Canada’s business landscape is constantly evolving, driven by rapid technological advancements, shifting regulatory frameworks and unprecedented global challenges. As Canada’s Global Law Firm, Dentons connects you with local legal expertise in the markets that matter most to you.
We are currently in the process of updating our “Doing Business in Canada” guide to reflect and highlight current issues, regulatory and policy changes, legal precedents and trends affecting business owners.
Below, you will find our curated thought leadership collection with current trends and forward-looking perspectives covering key areas shaping the dynamic legal landscape, across Canada and around the world. If you’re seeking specific insights or want to understand how Canadian and global trends may influence your business, we invite you to reach out. Together, we can navigate the complexities of the global market to help you achieve your goals, wherever your business takes you.
Artificial Intelligence
Deals, data and deep learning: Navigating generative AI in cross-border M&A
As generative artificial intelligence (AI) transforms how companies operate, it is also reshaping the M&A landscape—both as a driver of deal flow and as a powerful tool in deal execution. This dual impact is especially visible in Canada-US cross-border transactions, where differing legal regimes and accelerating regulation present both challenges and strategic advantages. This insight explores how generative AI is influencing cross-border M&A, highlighting key legal considerations, diligence concerns, regulatory dynamics and value-creation opportunities.
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Six guidelines for managing legal risk in AI adoption
With or without dedicated legislation, the rule of law applies to AI and managing legal risk requires a corporate AI management program with clear processes and thorough documentation. This publication outlines a six-step approach to managing AI legal risk based on ISO standards and reflecting the decision flow of corporate management.
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AI in the financial sector: The Autorité des marchés financiers publishes draft guidelines
Artificial intelligence is transforming the financial sector, and so is its regulation. The Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) has published draft guidelines that set out specific and operational expectations for risk management, governance and the fair treatment of clients in the use of artificial intelligence systems.
Access the French version here.
Artificial intelligence trends to watch in 2025: Regulation of AI
The proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) has prompted governments worldwide to regulate both AI providers and users. In Canada, recent political shifts, including the prorogation of Parliament, a federal election and the inauguration of US President Trump, are poised to influence AI regulation in 2025. This publication examines the Canadian government’s regulatory efforts in 2024, compares approaches taken in other jurisdictions and explores what lies ahead for AI regulation in Canada.
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A number of amendments made under Ontario’s Bill 194, Strengthening Cyber Security and Building Trust in the Public Sector Act, are now in force, including whistleblower protections, and cybersecurity and AI-related obligations applicable to the province’s public sector institutions. This publication outlines the key amendments, steps institutions can take to ensure compliance and potential implications for private sector organizations working with the public sector.
Corporate
The M&A Podcast: Deal or No Deal?
As the world’s largest law firm, Dentons has established a national and international reputation as a leading advisor of M&A transactions. The Dentons M&A Podcast: Deal or No Deal, brings together lawyers with decades of experience closing mergers, acquisitions, and buyout transactions. Our team routinely represents strategic and financial buyers and sellers on a wide range of corporate transactions, including takeover bids (hostile and friendly), amalgamations, arrangements, and share and asset purchases. Recognizing that corporate transactions often involve cross-practice collaboration, this series features lawyers from litigation, tax and employment to explore the latest trends, challenges and strategies.
Power Moves: Report on what’s driving deals in the North American energy M&A market 2025
With one of Canada’s top-ranked energy groups, Dentons has a front-row seat to the forces reshaping the North American energy market, helping clients navigate what’s now and anticipate what’s next. That experience—coupled with insights from more than 100 investors and industry leaders—shaped Power Moves, our data-driven report on the key trends influencing energy M&A today.
Bridging the border: Navigating key differences in Canadian and American M&A
Canada and the United States share one of the most active and deeply integrated cross-border M&A markets in the world. For decades, private equity sponsors, family-owned businesses and strategic buyers have looked across the border for expansion, exits and acquisitions. Yet, despite the close cultural and economic relationship, the M&A landscape in each country is shaped by distinct legal frameworks, tax regimes and market expectations.
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Poison pills across borders: Navigating shareholder rights plans in Canada and the US
As cross-border M&A activity between Canada and the US grows, dealmakers must navigate stark differences in how shareholder rights plans—commonly known as “poison pills”—are used, reviewed and enforced. This publication examines how these differences shape bid strategies and outcomes, and why understanding them is essential to managing modern transactions.
