exposure?
  Blog / April 05, 2016
  It's Not Just About Tax Evasion The "Panama Papers" story hit the international press this week. An anonymous source leaked 11.5 million documents from Mossack Fonseca, the Panamanian firm believed to [...]
• Thinking of Developing a Whistleblowing System? New Canadian Guidance Released Today
  Blog / February 18, 2016
  Companies and regulators alike are increasingly recognizing that "whistleblowers", i.e., individuals who report suspected wrongdoing, mismanagement or unethical conduct, are an important resource for [...]
• Corruption at the Intersection of Business and Government: The OECD Convention, Supply-Side Corruption and Canada's Anti-Corruption Efforts to Date
  Articles / November 16, 2015
  Over the last twenty years, international and regional conventions have been concluded to combat the corruption of public officials. Part I of the paper explains the genesis of international anti-corruption law and its focus on the "supply-side" of bribery transactions, drawing on the negotiating history and the experience of practitioners involved in the development of international anti-corruption law. Parts II and III examine Canada's implementation of its international obligations and its enforcement record to date. Part IV of the paper concludes with an analysis of the challenges faced by Canadian businesses and the limitations of the focus on supply-side of bribery transactions. Osgoode Legal Studies Research Paper No. 60/2015. Available from the Social Science Research Network (SSSRN).
• CBSA CLVS Seizure Policy Targets Exporters and Ups the Ante on Non-Resident Importers
  Blog / April 24, 2015
  Background to the Courier Low Value Shipment (CLVS) Program When goods are purchased through e-commerce or mail order, conventionally Canadian consumers or non-resident importers (i.e., the exporters [...]
• Canada Lays Corruption and Fraud Charges Against SNC-Lavalin
  Blog / February 19, 2015
  On February 19, 2015, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) laid corruption and fraud charges against the SNC-Lavalin Group Inc., its division SNC-Lavalin Construction Inc., and its subsidiary SNC-Lavalin [...]
• Canada Imposes Additional Sanctions, Including Against Rosneft
  Blog / February 18, 2015
  On February 17, 2015, the Government of Canada announced a new round of sanctions against Russian and Ukrainian individuals and entities, including leading Russian oil firm NK Rosneft OAO. In response [...]
• Organization of Women in International Trade - Canadian Customs Valuation Considerations for Non-Resident Importers
  Speaking Engagements / February 10, 2015
  Laura Murray and Sabrina A. Bandali present "Canadian Customs Valuation Considerations for Non-Resident Importers" via webinar for the Organization of Women in International Trade. Their presentation focuses on the responsibilities of non-resident importers; methods of customs valuation; the importer's burden of proof and best practices for record keeping; how to establish a lack of influence in related party transactions, and current issues in post-importation compliance, including corrections, refunds, and the treatment of transfer pricing adjustments.
• Sabrina Bandali is the OBA's Women Lawyers Forum Feature Executive Member of the Month
  In The News / April 22, 2014
  In the Ontario Bar Association's Women Lawyers Forum article by Ashley Waye and Cynthia Aoki, Sabrina Bandali is Feature Executive Member of The Month.
• Sabrina Bandali Quoted by Law Society Gazette on Gender Equity Policies
  In The News / April 02, 2014
  In the Law Society of Upper Canada's Gazette article, "New Policies Challenge Female Immigrants," Sabrina Bandali's presentation on International Women's Day is highlighted. As a representative of the OBA Women Lawyers Forum, Sabrina is quoted saying, "As lawyers, as law makers, and as people of conscience, we have an obligation to recognize when the rules we make and the systems we perpetuate make the price tag of new opportunity higher and harder to pay... When the currency of payment is dignity, is access to basic services, is being able to live in community with your family and loved ones, there are serious questions to ask about the transaction."
• Law Society of Upper Canada's 2014 International Women's Day Celebration
  Speaking Engagements / March 06, 2014
  On behalf of the Ontario Bar Association Women Lawyer's Forum, Sabrina A Bandali is moderating the Law Society of Upper Canada's 2014 Celebration of International Women's Day.
• Transparency International Canada Inc. - UNCAC Implementation Review - Civil Society Organization Report
  Articles / October 01, 2013
  In December 2013, Transparency International Canada (TI-Canada) published its Civil Society Report on Canada's implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption. The report contributed to the UNCAC Implementation Review Group's peer review process to assess the implementation and enforcement of selected articles in chapters III (Criminalisation and Law Enforcement) and IV (International Cooperation) of the UNCAC. TI-Canada's Civil Society Report, co-authored by Sabrina A. Bandali, focuses on the UNCAC articles covering bribery (Article 15), foreign bribery (Article 16), illicit enrichment (Article 20), money laundering (Article 23), and protection of reporting persons or whistleblowers (Article 33), from the perspective of civil society.