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Ruth E. Promislow

 Data Security and Privacy, Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Partner

Caroline Poirier

Information Technology, Privacy and Data Protection Lawyer at Bennett Jones Montreal

Suzie Suliman

Commercial Transactions Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Associate, Trademark Agent

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC) issued its findings on August 27, 2025 in connection with an investigation regarding the issue of whether individuals have the right to have information about them de-listed from search engine results.  The OPC found that in limited circumstances, there is such a right where the search results are likely to cause significant harm to an individual, such as a risk of harm to a person's safety or dignity, that outweigh any public interest in that information remaining accessible when searching the individual's name.

Right to Have Your Information De-Listed

Right to Have Your Information De-Listed? The Federal Privacy Commissioner Issues Decision

Stephen D. Burns

Technology Lawyer, Intellectual Property Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Partner, Trademark Agent

J. Sébastien A. Gittens

Intellectual Property and Technology Commercialization Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

On June 17, 2025, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC) released a summary of its investigation findings regarding a data breach at 23andMe, which affected nearly 7 million customers, including approximately 320,000 Canadians.

23andMes Data Breach

23andMe's Data Breach: Key Takeaways

Gordon N. Cameron

Canadian Corporate and Securities Lawyer at Bennett Jones New York

Principal, Head of New York Office

Vanessa Trépanier

Commercial Transactions Lawyer at Bennett Jones Montréal

Julia Qian Wang

Tax Lawyer at Bennett Jones Montreal

Global consulting firm J.S. Held has announced the acquisition of Technorm, Québec’s leading forensic, building safety and compliance experts. Now a part of J.S. Held, Technorm advises architects, engineers, building owners, insurance professionals, and legal counsel throughout the building lifecycle.

JS Held Acquires Quebecs Technorm

J.S. Held Acquires Quebec's Technorm

Effective September 22, 2024, Quebec's data portability right will come into force, marking the final phase of the implementation of the amendments to the Act respecting the protection of personal information in the private sector introduced in the Act to modernize legislative provisions as regards to the protection of personal information, which began in September 2022. This new right aligns with global trends that emphasize individual control over personal information. For businesses operating in Quebec, understanding the data portability right is essential, as it imposes significant obligations and is critical for both compliance and maintaining customer trust.

Data Portability Right Takes Effect in Quebec What Service Providers Need to Know

Data Portability Right Takes Effect in Quebec: What Service Providers Need to Know

Matthew Flynn

Technology Transaction Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

AI transcription tools offer efficiency and accuracy in the boardroom but create risks to confidentiality, privacy and legal privilege. Organizations should adopt clear policies, safeguards and training to ensure responsible use and compliance with governance standards.

AI Notetaking in the Boardroom

Lorelei Graham

Food and Agribusiness Lawyer, IP Lawyer, Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

The United States Patent and Trademark Office's decision to cancel its Climate Change Mitigation pilot program for patents has not gone unnoticed in Canada. For Canadian policymakers and agri-tech innovators, this move by the United States raises two big questions: (1) How might this affect Canada&rsquo;s own intellectual property&nbsp; strategy for green tech, and (2) could it create opportunities for Canada (and others) to take the lead in certain climate-tech domains?
A particular area of interest is carbon-capture agri-tech, technologies that help farming not just reduce emissions but actively capture carbon (for instance, special crops or soil treatments that lock away carbon dioxide or farm machinery that traps greenhouse gases). These innovations are crucial for meeting climate goals and could become a competitive arena internationally.

Fast Tracks and Green Gaps Part IV

Fast Tracks and Green Gaps Part IV: Shifting Gears: How the United States' Exit from Climate Protection Fuels Canada's IP Advantage

Across the Atlantic, the European Union (EU) and its member states have also been encouraging climate-resilient agri-tech innovation, but their approach to intellectual property incentives has been a bit different. The European Union has set ambitious climate goals (like achieving climate neutrality by 2050) and launched the European Green Deal, a broad policy agenda to support sustainable technologies. While funding and regulations (such as support for sustainable farming practices) are big parts of the EU strategy, there is also recognition that IP rights play an important role in fostering innovation. However, unlike Canada or the recent US pilot program, Europe has not implemented a unified “green channel” for patent examination at the European Patent Office.

