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Communications and Media

  • Overview
  • Who To Contact
  • Representative Matters
  • Recent Developments

In a dynamic sector characterized by rapid legislative and regulatory change, the Aird & Berlis Communications and Media Group provides the legal expertise and industry insight clients need to succeed in Canada’s highly regulated and commercially competitive market.

We are widely recognized for our expertise in media and telecommunications law and regulation, and for providing practical, strategic guidance to both domestic and international clients navigating the Canadian communications landscape. Our team has acted as legal counsel on numerous high-profile Canadian regulatory proceedings and transactions.

We advise a broad range of clients in a sector characterized by rapid technological change and an evolving legislative and regulatory environment. In the media sector, clients rely on us to navigate the legislative and regulatory framework, including the recently enacted Online Streaming Act and related CRTC proceedings. Our clients include global online streaming services, social media services, film and television studios, cable distributors, radio stations, content producers and distributors. We regularly advise international media companies and investors on the regulatory and commercial landscape, including foreign ownership restrictions and Canadian content requirements.

In the telecommunications sector, we act for a broad range of service providers, including competitive new-entrant fibre-to-the-home carriers and newly launched satellite-to-mobile wireless providers. Our expertise extends to the regulatory regime governing municipal access and the federal auction rules for the issuance of new wireless spectrum.

Our lawyers regularly appear before key regulatory bodies, including the CRTC, the Canadian Copyright Board, the Competition Bureau and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). Members of our team bring prior experience as economists and policy advisors to the Canadian government in areas such as competition policy, regulatory reform and telecommunications.

Our Communications and Media Group and its members are consistently highly ranked by leading legal directories, including Chambers Global, Chambers Canada, The Legal 500 Canada, The Best Lawyers in Canada, Lexology Index (Global Elite Thought Leader) and The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory. Clients choose us for our proven credibility, deep sector knowledge and ability to deliver results in a rapidly evolving industry.

Our core services include:

  • Media and Content Regulation: We advise digital streaming services, social media platforms, studios, traditional broadcasters, cable/satellite distributors and broadband providers on the Canadian communications regulatory framework, including Canadian content obligations, contribution rules, broadcasting foreign ownership rules, tax credits and programming rights and licensing matters.
  • Telecommunications Regulation: We assist Canadian and non-Canadian telecommunications service providers on federal legislation and regulation, including wireless spectrum licensing, municipal access rules, and the application of proposed amendments to the Telecommunications Act relating to the security of the Canadian telecommunications system and the protection of critical cyber systems.
  • Legislative and Policy Developments: Our team guides clients through the rapidly evolving legislative and public policy landscape in the federal and provincial spheres affecting the communications sector.
  • Corporate & Commercial Transactions: We provide regulatory guidance on commercial transactions in the communications sector, including compliance with the CRTC’s regulatory framework and the application of Canadian competition law.
  • Privacy, Data & Cybersecurity Compliance: In conjunction with the firm’s Privacy & Data Security Group, we assist media companies on privacy legislation and regulation under Canadian telecommunications and broadcasting laws.
  • Competition & Foreign Investment Reviews: We assist clients with merger reviews and approvals under the Competition Act, Investment Canada Act and Canada Transportation Act.
  • Trademark & Branding Support: We help media and technology clients on branding strategy, trademark protection and compliance with advertising regulations, including guidelines from Health Canada and Ad Standards Canada.
  • Dispute Resolution & Litigation: We represent clients in commercial litigation and administrative proceedings in the media and telecommunications sectors on matters such as misleading advertising, undue preference disputes and consumer class actions.
  • Consumer Product Safety Advice & Compliance: We advise clients on compliance with consumer product safety legislation and liaise with Health Canada regarding product recalls and other corrective actions.

The Aird & Berlis Communications and Media Group is dedicated to helping clients navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving industry. With deep regulatory expertise, broad sector experience and strategic insight, we work with global leaders and emerging innovators to overcome challenges, seize opportunities and shape the future of media and telecommunications in Canada and worldwide.

Contacts

Group Members

Representative Matters

Recent Developments

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