About
Fiona is known for her commitment to outstanding client service. Whether assisting companies with their expansion into Canada, working with a team to manage complex transactions or acting as point person for advice on everyday matters, she is a hands-on client relationship partner. Fiona takes great care to understand her clients’ business objectives and to help her clients leverage the firm’s strengths across all practice areas. She leads multi-disciplinary teams of lawyers to provide clients with comprehensive service across all areas of business law. Clients appreciate her hands-on approach to managing the relationship and her guidance on complex matters. Fiona never loses sight of the human element in the legal issues facing her clients, and her responsiveness, focus on clear communication and project management skills show that she is personally invested in their success.
Fiona’s background in labour and employment law allows her to personally advise clients with respect to compliance with employment standards, human rights, pay equity, occupational health and safety requirements and minimizing liabilities with respect to terminations. Her commercial employment law practice involves assisting the firm’s corporate clients with all labour and employment aspects of corporate transactions, restructurings and mergers and acquisitions, including employment-related diligence, successor employer issues and preparing related employment and consulting agreements. In addition, Fiona represents clients in litigation arising out of the employment relationship, including wrongful and constructive dismissal litigation and matters before the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal and the Ontario Labour Relations Board.
Fiona’s clients trust her to manage their most important transactional, regulatory and operational legal issues. Fiona represents clients in the public, private, non-profit and charitable sectors across a range of industries and contexts, including technology, manufacturing, automotive, beauty, health and wellness, insurance, transportation, retail and marketing, among others.
She is a practical lawyer who enjoys developing workable business solutions, and takes a proactive and comprehensive approach to helping clients succeed in a new market. Fiona works closely with lawyers and patent agents in other practice areas, including technology, litigation, intellectual property, regulatory law, banking, real estate and tax, to provide her clients with a full range of legal services to advance their business interests.
Fiona is a regular speaker and writer on market expansion matters. She is proud to have been recognized in The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, The Best Lawyers in Canada and Benchmark Canada.
Professional Involvement
Memberships
- MAPLE Business Council
- Canadian Association of Counsel to Employers (CACE)
"How to Maximize Your Exit," PE Gate Workshop, July 15, 2026.
"Made in Poland – Landed in Canada," Canada-Poland Trade & Investment Webinar, May 21, 2026.
"Expanding into Canada: Employment and Legal Considerations for Doing Business in Canada," West Sweden Chamber of Commerce, April 27, 2026.
"Going Global, Digital Tech Webinar – Setting up in Canada and Immigration," Investment NSW, April 20, 2026.
"From Service Provider to Strategic Partner: Reimagining Client Value in the Legal Ecosystem," Future Lawyer Canada, November 26, 2025.
"M&A Best Practices," RSM Canada, September 24, 2025.
"Workplace Law Updates 2025," Beneplan HR Conference and Client Appreciation Event, June 12, 2025.
"100 Women in Finance: Managing Your Career While Navigating Parenthood," Aird & Berlis Event, January 20, 2025.
"Negotiating Term Sheets," Toronto Business Development Centre Presentation, October 30, 2024.
"Expanding into Canada," ACATE Canada Presentation, June 18, 2024.
"Managing International Teams: HR Strategies and Legal Considerations," BHive Fireflies Immersion Program, June 14, 2024.
Legal Presentation during the Utah Mission Briefing, Utah World Trade Center Delegation, May 29, 2024.
"Expanding Into the Great White North: Why Canada Is a Great Place to Grow Your Business," Aird & Berlis Webinar, May 28, 2024.
"Expanding into Canada 101," Czech Delegation Breakfast Panel, May 1, 2024.
"Expanding into Canada 101," Aird & Berlis Webinar, April 9, 2024.
"Just Look North! How American Companies Can Do Business in Canada," Aird & Berlis Webinar, April 5, 2024.
"Workshop: Expanding your Business into Canada," Peachscore Webinar, March 27, 2024.
"Investing in Canada in 2024: The British Columbia Story," Alliance of Angels Webinar, February 12, 2024.
“Overview of Expanding into Canada,” UK Rail Mission hosted by the British Consulate General – Toronto, December 4, 2023.
"Expanding to Canada," ACATE Canada Webinar, November 6, 2023.
