Canada: Government, Public Sector

Canadian organizations face intensifying regulatory enforcement, shifting market conditions, and accelerating technology risks in 2026. This comprehensive outlook examines critical developments across private equity, competition law, power infrastructure, public procurement, tax policy, and technology governance that will shape strategic decisions in the year ahead.

Ontario presents a compelling opportunity for international businesses seeking Canadian expansion, but success hinges on making informed structural and regulatory decisions from the outset. Understanding the nuances between branch offices and subsidiaries, navigating cross-border tax implications, and protecting intellectual property in a new jurisdiction can determine whether your expansion thrives or faces costly complications.

Le paysage commercial, juridique et réglementaire évolue rapidement et, pour réussir en 2026, les organisations se doivent d’être bien préparées.

Osler's Legislative Update is a bi-weekly listing of new legislation. This issue covers legislation for the period 04/09 to 04/22.

Canadian privacy laws require organizations to notify privacy commissioners and affected individuals when breaches meet specific thresholds, but the process varies across federal and provincial jurisdictions. Understanding when notification is mandatory, what constitutes a "real risk of significant harm," and how to navigate the requirements under PIPEDA, Alberta's PIPA, and Quebec's Law 25 is essential for compliance.

Québec's government has introduced a comprehensive draft regulation to modernize its hazardous materials management framework, marking the first major overhaul since the late 1990s. The reform introduces five key focus areas including enhanced traceability systems, new disposal charges, clearer rules for accidental releases, refined regulatory standards, and more stringent requirements for disposal sites. These changes aim to strengthen accountability across the hazardous materials management chain whi

Canadian organizations face intensifying regulatory enforcement, shifting market conditions, and accelerating technology risks in 2026. This comprehensive outlook examines critical developments across private equity, competition law, power infrastructure, public procurement, tax policy, and technology governance that will shape strategic decisions in the year ahead.

On April 16, 2026, FINTRAC published information on the new initiatives and updates it is implementing as a result of recent or upcoming legislative amendments to the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act and the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations.

Le paysage commercial, juridique et réglementaire évolue rapidement et, pour réussir en 2026, les organisations se doivent d’être bien préparées.

Osler's Legislative Update is a bi-weekly listing of new legislation. This issue covers legislation for the period 04/09 to 04/22.

The Alberta Court of King’s Bench has released a landmark decision providing the most comprehensive judicial interpretation to date of the “deemed ownership” and control provisions under the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA). In RN Cardium Oil Inc. v. Loyal Energy (Canada) Operating Ltd, the Court summarily dismissed a $6 million contractual claim after concluding that payment would contravene Canadian sanctions.

As of April 13, 2026, Ontario has overhauled its public-sector procurement rules through a new Buy Ontario Procurement Directive.