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Kristopher R. Hanc

M&A and Capital Markets Lawyer

Partner

Christopher J. Doucet

Corporate & Mining Lawyer | M&A & Corporate Finance

Aidyn Bhatia

Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Associate

The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) has launched a broad consultation on modernizing the regulation of public companies, examining venture issuer status, financial reporting, resale restrictions, material change reporting and alignment with U.S. developments. The Consultation Paper includes a proposed qualified institutional purchaser exemption that could provide eligible reporting issuers with greater flexibility to raise capital without traditional resale hold periods. Stakeholders have until November 13, 2026, to submit comments.

CSA Publishes Sweeping Consultation on Modernizing the Regulation of Public Companies

Brent W. Kraus

Corporate Governance Lawyer | Securities & Capital Markets

Co-Head of Mergers & Acquisitions

On May 14, 2026, the Canadian Securities Administrators proposed wide-ranging amendments to Canada&rsquo;s issuer bid, take-over bid and early warning reporting regimes aimed at increasing flexibility, improving transparency around derivatives and reducing regulatory burden. Key changes include a potential selective repurchase exemption, enhanced disclosure for equity equivalent derivatives, and updated guidance on early warning reporting triggers and intentions. The proposals also codify certain exemptions and modernize bid mechanics in light of recent market practice and T+1 settlement.

CSA Proposes Amendments to the Issuer Bid Take Over Bid and Early Warning Regimes

CSA Proposes Amendments to the Issuer Bid, Take-Over Bid and Early Warning Regimes

Doug Fenton

Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Kanwar Brar

Commercial Litigation Lawyer

In a recent enforcement decision, CIRO imposed substantial sanctions on a securities dealer and its Ultimate Designated Person (UDP) for improper trading practices and significant compliance failures. The case underscores CIRO&rsquo;s strict approach to &ldquo;tone from the top,&rdquo; particularly where senior executives fail to uphold or promote firm-wide compliance standards. It also highlights that sanctions are assessed independently of liability findings and can include severe financial penalties, bans, and ongoing regulatory oversight of governance structures.

CIRO Issues Stiff Penalties for Dealer Conduct

Steven Bodi

Corporate Commercial Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Jennifer Huang

Commercial Transactions Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Against the current backdrop of global market uncertainty, on April 17, 2025, the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) announced new incremental measures aimed at reducing regulatory burden for reporting issuers, facilitating capital raising for new reporting issuers and supporting the competitiveness of Canadian capital markets (collectively, the CSA Measures).

Canadian Securities Regulators Take Further Incremental Steps to Promote Access to Capital Markets

Katherine Booth

Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Vancouver

The BC Court of Appeal in Cleaver v. The Cadillac Fairview Corporation Limited upheld the refusal to certify a privacy class action, finding no basis in fact for the claim&rsquo;s central allegation. The decision reinforces the courts&rsquo; gatekeeping role at certification and the importance of evidentiary support for the core allegations underlying a proposed class proceeding.

BC Court of Appeal No basis in fact no class action

BC Court of Appeal: No Basis in Fact = No Class Action 

Michael C. Smith

George W. H. Reid

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

The Government of Canada has published a new Notice concerning the rules and procedures governing the administration of the quota for imports of electric vehicles from the People's Republic of China for the second period of Quota Year 1 (September 1, 2026 to February 28, 2027). The Notice, issued by Global Affairs Canada under the Export and Import Permits Act, confirms that the second allocation period will continue to operate similar to the first allocation period.&nbsp;

Notice Concerning the Quota for Imports of Chinese Electric Vehicles

Second Allocation Period Opens September 1, 2026

Edwin G. Kroft KC

Tax Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones

Kate Kim

Andrew Young

Tax Lawyer at Bennett Jones Vancouver

Issue 43 of Bennett Jones on Tax Disputes highlights recent developments in Canadian tax litigation and dispute resolution. This edition examines the limits of the Minister's ability to advance alternative assessment arguments, clarifies who may deduct legal costs incurred in tax disputes, and explores the role of price adjustment clauses in estate freeze transactions

Bennett Jones on Tax Disputes Issue 43

Bennett Jones on Tax Disputes: August 2026

Carl Cunningham

Management-side Employment Lawyer

David Cassin

Employment Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Julia Horowitz

In Wigdor v. Facebook Canada Ltd., 2026 ONCA 572, the Ontario Court of Appeal clarified that equity-based compensation, including RSUs, may constitute a term or condition of employment that must be preserved during the statutory notice period under the Employment Standards Act, 2000. The decision highlights the need for employers to carefully review RSU forfeiture provisions and saving language to ensure compliance with employment standards legislation, while confirming that the threshold for punitive damages remains high.

RSU Forfeiture Revisited Ontario Court of Appeal Provides Important Guidance for Employers

RSU Forfeiture Revisited: Ontario Court of Appeal Provides Important Guidance for Employers

Alison G. FitzGerald

International Arbitration Lawyer

Sabrina A. Bandali

International Trade, Regulatory and Investment Lawyer

Canada has introduced a new round of retaliatory tariffs on $27.6 billion worth of US goods in response to the Trump administration's 50% tariffs on Canadian exports. The measures, effective September 8, 2026, include surtaxes ranging from 15% to 50% on a wide range of products, alongside remission programs and duty relief mechanisms for affected businesses.

Dealing with Shareholders and Shareholder Activism

From the Same Authors