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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

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

Alison G. FitzGerald

International Arbitration Lawyer at Bennett Jones Ottawa

It has been a tumultuous spring for businesses involved in trade between Canada and the United States. This blog rounds up the latest frequently asked questions on Canada-US tariffs, including revised guidance issued on May 20, 2025 by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) that clarifies the agency's interpretation of the exemptions from surtaxes on importations of US goods.

How Do I Get Out of This

How Do I Get Out of This? New Guidance on Eligibility for Tariff Remissions and Support Programs for Canadian Businesses

Natalia E. Iamundo

Commercial Real Estate Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Benjamin K. Reingold

Intellectual Property Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Ahmed Elmallah

Intellectual Property Lawyer at Bennett Jones Edmonton

Counsel, Patent Agent, Trademark Agent

Proptech is transforming the real estate sector through technologies such as AI, IoT and data-driven platforms. This blog examines recent Canadian patent filing trends, emerging litigation and key IP considerations for companies developing or adopting proptech solutions.

Prop Tech Patents And Patent Litigation

Proptech: Patents and Patent Litigation

Samuel Judson

Associate

Craig R. R. Garbe

Commercial Real Estate Lawyer | Funds, REITs & JV Deals

Rights of first refusal (ROFRs) can significantly affect Canadian commercial real estate transactions, particularly when properties are sold as part of a portfolio. This blog reviews limited Canadian case law addressing when ROFRs are triggered in portfolio sales and the challenges they create for vendors and purchasers. It also outlines practical structuring strategies to help navigate these complex transactions.

Rights of First Refusal in Canadian Commercial Real Estate

Rights of First Refusal in Canadian Commercial Real Estate: Navigating Portfolio ROFRs

Simon P. Crawford

Leading Commercial Real Estate Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Vanessa Kiraly

In Oliva v. Dickson (2025 ONSC 6666), the Ontario Superior Court confirmed that Building Code compliance can be an implied term of an Agreement of Purchase and Sale and a basis for vendor-builder liability in negligence. Even without structural failure or express contractual representations, failing to obtain required permits may breach both contractual and tort duties. The decision is a cautionary reminder that regulatory compliance defines both legal risk and commercial expectations in real estate transactions.

No Permit Big Problems

No Permit, Big Problems: Building Code Compliance,  Implied Terms and Vendor-Builder Liability in Ontario

Daniel (Dan) R. Chubb

Corporate Commercial Lawyer at Bennett Jones Edmonton

Joan Bilsland

Knowledge Management Research Lawyer at Bennett Jones

Knowledge Management Research Lawyer

Luke Stretch

Commercial Real Estate Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Canadian courts generally treat real estate deposits as forfeitable upon a purchaser&rsquo;s default, distinct from unenforceable penalty clauses. However, under the Redstone factors, courts may grant relief from forfeiture where a deposit is grossly disproportionate to the vendor&rsquo;s damages or where retaining it would be unconscionable in the circumstances.

When A Deposit Becomes A Penalty

When a Deposit Becomes a Penalty: Relief From Forfeiture in Real Estate Transactions

Andrew N. Disipio

Mining & Corporate Finance Lawyer | M&A, Equity & Debt Deals

Hon. John R. Baird P.C.

Senior Advisor | International Trade, Investment & Security

Senior Business Advisor

Sander A.J.R. Grieve KC

Global Mining Finance & M&A Lawyer | Bennett Jones Toronto

Members of Bennett Jones' mining team shared their insights across three panels held at the firm's Toronto office during this year's PDAC convention. The discussions addressed the opportunities and complexities of this evolving landscape&mdash;and what Canada must do to capitalize on the moment.

Jessica Horwitz Shares Insights at the Canadian-Chinese Professional Accountants Association annual conference

From the Same Authors

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

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

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

Latest Insights

Proptech: Patents and Patent Litigation

Rights of First Refusal in Canadian Commercial Real Estate: Navigating Portfolio ROFRs

No Permit, Big Problems: Building Code Compliance, Implied Terms and Vendor-Builder Liability in Ontario

When a Deposit Becomes a Penalty: Relief From Forfeiture in Real Estate Transactions

Stay Informed. Stay Ahead.