“SEED Market Briefing Session: Canada - Digital & Creative and Health & Life Science,” South East Export Development Webinar, June 8, 2022.
"Expanding to Canada 101," Aird & Berlis Webinar, June 6, 2023.
"5 Surprising Reasons Canada is a Premier Destination for Growing European Companies," Waterloo Economic Development Corporation Webinar, September 23, 2021.
"Workplace Law Issues for Eye Health Professionals," Academy of Ophthalmic Education Webinar, September 12, 2021.
“Insurance Claims Landscape 2021,” Insurance Institute of Canada Webinar, June 3, 2021.
"Expanding Into Canada for Experts (and Non-Experts, Too!)," Waterloo Economic Development Corporation Webinar, April 21, 2021.
"Top Labour and Employment Trends From 2020: Preparing for the Unpredictable," Aird & Berlis Workplace Webinar, February 2, 2021.
Aird & Berlis Workplace Law Online Session, November 24, 2020.
“Expanding into Ontario, Overview of Corporate and Employment Considerations,” Toronto Global Forum 2020, October 26, 2020.
"NextGen Meeting," Interlaw Live: 2020 Virtual Annual Global Meeting, October 19, 2020.
"The Canadian Landscape for Business Expansion and Relocation," Aird & Berlis Technology Webinar, September 16, 2020.
"The Changing Insurance Landscape Amid COVID-19," Centre for Study of Insurance Operations Webinar, August 24, 2020.
"The Legal Implications of Managing a Remote Workplace," Aird & Berlis Workplace Webinar, May 12, 2020.
"Crisis Management: What Companies Should Know When Responding to COVID-19," April 13, 2020.
"The Virtual Office: Effectively Developing a Secure Work-From-Home IT Solution," Aird & Berlis Technology Webinar, April 9, 2020.
“#MeToo and the Law,” Masters Association of Ontario Conference, September 25, 2019.
“Doing Business in Canada,” Marseille in Canada 2019, July 8, 2019.
“Employment 101 for Startups,” Queen’s Innovation Centre Summer Initiative, July 4, 2019.
“Legal Issues Facing Today’s HR Professional,” Feldman Daxon Partners’ 5th Annual HR Breakfast Meeting, November 2018.
“Employment Matters Affecting Startups,” Queen’s Innovation Centre Summer Initiative, June 2018.
“The Legalization of Marijuana,” City of Surrey, Risk Management Division (Session with The Society of Fellows), April 2018.
“A Year in Review: Top Issues in Employment Law,” Aird & Berlis Labour & Employment Webinar, January 2017.
“Tough Questions, Difficult Answers and Head Scratchers: A&B Workplace Law Lawyers Answer Your Questions,” Aird & Berlis Labour & Employment Webinar, October 2016.
“The Employment Contract: From Marriage to Divorce,” Aird & Berlis Labour & Employment Webinar, September 2016.
“Changing Demographics in the Workplace: How To Manage And Thrive,” Aird & Berlis Labour & Employment Webinar, May 2016.
“Medical Marijuana in the Workplace,” Aird & Berlis Labour & Employment Webinar, February 2016.
“Top Issues In Employment Law,” Aird & Berlis Labour & Employment Webinar, January 2016.
“Issues in Accommodation,” Aird & Berlis Labour & Employment Webinar, October 2015.
“Workplace Law Update: What to Watch out For,” Aird & Berlis Labour & Employment Webinar, September 2015.
“Social Media in the Workplace: The Evolution of New Rules and Practices,” Aird & Berlis Labour & Employment Webinar, March 2015.
Co-Author, "Credit Where Credit Is Due – Except in Cases of Fraud," The Canadian Dispatch, October 15, 2025.
Co-Author, "Striking a Deal: How Earnouts Can Bridge the Gap in Mining M&A," The Canadian Dispatch, September 17, 2025.
Co-Author, "Back to Basics: Acquisition Structures for Canadian Public and Private M&A," The Canadian Dispatch, July 16, 2025.
Co-Author, "Canadian Securities Regulators Announce Changes to Support Capital-Raising Efforts," The Canadian Dispatch, June 19, 2025.
Co-Author, "Canada-U.S. M&A: Navigating Uncertainty in the Trade War Era," The Canadian Dispatch, May 21, 2025.