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From caution to comeback: Navigating cross-border private equity in 2025
Despite economic headwinds, the constantly changing tariff situation and ongoing regulatory and geopolitical challenges, Canadian and US PE firms are demonstrating a heightened capacity to adapt. This insight explores the current state and outlook of Canada-US cross-border PE activity, with a particular focus on trends, sector dynamics and deal structuring approaches drawn from the latest data, practitioner insights and market intelligence obtained at DealMAX, the Association for Corporate Growth’s premiere conference for middle-market mergers and acquisitions (M&A).
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Rolling over borders: Key considerations for rollovers in Canadian-US M&A transactions
We continue to see transactions where shareholders retain a portion of their equity (generally referred to as an equity roll or rollover transaction) in cross-border M&A transactions. These transactions often present unique challenges, including tax issues, questions of fairness to non-rolling shareholders, regulatory scrutiny and, particularly with respect to a US target, judicial scrutiny. Additionally, ongoing Canadian-US trade tensions may impact the attractiveness and structuring of rollovers. This insight explores key aspects of cross-border rollover transactions in both public and private M&A deals.
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Key considerations to effectively navigate tariffs in cross-border M&A
The M&A market is likely to be significantly affected by the recently imposed tariffs from the United States on Canadian products, as well as the uncertainty regarding further tariffs. What should dealmakers consider in this evolving landscape? This insight explores which strategies parties should consider implementing to manage tariff-related risks throughout negotiations.
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Canadian M&A in the second half of 2025: Winning in a market where speed and certainty matter most
Canadian M&A entered 2025 under pressure, but by mid-year deal value had surged, driven by activity in key sectors and a more strategic, competitive market for private equity and cross-border deals. This publication outlines how Canadian M&A is developing and what to expect in the second half of 2025.
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Effective June 2, 2025, the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV or Exchange) implemented significant amendments to Policy 5.4 (Policy), now titled “Capital Structure, Escrow and Resale Restrictions.” Often regarded as an overly complex policy for issuers looking to list on the TSXV, these changes greatly simplify the Policy and provide a clear roadmap for companies looking to list on the Exchange. This summary provides an overview of certain key amendments.
Legal insights on the fund finance market in Canada
The fund finance market in Canada continues to evolve, offering innovative solutions and opportunities for private equity, venture capital and real estate/infrastructure funds. From subscription credit facilities (commonly referred to as capital call financing) to NAV financings and hybrid structures, the Canadian market has shown significant growth and adaptability to meet the needs of both domestic and international players.
Securities and Corporate Finance: 2024 Year in Review and 2025 Future Trends
2024 was a year of adaptation for Canada’s capital markets, marked by economic challenges, technological innovation, regulatory vigilance and shifting investor behaviours. With the results of the US election signalling potentially turbulent economic times ahead, alongside tariff threats directed at Canada, general concerns over global instability persist. At the same time, rapidly evolving technology continues to shape the markets.
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The 2025 edition of our Securities and Corporate Finance group’s proxy season guide outlines legislative, regulatory and advisory developments affecting corporate governance and annual disclosure for Canadian public companies. Covering key changes over the 12 months leading up to February 2025, the guide also provides important reminders on ongoing developments and future considerations.
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Dentons quarterly privacy litigation digest
Introducing the Dentons quarterly privacy litigation digest – your comprehensive review of privacy litigation developments impacting businesses across Canada. In each quarterly issue, our Privacy Litigation Team provides a summary of key privacy litigation topics spanning all provinces. Stay informed about the latest developments and enhance your ability to navigate the rapidly changing legal landscape in this dynamic field.
Dentons Commercial Litigation Blog
Disputes are an inevitable part of doing business, but resolving them is our business. The Dentons Commercial Litigation blog provides analysis and perspectives from our litigation and dispute resolution lawyers, who help clients navigate and resolve disputes efficiently and cost-effectively. We also offer strategies to manage risk and proactively prevent disputes before they arise. Backed by Dentons’ national and global platforms, we deliver seamless support to clients across Canada and around the world.
