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Competition Bureau Releases Proposed Greenwashing Guidelines and Opens Consultation With Stakeholders

On December 23, 2024, the Competition Bureau released a draft version of its proposed guidelines concerning environmental claims to assist the industry in interpreting the June 2024 amendments to the Competition Act, R.S.C., 1985, c.C-34, which explicitly target greenwashing, as referenced in our previous article.

Amendments to Competition Act Increase Consequences for Greenwashing

The consequences associated with making unsubstantiated climate-related claims in Canada increased on June 20, 2024, when Bill C-59 received royal assent.

Key Updates Released by Competition Bureau Regarding Greenwashing and the New Private Litigant Regime

The Competition Bureau has recently released revised guidance on both matters. The Bureau’s finalized guidance on Environmental claims and the Competition Act builds on earlier draft guidance. The Bureau’s Bulletin on Private Access provides insight into how the novel private litigant regime is expected to unfold. In both cases, the amendments to the Act are poised to fundamentally reshape the way that anticompetitive practices are deterred and corrected in Canada, increasing the consequences for businesses, particularly in relation to greenwashing.

FIFA’s Player Transfer Regulations Found to Violate EU Employment and Competition Laws

This article discusses a landmark ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union, which found that certain provisions of FIFA's Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players violate EU law by restricting the free movement of players and impeding cross-border competition.

Canadian Startups Top 43North Startup Competition

Applications for Social Enterprise Pitch Competition Now Underway

Applications are now open for this year’s Social Enterprise Zone (“SEZ”) and Social Enterprise Pitch Competition. The Ontario Government, through the Ontario Centres of Excellence (“OCE”), will once again be showcasing home-grown entrepreneurs at its Discovery conference in the spring of 2018.

Upcoming Pitch Competition Recognizes Top Startup Ventures

On January 16, the top three startups from the 2019 LaunchYU Accelerator program will present their final pitches in competition for our annual StartupSource Market Entry Award. Aird & Berlis is proud to present this award for the third year in a row and showcase our commitment to the ongoing support of entrepreneurs and innovative startup ventures.

2018 Sci Innovation Competition Builds Global Profile for Local Startups

Canadian Startup Talent on Display at 2018 Sci Innovation Competition

The submission period has closed for the Global 2018 Sci Innovation Competition, setting a new record for the number of submissions to the “Global Olympics of Innovation.” 2018 saw a 17% increase in overall submissions to the competition, with a total number of 1,460 global projects and 208 submissions to the Toronto Division alone.

The Competition Bureau Concludes (for now!) That the Rogers-NHL Agreement is Not Anti-Competitive

The Competition Bureau Concludes (for now!) That the Rogers-NHL Agreement is Not Anti-Competitive

The Competition Bureau Publishes Final Version of its Revised Intellectual Property Enforcement Guidelines

On March 13, 2019, the Competition Bureau published the final version of the revised Intellectual Property Enforcement Guidelines.

A Sellers' Market: Canadian Startups Vie to Hire/Keep Talent in the Face of U.S. Competition

Competition Bureau Brings Big Stick to Privacy Claims – $9.5 Million Penalty for Privacy Claim

The Competition Bureau recently concluded that Facebook Inc. made false or misleading claims to the public about the privacy of Canadians’ personal information on Facebook and Messenger. As a result, Facebook Inc. is required to pay a $9 million penalty, plus an additional $500,000 for the costs of the Bureau’s investigation.

Cantech Investment Conference partners with The Next Big Thing to offer exciting new Emerging Startup Competition for young entrepreneurs

SCC Competition Law Class Action Decisions

The Federal Government Signals a New Policy Approach for the CRTC in the Telecom Sector

On February 26, 2019, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development tabled a Proposed Order Issuing a Direction to the CRTC on "Implementing the Canadian Telecommunications Policy Objectives to Promote Competition, Affordability, Consumer Interests and Innovation." If implemented substantially in the form as proposed, the Proposed Policy Direction will likely have a significant impact on the telecommunications regulatory framework overseen by the CRTC.