Fast Tracks and Green Gaps Part III

Fast Tracks and Green Gaps Part III: Green Without the Label: Europe's Pragmatic IP Approach to Agri-Tech Innovation

Steven L. Major KC

Commercial Dispute, Construction, Fraud, Police and Personal Injury Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Drew C. Broughton

Corporate Commercial and M&A Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Kevin Myson

Corporate, Commercial Transaction, Energy, Natural Resource and M&A Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Canada is navigating a "wild frontier" in the energy industry, with a unique opportunity to forge successful and sustainable partnerships both domestically and internationally. This was the rallying call at the Energy Business Forum during the 74th Canadian Energy Executive Association (CEEA) conference in Banff, Alberta, where industry leaders gathered to share visions for the future of Canada's energy landscape.

Key Takeaways From the Wild Frontier Energy Business Forum CEEA 74

Key Takeaways From the "Wild Frontier" Energy Business Forum at CEEA '74

Melanie Teetaert

Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Vancouver

Jennifer (Jenn) K. Choi

Associate

Maruska Giacchetto

This article examines the Ontario Court of Appeal's decision in J.P. Thomson Architects Ltd. v Greater Essex County District School Board, 2025 ONCA 378, which provides critical clarification on the interpretation of multi-step dispute resolution (MSDR) clauses. MSDR clauses, commonly used in commercial contracts, outline escalating steps such as negotiation, mediation, and arbitration to resolve disputes. The Court addressed ambiguities in the drafting of MSDR timelines, emphasizing that specified timeframes should be interpreted as minimum waiting periods rather than strict deadlines. The decision overturned a lower court ruling that barred a party from arbitration due to a perceived failure to meet a 30-day mediation request deadline. This article highlights the importance of precise drafting in MSDR clauses, discusses the implications of the Court's decision, and provides practical guidance for parties drafting or negotiating dispute resolution provisions in commercial agreements.

Do you need to rush to mediate - Ontario Court of Appeal

Do You Need to Rush to Mediate? Ontario Court of Appeal Clarifies Interpretation of Multi-Step Dispute Resolution Clause

Caroline Poirier Joins Bennett Jones as Partner in Montréal

About Bennett Jones

Authors


Bennett Jones Announcement Caroline Poirier Joins Bennett Jones as Partner in Montréal September 19, 2023 Authors Caroline PoirierPartner Caroline Poirier has joined Bennett Jones as a partner in the firm's newest office in Montréal. With a background in advising technology companies on a wide range of legal matters, she brings a unique blend of industry-specific knowledge and legal expertise to the firm. She was previously Vice-President, Legal Affairs at TELUS. Caroline is a business-minded commercial lawyer with over 20 years of experience leading large and complex commercial transactions/contracts in the IT sector, particularly in digital health and telecommunications. She serves clients in the areas of information technology, data privacy, government contracting, health law (private healthcare) and procurement. She has extensive expertise in managing legal and business issues in fast paced, highly regulated and rapidly growing organizations. At TELUS, she led the team of legal professionals providing day-to-day commercial and regulatory legal support to TELUS Health, TELUS Agriculture and TELUS Business Solutions and advising the leadership team on a wide range of legal and regulatory issues and risks across the different lines of business, including privacy and cybersecurity risks. About Bennett Jones Bennett Jones is one of Canada’s premier business law firms and home to 500 lawyers and business advisors. With deep experience in complex transactions and litigation matters, the firm is well equipped to advise businesses and investors with Canadian ventures and connect Canadian businesses and investors with opportunities around the world. Serving clients since 1922, we are proud to be the firm that businesses trust with their most complex legal matters. Share by Email Social Media Download Download Subscribe Republishing Requests For permission to republish this or any other publication, contact Amrita Kochhar at kochhara@bennettjones.com. For informational purposes only This publication provides an overview of legal trends and updates for informational purposes only. For personalized legal advice, please contact the authors. Authors Caroline Poirier, Partner Montréal • 514.985.4541 • poirierc@bennettjones.com