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George W. H. Reid

International Trade, Investment and Public Procurement Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Partner

Jessica B. Horwitz

Trade & Regulatory Lawyer | Bennett Jones Toronto

Sabrina A. Bandali

International Trade, Regulatory and Investment Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

For several years, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has sought to limit the ability of non-resident importers to self-assess duties, surtaxes and other taxes on imported goods based on their acquisition costs. In pursuit of this aim, the CBSA launched a third consultation in December 2025 that anticipates a fundamental reshaping of Canada's customs valuation framework through amendments to the&nbsp;Valuation for Duty Regulations, (SOR/86-792) (VFD Regulations).&nbsp;The deadline for stakeholders to make submissions to the 2025 VFD Consultation is January 23, 2025.

CBSA Pushes Customs Valuation Reform

Third Time's a Charm - CBSA Pushes Customs Valuation Reform

Simon Grant

Banking & Finance Lawyer, Fintech Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Partner 

Andrew Bozzato

Corporate, M&A, Securities Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

FINTRAC imposed a record $176.9 million penalty on cryptocurrency exchange Cryptomus for thousands of AML/KYC violations. The case underscores regulators&rsquo; increasing focus on compliance, with additional sanctions from the BCSC for operating without registration. Exchanges serving Canadian clients must ensure strict adherence to AML, KYC and securities laws to avoid similar consequences.

176 9 million fine against cryptocurrency exchange from FINTRAC demonstrates costs of non compliance

C$176.9 Million Fine Against Cryptocurrency Exchange From FINTRAC Demonstrates Costs of Non-Compliance

Brent W. Kraus

Corporate Governance Lawyer | Securities & Capital Markets

Flutra Kacuri

Private Equity, M&A, Corporate and Securities Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Associate

The total number of Canadian M&A deals declined in the second quarter of 2025 as tariff disruption and uncertainty hampered dealmaking activity. However, the overall value of announced Canadian deals was up considerably in the second quarter of 2025, resulting in higher average deal sizes. A similar scenario of fewer deals and higher values is playing out in the United States and globally.

Canada Q2 2025 MA Landscape

Canada's Q2 2025 M&A Landscape

On June 13, 2025, the Government of Canada registered three significant packages of amendments to the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (the Regulations) under SOR/2025-141, SOR/2025-142, and SOR/2025-143. Officially announced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs on June 17, 2025, following the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, these measures represent a major escalation in Canada's economic pressure campaign against the Russian Federation.

Canada Unveils Sweeping New Russia Sanctions Targeting Trade Sanctions Evasion and Key Industries

Canada Unveils Sweeping New Russia Sanctions Targeting Trade, Sanctions Evasion and Key Industries

Benjamin K. Reingold

Intellectual Property Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Makda Yohannes

Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Stephen D. Burns

Energy & Infrastructure Technology Lawyer | IT/OT & Markets

Partner, Trademark Agent

Artificial intelligence is increasingly used to generate music and curate playlists, raising new questions about copyright protection under Canadian law. This blog examines whether AI-generated songs and playlists can qualify as copyright-protected works or compilations, and how courts may assess originality and human authorship. It also outlines practical considerations for artists, platforms and organizations using AI tools in the creative process.

Copyright in Compilations AI Generated Music and Playlists Under Canadian Law

Copyright in Compilations: AI‑Generated Music and Playlists Under Canadian Law 

Emma Danaher

Associate 

As artificial intelligence tools become more autonomous, they are creating new legal risks, including the potential for AI-generated defamation. This article explores how Canadian courts may assess liability when AI agents publish harmful or false statements, and why companies deploying these tools must implement strong governance, safeguards and oversight. It also examines how existing Canadian defamation principles may apply to emerging AI technologies.

When AI Speaks for Itself How AI is Reshaping Defamation Risk

When AI Speaks for Itself: How AI is Reshaping Defamation Risk

Jehad Haymour

Tax Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Sophie Virji

Tax Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Anna Lekach

The Tax Court of Canada allowed ExxonMobil Canada Resources Company&rsquo;s appeal in a significant transfer pricing dispute concerning the deductibility of feasibility study costs related to a proposed Alaska-to-North America natural gas pipeline project. The Court found that the costs were incurred for the purpose of earning income and rejected the Minister&rsquo;s transfer pricing adjustments and Part XIII tax assessment. The decision provides important guidance on transfer pricing analysis, the application of the OECD Guidelines and the evidentiary role of expert testimony in tax disputes.

ExxonMobil Wins in Tax Court in Transfer Pricing Dispute

Michelle F. Yung

Real Estate Lawyer at Bennett Jones Vancouver

Andrew L. Jeanrie

Real Estate & Municipal Law Lawyer | Development & Approvals

Helen Cassie

Associate at Bennett Jones Vancouver

This first installment in a three-part series examines the federal government&rsquo;s creation of Build Canada Homes (BCH) and the policy shift toward a more delivery-oriented role in housing development. It situates BCH within current market conditions and outlines how the new Crown corporation is intended to accelerate affordable housing supply through partnerships with the private and non-profit sectors.

A Three Part Series on the New Federal Approach to Housing Build Canada Homes

A Three-Part Series on the New Federal Approach to Housing: Build Canada Homes

Quinn Rozwadowski

Articling Student at Bennett Jones in Toronto

Articling Student

Jane C. Helmstadter

Real Estate Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Even carefully drafted lease covenants requiring tenants to repair and restore premises may not be enforced literally under Canadian common law. Courts consider reasonableness, commercial context, and ordinary wear and tear when assessing tenant obligations. This blog explores how landlords and tenants can navigate these limits and manage end-of-lease expectations.

Not Quite Absolute Obligations Reasonable Limits on Lease Covenants to Repair Restore

Not-Quite-Absolute Obligations: Reasonable Limits on Lease Covenants to Repair & Restore

Trade Implications of Budget 2021 in Canadian Lawyer

From the Same Authors