Deal or no deal? A concise guide to negotiating contracts while minimizing the risk of disputes
Parties negotiating contracts frequently litigate whether they have a binding agreement. This guide provides advice to clients negotiating contracts to help you minimize the risk of disputes, in addition to highlighting actions or inactions that could put you at risk of inadvertently entering into an agreement.
Energy and environmental law
Changes to environmental and energy regulation emissions cap and clean electricity regulations
Canada’s environmental and energy regulatory landscape in 2025 continues to be dominated by disagreements between the provinces and the federal government over climate change initiatives and energy production restrictions. Key issues such as oil and gas development, changes to federal environmental assessment and electricity market regulations remain at the forefront. Recent regulatory shifts have signalled a move toward greater provincial autonomy and a more business-friendly environment, but with a federal election expected this year, the future direction of these policies remains uncertain.
Canada’s legislative framework for building environmental performance
Canada has strengthened its regulatory framework for building environmental performance, aligning with its commitment to GHG reductions and net-zero goals by 2050. Recent legislative amendments and building code updates at the national and provincial levels have introduced stricter efficiency regulations and performance bases standards. These changes aim to drive the transition toward more sustainable, energy-efficient buildings.
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Climate-related disclosure requirements in Canada
Climate-related disclosure requirements in Canada continue to evolve, with 2025 likely to be the year when generally applicable mandatory climate-related disclosure requirements crystalize. This publication discusses the Canadian Sustainability Standards Board’s finalized climate-related disclosure standards and the Canadian Securities Administrators’ anticipated proposal for a new mandatory disclosure rule in 2025.
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Shifting ESG policies in the United States are reshaping the regulatory landscape for Canadian businesses, particularly in climate disclosure and DEI reporting. This publication provides insights into the latest developments, including the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s stalled climate-related disclosure rule, new executive orders on DEI and how Canadian companies operating in the US may need to reassess their legal and stakeholder obligations.
Tax
Global Tax Guide to Doing Business in Canada 2025
Canada imposes corporate and personal income tax on its residents (including Canadian subsidiaries of foreign entities) for income and capital gains earned globally. Read the report to find out how Dentons can help you successfully expand your business operations in Canada.
Access the French version here.
Regulatory
Navigating today’s shifting tariff and trade environment
As the US political landscape evolves, Canadian businesses must navigate shifting trade policies, taxation, foreign investment rules and industry regulations. Whether it’s understanding regulatory shifts, mitigating risks or identifying growth opportunities, our integrated team of legal and public policy professionals across Canada and the US provides real-time guidance to help businesses anticipate developments and respond to these changes.
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On June 13, 2025, key amendments to the Canadian International Trade Tribunal Procurement Inquiry Regulations came into effect, changing the eligibility, dismissal process and compensation framework for procurement complaints. This publication breaks down the amendments and their implications for government suppliers.
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Regulatory developments affecting financial services in Canada: What (really) matters for 2025
With political uncertainty in focus, it is important for businesses not to overlook significant regulatory changes shaping Canada’s financial services sector in 2025. Staying ahead of these developments is essential—not just for maintaining regulatory compliance, but also for identifying new business opportunities. Read our overview of the key regulatory changes that matter the most.
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Constitutional law questions of significance in 2025
Trade wars, increasing polarization and the climate crisis are among the key political, social, economic and environmental challenges testing our legal institutions in 2025. How Canadian courts respond will depend on the fundamental rules and principles in the constitution that define the powers of and institutions and government. This publication explores some of the most significant constitutional questions facing Canadian courts this year, from debates over the notwithstanding clause to landmark cases before the Supreme Court of Canada.
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Regulatory enforcement in the consumer product and packaging quality industry is gaining momentum. In response to consumer demand for increased transparency on the environmental impact of the goods that they purchase, provinces continue to advance with extended producer responsibility (EPR) regimes, while federal progress on plastics and toxic substances regulations appears to be on hold, pending key legal and policy developments. In the meantime, Canadian regulators are leveraging existing regulatory tools, a trend expected to continue in 2025.
Agricultural regulatory trends to watch: Biosecurity on farms and “ag-gag” laws
The security of farm properties and the prevention of trespass have been key regulatory focuses across Canada, with recent biosecurity and “ag-gag” legislation set to shape the future of the sector. This publication discusses the future of Bill C-275 and other legislative developments designed to strengthen biosecurity protections on farms..