Co-Author, "The Ontario Superior Court: Open for Business, Closed for ‘Forum Shopping’," The Canadian Dispatch, March 19, 2025.
Co-Author, "Adding Certainty in an Uncertain World: Canadian Court Deference to ‘Reasonable’ Non-Competes in M&A Transactions," The Canadian Dispatch, February 20, 2025.
Co-Author, "Ontario Seeks Input on Proposed Regulation for New Consumer Protection Act," The Canadian Dispatch, January 15, 2025.
Co-Author, "From Risk to Opportunity - ESG as a Growth Strategy," The Canadian Dispatch, November 20, 2024.
Co-Author, "Think Canada for Global Projects and Global Expansion: Why Trade and Investment Agreements Matter for Global Investment and M&A," The Canadian Dispatch, September 18, 2024.
Co-Author, "Doing Business in Canada 2024 Edition Now Available!," The Canadian Dispatch, July 17, 2024.
Co-Author, "Canada Is Protecting Its Critical Infrastructure: What Does This Mean for Your Business's Cybersecurity?," The Canadian Dispatch, June 19, 2024.
Co-Author, "Budget 2024: Capital Gains Inclusion Rate to Increase," The Canadian Dispatch, May 15, 2024.
Co-Author, "How ESG Considerations Can Impact and Create Value in M&A Transactions," The Canadian Dispatch, April 17, 2024.
Co-Author, "Recent Changes to the Canada Labour Code," The Canadian Dispatch, March 20, 2024.
Co-Author, "Legally Mandated Security: Advancing Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Standards," The Canadian Dispatch, February 21, 2024.
Co-Author, "Is Your Business Growing? Make Sure You’re Compliant With Pay Equity Obligations," Market Expansion Bulletin, January 9, 2024.
Co-Author, "Expanding to Ontario, Canada: Employment Considerations for Distribution Centres," January 2024.
Co-Author, "Knowledge Is Power … or Is It? Knowledge’s Impact on ‘Sandbagging’ in Canadian M&A Transactions," The Canadian Dispatch, December 20, 2023.
Co-Author, "Depp v. Heard: What if This Lawsuit Had Been Commenced in Ontario?," The Canadian Dispatch, December 20, 2023.
Co-Author, "Building vs. CMO Expanding Operations to Canada," Market Expansion Bulletin, December 19, 2023.
Co-Author, "Expanding into Canada 101," Market Expansion Bulletin, November 26, 2023.
Co-Author, "Doing Business in Canada 2023 Edition Now Available!," The Canadian Dispatch, November 15, 2023.
Co-Author, "Mark Your Calendar: AODA Compliance Report Deadline Approaching on December 31, 2023," Market Expansion Bulletin, November 8, 2023.
Co-Author, "Canadian Patent Fees Are Increasing in 2024: Consider Paying Fees in Advance," Market Expansion Bulletin, October 24, 2023.
Co-Author, "BioSteel Files for Creditor Protection: Will the Budding Change in U.S. Bankruptcy Law Bloom?," The Canadian Dispatch, October 18, 2023.
Co-Author, "Mergers & Acquisitions Roadmap," Market Expansion Bulletin, September 26, 2023.
Co-Author, "Mergers & Acquisitions Roadmap," The Canadian Dispatch, September 20, 2023.
Co-Author, "M&A Cheat Sheet Items," September 2023.
Co-Author, "Think Canada for Global Projects and Global Expansion: Canadian Corporate and Tax Considerations for Foreign Expansion To and From Canada," Market Expansion Bulletin, September 12, 2023.
Co-Author, "91 Aird & Berlis Lawyers Recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada 2024," The Canadian Dispatch, September 1, 2023.
Co-Author, "Reminder – New Statutory Holiday in British Columbia – First Observance September 30, 2023," Market Expansion Bulletin, September 1, 2023.
Co-Author, "Differences between Doing Business in Ontario and in Québec," September 2023.
Co-Author, "Similarities between the United Kingdom and Canada," August 2023.
Co-Author, "Differences between the United States and Canada," August 2023.
Co-Author, "Think Canada for Global Projects and Global Expansion: Canadian Corporate and Tax Considerations for Foreign Expansion To and From Canada," The Canadian Dispatch, July 31, 2023.
