Canada: Constitutional & Administrative Law

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Government regulation and public sector law thought leadership, articles, podcasts, videos and webinars from expert sources across the legal world. Explore insights covering topics such as fiscal and monetary policy, human rights, foreign investment, government contracts and procurement, and constitutional and administrative law.
Article
Procuring An Edge: Inuit Firms And Nunavut Procurement
Article 24 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement creates a treaty-based procurement framework that goes far beyond standard Indigenous business preferences. Businesses seeking to compete in Nunavut must navigate distinct federal and territorial regimes, establish genuine Inuit beneficial ownership, and deliver measurable Inuit benefits throughout contract performance. Understanding how the Nunavut Directive, NNI Policy, and Inuit Firm Registry interact is essential for structuring compliant partnerships and
Canada Government
GW
Gowling WLG
Article
Accélération du processus d’autorisation des grands projets fédéraux : modifications proposées par le projet de loi C-39
Le gouvernement canadien propose des réformes majeures pour accélérer l'approbation des grands projets d'infrastructure et d'énergie. Le projet de loi C-39 établit des échéanciers d'un an pour les décisions fédérales, crée un cadre pour les régions d'intérêt national avec présomption d'approbation, et centralise les évaluations d'impact pour les projets énergétiques et nucléaires. Ces changements visent à ren
Canada Government
BC
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Article
Access To Information: The CAI Stays Journalists’ Applications For Review Pending A Superior Court Ruling
A Quebec journalist's challenge to access information refusals raises a critical question about legal representation before the Commission d'accès à l'information. The case examines whether journalists act personally or on behalf of their employers when seeking public records, with implications for media access rights across the province. Multiple similar cases now await a Superior Court ruling that could reshape how journalists navigate information access disputes.
Canada Litigation
L,
Langlois Lawyers, LLP
Article
Fuel Allocation During A Supply Disruption: Could Ottawa Override Your Fuel-supply Contract?
As global fuel markets tighten and governments coordinate emergency petroleum reserve releases, Canadian infrastructure projects face a critical question: what happens to fuel-supply contracts when market-based distribution gives way to federal allocation? This article examines Canada's Energy Supplies Emergency Act, a statutory framework that can override private contracts and redirect diesel supplies based on government-determined priorities during a national petroleum emergency.
Canada Government
GW
Gowling WLG
Article
Snap Election, Strict Rules: Navigating Compliance While Engaging In B.C.’s Provincial Election
British Columbia's snap election on October 24, 2026, brings unprecedented compliance challenges for businesses seeking to engage in policy discussions. With some of Canada's strictest lobbying rules, stringent election financing laws, and new foreign influence regulations all converging during the campaign period, organizations must navigate a complex web of registration requirements, spending caps, and reporting obligations while avoiding significant legal and reputational risks.
Canada Government
BC
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Article
La Cour suprême invalide une clause privative : ce que l’arrêt Démocratie en surveillance c. Canada signifie pour les décideurs administratifs
La Cour suprême du Canada a unanimement invalidé une clause privative de la Loi sur les conflits d'intérêts qui visait à soustraire au contrôle judiciaire les décisions du commissaire aux conflits d'intérêts et à l'éthique. Cette décision établit qu'une base minimale de contrôle de la légalité de toute décision administrative est garantie par la Constitution et ne peut être supprimée par voie législative, ave
Canada Litigation
MT
Miller Thomson LLP
Article
New Yellowhead Institute Report Examines Bill S-2, The Indian Act, And The Question Of Belonging
Bill S-2 remains before Parliament, creating a critical opportunity to examine what legal reform can achieve and what questions must be determined by First Nation governments and communities themselves. Through a relational ethics of care framework, this contribution to Yellowhead Institute's special report explores whether Indian Act amendments should be viewed solely as constitutional compliance or as part of a broader dialogue about relationships, responsibility, and belonging.
Canada Government
JFK Law LLP
Article
Changes To Fisheries Act Authorizations Regulations Streamline Application Process
On October 15, 2026, amendments to Canada's Fisheries Act Authorizations Regulations will streamline the application process for projects affecting fish and fish habitat. How will the new risk-based approach to offsetting requirements, deferred financial guarantees, and expanded ministerial powers reshape regulatory compliance for proponents navigating federal environmental approvals?
Canada Environment
ML
McMillan LLP
Article
Amendments To The Physical Activities Regulations Consolidate Major Projects Review Process Under The Canada Energy Regulator
On September 3, 2026, amendments to Canada's Physical Activities Regulations came into force, removing several project categories from federal Impact Assessment Act oversight and consolidating review authority with the Canada Energy Regulator. These changes eliminate overlapping federal review processes for international and interprovincial pipelines, electrical transmission lines, and certain energy facilities, aiming to streamline major project approvals while raising questions about Indigenous
Canada Environment
ML
McMillan LLP
Article
Landmark SCC Ruling Provides Clarity On Privative Clauses
The Supreme Court of Canada has delivered a landmark ruling declaring section 66 of the Conflict of Interest Act unconstitutional, fundamentally reshaping the boundaries between legislative authority and judicial oversight of administrative decisions. This unanimous decision addresses longstanding questions about the validity of privative clauses that restrict courts' ability to review findings by Parliament's ethics commissioner.
Canada Litigation
TL
Torys LLP
Article
La LTRIE est entrée en vigueur : ce que les organisations doivent savoir sur le nouveau Registre des activités d’influence étrangère du Canada
Canada's new Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act (FITAA) establishes a comprehensive registration regime requiring organizations and individuals to disclose arrangements with foreign principals involving influence activities targeting Canadian political or governmental processes.
Canada International
MT
McCarthy Tétrault LLP
Article
FITAA Is Now In Force: What Organizations Need To Know About Canada's New Foreign Influence Registry
Canada's Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act (FITAA) establishes a comprehensive registration regime for arrangements with foreign principals involving influence activities related to Canadian political or governmental processes. Organizations across sectors—including businesses, NGOs, universities, and industry associations—must assess whether their existing or proposed arrangements trigger registration obligations, with significant administrative and criminal penalties for no
Canada International
MT
McCarthy Tétrault LLP
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