Government Regulation and Public Sector Law

On May 4, 2026, the Department of Finance released updated draft legislation expanding the audit powers of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) in the income tax context.

Fiat-backed stablecoins are rapidly emerging as viable payment alternatives, but without a clear Canadian regulatory framework, domestic digital payments risk being overshadowed by foreign-issued stablecoins. This discussion explores the regulatory, economic, and policy considerations necessary for Canada to establish a competitive blockchain-based payment system that maintains domestic control while harnessing the full potential of digital currency innovation.

On April 28, 2026, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne tabled the federal government’s spring economic update 2026 (Update). The Update included what the government described as a “generational investment”...

The Canadian federal government has launched a 30-day consultation on sweeping reforms to accelerate major project approvals, proposing a centralized one-year timeline and "one project, one review" approach. These legislative and regulatory changes aim to streamline infrastructure development while raising critical questions about Indigenous consultation, environmental oversight, and the balance between expedited approvals and meaningful public engagement.

Daniel Waldman's article, “New lawyers are lost,” was published by Precedent. In his article, he offers advice on how to elevate student training in law. “As senior members of the bar, we need to face the truth. If you want new calls to embark on lawyer life with a decent skill set, you almost certainly have to teach them those skills yourself,” Daniel says.

Ontario's proposed repeal of section 28 of the Financial Administration Act could significantly streamline infrastructure and public-private partnership projects by eliminating ministerial approval requirements...

The Reporter provides a monthly summary of Canadian federal legislative and regulatory developments of relevance to federally regulated financial institutions. It does not address Canadian provincial financial services legislative and regulatory developments. In addition, purely technical and administrative changes (such as changes to reporting forms) are not covered.

Multiple funding solutions will be necessary to enable Canada to achieve the ambitious goals in defence and national security which have been outlined by the current federal government.

Amendments to Canada’s Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA), summarized in our previous bulletin, Canada’s New Border Bill to Combat Money Laundering...

May 1, 2026, marked the official start of Ontario’s 2026 municipal election season, the first day of the nomination and registration period. With nomination forms flying and candidates off to the races...

The Canadian federal government has launched a 30-day consultation on sweeping reforms to accelerate major project approvals, proposing a centralized one-year timeline and "one project, one review" approach. These legislative and regulatory changes aim to streamline infrastructure development while raising critical questions about Indigenous consultation, environmental oversight, and the balance between expedited approvals and meaningful public engagement.

Ontario's proposed repeal of section 28 of the Financial Administration Act could significantly streamline infrastructure and public-private partnership projects by eliminating ministerial approval requirements...