Co-Author, "Important Update for Employers in British Columbia: Pay Transparency Act Obligations and Prohibitions," July 25, 2023.
Co-Author, "DPA Title III Funding: A Unique Opportunity for Companies and Investors," Market Expansion Bulletin, July 4, 2023.
Co-Author, "Corporate Beneficial Ownership Registry 2.0?," The Canadian Dispatch, June 21, 2023.
Co-Author, "Corporate Beneficial Ownership Registry 2.0?," Market Expansion Bulletin, June 13, 2023.
Co-Author, "A New Era for the CSE: What Issuers Need to Know," Market Expansion Bulletin, May 25, 2023.
Co-Author, "Is Your Business Growing? Make Sure You’re Compliant With Pay Equity Obligations," The Canadian Dispatch, May 4, 2023.
Co-Author, "Ensure Your Canadian Business is Compliant with the Investment Canada Act," Market Expansion Bulletin, May 3, 2023.
Co-Author, "The Future of Working from Home. You Asked, We Answered.," Market Expansion Bulletin, April 11, 2023.
Co-Author, "Proposed Amendments to Canadian Privacy Law," Market Expansion Bulletin, March 21, 2023.
Co-Author, "British Columbia Announces New Statutory Holiday: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation," Market Expansion Bulletin, March 15, 2023.
Co-Author, "Is Your Business Growing? Make Sure You’re Compliant With Pay Equity Obligations," Market Expansion Bulletin, February 28, 2023.
Co-Author, "Public Venture Capital: An Alternative Financing Option for U.S. Growth Companies," Market Expansion Bulletin, February 7, 2023.
Co-Author, "Legal Considerations for Terminations and Restructurings in the Canadian Labour Market," Market Expansion Bulletin, January 31, 2023.
Co-Author, "General Duties Under the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act," Market Expansion Bulletin, January 10, 2023.
Co-Author, "Ontario Transparency Register: Changes for 2023," The Canadian Dispatch, December 15, 2022.
Co-Author, "Ontario Transparency Register: Changes for 2023," Market Expansion Bulletin, December 13, 2022.
Co-Author, "Protect Your Intellectual Property in Canada," Market Expansion Bulletin, November 22, 2022.
Co-Author, "Important Canadian Legal Considerations and Market Practices for U.S. and International Purchasers in Cross-Border Private M&A Transactions," Market Expansion Bulletin, November 1, 2022.
Co-Author, "Important Canadian Legal Considerations and Market Practices for U.S. and International Purchasers in Cross-Border Private M&A Transactions," The Canadian Dispatch, October 24, 2022.
Co-Author, "Proposed Amendments to Canadian Privacy Law," Market Expansion Bulletin, October 11, 2022.
Co-Author, "Electronic Monitoring Policies in Ontario – An Employer Guide," Market Expansion Bulletin, September 20, 2022.
Co-Author, "Prime Minister ‘Proclaims’ Holiday for Federal Employees in Honour of Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II: What Does This Mean for Ontario Employers?," Market Expansion Bulletin, September 15, 2022.
Co-Author, "Corporate Maintenance: Is Your Corporation Up-To-Date?," Market Expansion Bulletin, August 30, 2022.
Co-Author, "Electronic Monitoring Policies Mandatory in Ontario as of October 11, 2022" Market Expansion Bulletin, August 8, 2022.
Co-Author, “Bill C-19: Disclosing Corporate Beneficial Ownership to Federal Government,” Market Expansion Bulletin, June 28, 2022.
Co-Author, “Quebec’s Bill 96: What Employers Need to Know,” Market Expansion Bulletin, June 8, 2022.
Co-Author, “Expanding to Canada Q&A with Capitalize Consulting,” Market Expansion Bulletin, April 26, 2022.
Co-Author, “Expanding to Canada Q&A: Cowbell Cyber,” Market Expansion Bulletin, March 15, 2022.
Co-Author, "COVID-19: Back to Normal?," Market Expansion Bulletin, April 5, 2022.
Co-Author, “Amendments to the Build Ontario Act: What You Need to Know,” Market Expansion Bulletin, February 2, 2022.
Co-Author, “Key Update for Employers: Amendments to the Employment Standards Act, 2000,” Market Expansion Bulletin, January 11, 2022.