As Canada navigates a rapidly shifting trade environment, the government is increasing scrutiny of foreign investments to safeguard economic security. This publication discusses how the government may leverage the Investment Canada Act’s national security process to screen foreign takeovers that are opportunistic and may harm Canada’s economic resilience.
Dentons Canada Regulatory Review
Regulatory changes shape the way businesses operate, making it essential to stay informed. Dentons’ Canada Regulatory review, brought to you by our Canadian Regulatory group, provides insights and commentary on key developments across a wide range of regulatory areas, including energy, environmental law, competition, financial regulation, Indigenous law and more. With representation across six offices in Canada, our multi-disciplinary team offers the tools and guidance businesses need to anticipate risks, maintain compliance and adapt to evolving regulations.
Employment and Labour
Hot topics, big shifts: Five key employment law developments from summer 2025
This summer brought major developments that are reshaping the employment law landscape across Canada. From the ever-evolving enforceability of Ontario termination clauses to sweeping legislative reform in Québec and a record-setting notice period in Alberta, employers are facing new challenges—and opportunities.
2024 Year in Review: Key Labour, Employment, Immigration, and Pensions Law Developments
In 2024, Canadian workplaces continued to evolve, with employers navigating evolving legislation, significant court decisions and shifting workforce dynamics. From groundbreaking rulings on wrongful dismissal to critical updates in workplace health and safety requirements, employers navigated both opportunities and challenges in adapting to these changes. This report provides actionable insights into key developments from 2024 and prepares you for the trends expected to define Canadian workplaces in 2025.
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A review of landmark decisions in employment and labour law rendered in Québec in 2024
Significant judicial decisions in 2024 have shaped the landscape of labour and employment law in Québec. This publication highlights key rulings from the Québec Court of Appeal, Superior Court, Human Rights Tribunal, Administrative Labour Tribunal and grievance arbitrators, addressing crucial topics such as constructive dismissal, terminations for poor performance, pregnant worker reassignment, hiring discrimination and language rights. It also explores emerging trends and key cases that may have a lasting impact on the workplace.
Access the French version here.
Dentons Canadian Employment & Labour Law Blog
Workforce challenges are complex, and navigating employment and labour law requires strategic guidance. The Dentons Canadian Employment & Labour Law blog provides insights on key developments affecting employers, from workplace policies and compliance to litigation and collective bargaining. Our Employment and Labour group delivers tailored, multijurisdictional advice to help businesses mitigate risks, protect their interests and adapt to evolving regulations.
Privacy and Cybersecurity
The Dentons Data blog is your trusted advisor for all things digital, exploring the legal challenges of the digital revolution affecting businesses today. Covering privacy, cybersecurity and data-related regulations in Canada and internationally, our multi-disciplinary team of lawyers and innovators provide insights, trends and practical strategies to help companies navigate evolving risks and compliance requirements.
Media and Entertainment
Tariffs on the arts: The impact of Canada-US trade tensions on media and entertainment
While the first wave of Canadian tariffs on US goods spared cultural works, uncertainty remains around the potential impact on movies, TV shows, books and video games that cross the Canada-US border. This publication examines how US and Canadian tariff regimes apply to creative works, whether existing exceptions for “information” could exempt them and the potential for cultural products to be included in future tariff waves.
Canada is recognized as a major player in film, television and interactive digital media production. Find out how Dentons can help you stay up to date with the advantages associated with producing in Canada and the various incentives provided by both federal and provincial governments.
Intellectual Property
Trademarks en français: Navigating Québec’s language laws
As of June 1, 2025, important requirements for the use of trademarks in Québec are now in effect as a result of Bill 96 and the “Regulation to amend mainly the Regulation respecting the language of commerce and business.” This publication outlines these new requirements and share next steps businesses should take to ensure compliance.
Access the French version here.
Dentons Intellectual Property Hub
The Intellectual Property Hub is your premier resource for the latest developments in trademarks, patents, copyright, industrial designs, trade secrets and more. Offering comprehensive and timely coverage, it provides the latest legal analysis, emerging trends, FAQs and key updates to help businesses navigate Canada’s evolving IP landscape. With local and international professionals, we are uniquely positioned to support businesses in managing their national and global intellectual property portfolios.