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.
Public Policy
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.
Corporate
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.
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 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.
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.
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 2024
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..
Regulatory
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.