Co-Author, "CASL’s Impact on Organizations and People Across Canada and Beyond Our Borders," Market Expansion Bulletin, November 16, 2021.
Co-Author, "Employment Class Action Against Uber Takes Another Step Forward," Market Expansion Bulletin, October 26, 2021.
Co-Author, "Vaccination Policies in Ontario: What Employers Need to Know," Market Expansion Bulletin, October 5, 2021.
Co-Author, "Competition Act Requirements for Companies Acquiring an Existing Canadian Business," Market Expansion Bulletin, September 14, 2021.
Co-Author, "Toronto Workplaces Now Required to Have Vaccination Policies," Market Expansion Bulletin, August 31, 2021.
Co-Author, "Major Changes to Ontario’s Canadian Residency Requirement Coming into Effect Next Month," Market Expansion Bulletin, June 21, 2021.
Co-Author, "COVID-19 Reporting: Responsibilities and Best Practices," Market Expansion Bulletin, June 15, 2021.
Co-Author, "Ensure Your Canadian Business is Compliant with the Investment Canada Act," Market Expansion Bulletin, May 25, 2021.
Co-Author, “Future of Work: Considering Long-Lasting Effects of COVID-19 for Employers,” The Lawyer’s Daily, May 20, 2021.
Co-Author, "Seller Beware! New Canadian Sales Tax Changes for Online Sellers," Market Expansion Bulletin, May 11, 2021.
Co-Author, "It’s Not a Question of Why – But Why Not File for a Patent in Canada?," Market Expansion Bulletin, January 26, 2021.
Co-Author, "Ontario Government Extends the Protection of Commercial Tenants," Market Expansion Bulletin, January 12, 2021.
Co-Author, " Eight Fun Facts About Canada," Market Expansion Bulletin, December 22, 2020.
Co-Author, "Government of Ontario Extends “COVID-19 Period” Until July 3, 2021," Aird & Berlis LLP Workplace Law Bulletin, December 22, 2020.
Co-Author, "Online Accessibility Requirements Approaching for Large Ontario Employers," Market Expansion Bulletin, November 24, 2020.
Co-Author, " The First Step to Protecting Your Brand in Canada," Market Expansion Bulletin, November 10, 2020.
Co-Author, "Legislative Requirements for Ontario Workplaces," Market Expansion Bulletin, October 27, 2020.
Co-Author, "Are Employees Entitled to Incentive Payments During the Notice Period?," Aird & Berlis LLP Workplace Law Bulletin, October 19, 2020.
Co-Author, “Expanding to Canada is About to Get Even Simpler,” Market Expansion Bulletin, October 14, 2020.
Co-Author, "Pathway to Canadian Immigration - Why Purchasing an Existing Canadian Business May Be Right for You," Market Expansion Bulletin, October 9, 2020.
Co-Author, "Canadian Scientific R&D Tax Incentives (SR&ED) – Another Reason to Hire Employees and Conduct R&D in Canada," Market Expansion Bulletin, September 18, 2020.
Co-Author, "Is Your Business Growing? Make Sure You’re Compliant With Pay Equity Obligations," Market Expansion Bulletin, September 10, 2020.
Co-Author, "Guide to Incorporating In Canada" August 19, 2020.
Co-Author, "Key Differences in Employment Law between Canada and the United States," August 19, 2020.
Co-Author, "Enforcing Termination Clauses Just Got More Difficult in Ontario," The Lawyer's Daily, August 4, 2020.
Co-Author, "Global Mobility in the Wake of U.S. Order to Ban the Entry of Foreign Workers to the United States," Aird & Berlis LLP Workplace Law Bulletin, July 16, 2020.
Co-Author, "Waksdale: Termination Pendulum Swings Back," The Lawyer's Daily, July 10, 2020 and Aird & Berlis LLP Workplace Law Bulletin, June 22, 2020.
Co-Author, "Uber v. Heller: Supreme Court Throws Out Dutch Arbitration Clause As Unconscionable," Aird & Berlis LLP Litigation Bulletin, July 9, 2020 and The Lawyer's Daily, July 23, 2020.
Co-Author, "Ontario Government Introduces Infectious Disease Emergency Leave," Aird & Berlis LLP Workplace Law Bulletin, June 2, 2020.