Lessons from Coffee Pods: The Importance of Accurate Reporting Under Canada’s New Anti-Slavery Law

A recent Canadian case involving Keurig coffee pods was found to include false reporting on environmental measures, providing a lesson in the importance of truth and accuracy.

Push Comes to Shove: NFL Keeps Controversial Play Alive

This article discusses the NFL's decision to keep the controversial “tush push” play legal for now, despite safety concerns and a near-majority vote to ban it at the 2025 Spring League Meeting.

Launch of "Ford Fusion StartUp Lab" Offers Three $10K Prizes For Aspiring Startups in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver

Newly Ratified NHL-NHLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement: CBA-Driven Schedule Growth Sets NHL Apart

This article compares the NHL’s CBA-driven approach to scheduling with that of other sports, highlighting how each model affects player welfare, league operations and the increasing demands placed on athletes.

The Use of Holding Companies for Ontario’s Municipally Owned Electricity Utilities: Part 2 – ‘Corporatization’ and Development of the HoldCo Structure

This article explores the legislative framework for using holding companies in Ontario's municipally owned electricity utilities under the Energy Competition Act, 1998.

The Financial Transformation of College Sports: Is Private Equity the Future?

This article examines how financial pressures are driving interest in private equity in college sports, raising questions about commercialization and control.

UN Criticizes France’s Ban on Athletes Wearing Headscarves at the Olympics

The UN Human Rights Office is the latest body to condemn France’s decision to ban Olympic athletes from wearing headscarves at the 2024 Paris Games.

Ontario Launches Record-Breaking Procurement Spree to Meet Growing Energy Demands

On August 28, 2024, the Ontario government announced the launch of the largest competitive energy procurement in the province’s history.

Russian Cyber Spy Group Hacks World Anti-Doping Agency, Releases Private Medical Information on Olympic Athletes

Newly Ratified NHL-NHLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement: Standardized Retention of Draft Pick Rights

This article highlights changes in the new NHL-NHLPA CBA, including standardized draft pick negotiation rights and NCAA eligibility for CHL players, which may shift development paths and impact CHL talent.

Buying and Selling Stakes in Companies: A Guide for Athlete Investors and Enterprises

This article highlights key legal and commercial steps for athletes and companies to form successful investment partnerships, stressing clarity, diligence, structure, exit planning and expert advice.

The Dangers of Discount Patent Services - You Get What You Pay For

In the recent Superior Court of Quebec case Bérubé C. - Federation of Inventors of Quebec, 2018 QCCS 3459, dated August 2, 2018, the Court granted a certification for a class action against the Federation of Investors of Quebec and its founder, president and sole director Christian William Varin. The FIQ claims to be a non-profit corporation that holds itself out as an inexpensive alternative to conventional patent agencies.

Harnessing the Power of Ideas: The Hult Prize Challenge

For the first time since its inception in 2009, the social entrepreneurship driven Hult Prize is coming to Canada. The annual Hult Prize Challenge, which has been featured by TIME Magazine as one of the “Top 5 Ideas Changing the World,” welcomes university students from around the world to solve some of the world’s most pressing development issues by launching for-good, for-profit businesses.

Nspire's National Business and Technology Conference

A Question of Use: TMOB Begins Pilot Project for Registrar-Initiated Trademark Expungement Proceedings

This article outlines Canada’s Registrar of Trademarks' new proactive Section 45 expungement process starting January 2025 and offers strategies to protect trademark portfolios.

Regulatory Amendments Promoting Corporate Power Purchase Agreements Take Effect

This article explains new Ontario regulations that let large electricity users reduce costs and meet clean energy goals by signing power purchase agreements directly with renewable generators, shifting away from sole reliance on the IESO.

The Power of Sport

Sport’s power is stunning. Its ability to unite, inspire inclusivity, promote global health and strive for equality and peace beyond political borders can be unparalleled. I’ve been blessed to be a part of global initiatives that bring together world leaders in sport, faith and business to help move the needle on humanitarian issues such as homelessness and the refugee crisis.