Co-Author, "COVID-19 and the Workplace: Remote Working Legal Considerations and Recommendations," Aird & Berlis LLP Workplace Law Bulletin, May 26, 2020.
Co-Author, "COVID-19 and the Workplace: Changes to the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and Summer Jobs Program," Aird & Berlis LLP Workplace Law Bulletin, April 22, 2020.
Co-Author, "Expanding Your Business to Canada," April 9, 2020.
Co-Author, “Food Delivery Drivers Open to Unionization – Expanding Labour Relations to E-commerce,” Aird & Berlis LLP Workplace Law Bulletin, March 2, 2020 and The Lawyer's Daily, March 4, 2020.
Co-Author, “Novel Coronavirus 2019 - Precautionary Measures in the Workplace,” Aird & Berlis LLP Workplace Law Bulletin, February 20, 2020.
Author, "What Employers Should Know About Ontario's Pay Equity Act," The Lawyer's Daily, November 15, 2019.
Author, “What U.K. Employers Should Know About Canadian Human Rights Employment Law,” The Lawyer’s Daily, November 1, 2019.
Author, “What U.K. Employers Should Know About Canadian Termination, Dismissal Law,” The Lawyer’s Daily, October 21, 2019.
Author, “Compensation, Time Off Differences Between Canadian, U.K., Employment Law,” The Lawyer’s Daily, October 7, 2019.
Author, “What U.K. Employers Should Know About Canadian Employment Law,” The Lawyer’s Daily, September 20, 2019.
Author, “Health, Safety, Vacation Differences Between U.S. and Canada Employment Laws,” The Lawyer’s Daily, September 10, 2019.
Author, "Compensation, Termination Differences Between U.S. and Canada Employment Law," The Lawyer's Daily, August 21, 2019.
Author, "What American Employers Should Know About Canadian Employment Law," Aird & Berlis LLP Workplace Law Bulletin, August 19, 2019.
Author, "Differences Between Canadian, American Employment Law," The Lawyer's Daily, August 15, 2019.
Co-Author, “The Duty to Accommodate: A Cooperative and Collaborative Process,” Aird & Berlis LLP Workplace Law Bulletin,
May 9, 2019.
Co-Author, “Bill 148 Update: Getting Ready for “On-Call” Changes to the Employment Standards Act,” Aird & Berlis LLP Workplace Law Bulletin,
September 19, 2018.
Author, “Ontario Employers Should Prepare Now for Bill 148 Changes to On-Call Work Regulations,” The Lawyer’s Daily, August 21, 2018.
Author, “Doug Ford’s Pot Plan Leaves Black-Market and Supply-and-Demand Issues Unresolved,” The Lawyer’s Daily, August 15, 2018.
Co-Author, “ESA Update: Ontario Set to Return to Its Former Public Holiday Pay Calculation,” Aird & Berlis LLP Workplace Law Bulletin, May 15, 2018.
Co-Author, “Collective Agreement Benefits vs. Paid Emergency Leave – First Look After Bill 148,” Aird & Berlis LLP Workplace Law Bulletin, May 15, 2018.
Co-Author, “Bill 53 Proposes Minimum Pay Rates for Workers Under Government Contracts,” Aird & Berlis LLP Workplace Law Bulletin, May 14, 2018.
Co-Author, “Ontario Introduces Sweeping Changes to Workplace Laws with the Passing of Bill 148,” Aird & Berlis LLP Workplace Law Bulletin, December 1, 2017.
Author, “How to Manage Your Legal Risk,” Fitness Business Canada, July/August 2017 edition.
Author, “Getting Fit… Legally – How to Manage Your Legal Risk as a Fitness Business Owner,” Fitness Business Canada, May 18, 2017.
Author, “Fixed Terms – Can They Be Broken?,” Aird & Berlis LLP Workplace Law Bulletin, July 2015.
Author, “The New Statutory Leaves of Absence in Ontario,” Aird & Berlis LLP Workplace Law Bulletin, April 2015.
Co-Author, “The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005: Have You Complied?,” Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Law Bulletin, October 2013.
Co-Author, “Misconduct and addiction: When is cause enough?,” Canadian Employment Law Today, November 13, 2013.