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Jessica B. Horwitz

International Trade Lawyer, Customs Lawyer, Regulatory Lawyer, Anti-Corruption and Economic Sanctions Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Partner

Sabrina A. Bandali

International Trade, Regulatory and Investment Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

George W. H. Reid

International Trade, Investment and Public Procurement Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

On June 13, 2025, the Government of Canada registered three significant packages of amendments to the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (the Regulations) under SOR/2025-141, SOR/2025-142, and SOR/2025-143. Officially announced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs on June 17, 2025, following the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, these measures represent a major escalation in Canada's economic pressure campaign against the Russian Federation.

Canada Unveils Sweeping New Russia Sanctions Targeting Trade Sanctions Evasion and Key Industries

Canada Unveils Sweeping New Russia Sanctions Targeting Trade, Sanctions Evasion and Key Industries

George Reid spoke on June 11, 2025, at a panel hosted by the City of Toronto titled Uncovering the CETA Opportunity. Held at the North York Civic Centre, the event convened government and industry leaders to explore trade and investment opportunities between Canada and the European Union under the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)

George Reid Panel

Uncovering the CETA Opportunity

Alison G. FitzGerald

International Arbitration Lawyer at Bennett Jones Ottawa

It has been a tumultuous spring for businesses involved in trade between Canada and the United States. This blog rounds up the latest frequently asked questions on Canada-US tariffs, including revised guidance issued on May 20, 2025 by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) that clarifies the agency's interpretation of the exemptions from surtaxes on importations of US goods.

How Do I Get Out of This

How Do I Get Out of This? New Guidance on Eligibility for Tariff Remissions and Support Programs for Canadian Businesses

On February 1, 2025, US President Donald Trump issued an <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/02/imposing-duties-to-address-the-flow-of-illicit-drugs-across-our-national-border/" target="_blank" style="text-align: justify;">Executive Order</a> announcing a 25% tariff on imports of most Canadian goods and a 10% tariff on Canadian energy products in addition to any tariffs currently in place. The stated justification for the measures was an alleged national security emergency caused by illegal fentanyl imports and migrant entry across the Canadian border. The tariffs were originally announced for Tuesday, February 4, 2025, but the United States delayed their entry into force for a month. The tariffs came into effect on March 4, 2025.

Canada Imposes 25 Percent Retaliatory Surtax on Certain US Goods

Canada Imposes 25% Retaliatory Surtax on Certain US Goods

Lorelei Graham

Food and Agribusiness Lawyer, IP Lawyer, Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Across the Atlantic, the European Union (EU) and its member states have also been encouraging climate-resilient agri-tech innovation, but their approach to intellectual property incentives has been a bit different. The European Union has set ambitious climate goals (like achieving climate neutrality by 2050) and launched the European Green Deal, a broad policy agenda to support sustainable technologies. While funding and regulations (such as support for sustainable farming practices) are big parts of the EU strategy, there is also recognition that IP rights play an important role in fostering innovation. However, unlike Canada or the recent US pilot program, Europe has not implemented a unified “green channel” for patent examination at the European Patent Office.

Fast Tracks and Green Gaps Part III

Fast Tracks and Green Gaps Part III: Green Without the Label: Europe's Pragmatic IP Approach to Agri-Tech Innovation

Steven L. Major KC

Commercial Dispute, Construction, Fraud, Police and Personal Injury Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Drew C. Broughton

Corporate Commercial and M&A Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Kevin Myson

Corporate, Commercial Transaction, Energy, Natural Resource and M&A Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Canada is navigating a "wild frontier" in the energy industry, with a unique opportunity to forge successful and sustainable partnerships both domestically and internationally. This was the rallying call at the Energy Business Forum during the 74th Canadian Energy Executive Association (CEEA) conference in Banff, Alberta, where industry leaders gathered to share visions for the future of Canada's energy landscape.

Key Takeaways From the Wild Frontier Energy Business Forum CEEA 74

Key Takeaways From the "Wild Frontier" Energy Business Forum at CEEA '74

Melanie Teetaert

Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Vancouver

Jennifer (Jenn) K. Choi

Associate

Maruska Giacchetto

This article examines the Ontario Court of Appeal's decision in J.P. Thomson Architects Ltd. v Greater Essex County District School Board, 2025 ONCA 378, which provides critical clarification on the interpretation of multi-step dispute resolution (MSDR) clauses. MSDR clauses, commonly used in commercial contracts, outline escalating steps such as negotiation, mediation, and arbitration to resolve disputes. The Court addressed ambiguities in the drafting of MSDR timelines, emphasizing that specified timeframes should be interpreted as minimum waiting periods rather than strict deadlines. The decision overturned a lower court ruling that barred a party from arbitration due to a perceived failure to meet a 30-day mediation request deadline. This article highlights the importance of precise drafting in MSDR clauses, discusses the implications of the Court's decision, and provides practical guidance for parties drafting or negotiating dispute resolution provisions in commercial agreements.

Do you need to rush to mediate - Ontario Court of Appeal

Do You Need to Rush to Mediate? Ontario Court of Appeal Clarifies Interpretation of Multi-Step Dispute Resolution Clause

The United States has long been a major player in both agri-tech innovation and the intellectual property (IP) landscape. In the past, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) offered its own version of a green patent fast-track to encourage climate-friendly inventions. Notably, in 2009 to 2011 the USPTO ran a Green Technology Pilot Program that prioritized examination for certain eco-friendly patents. The pilot ended in 2012, but more recently the USPTO brought back the idea in June 2022, with the Climate Change Mitigation Pilot Program, which was essentially an accelerated examination program for patent applications directed to fight climate change. Under this program, inventions designed to reduce or monitor greenhouse gas emissions, including many clean energy, sustainability or climate-smart agriculture innovations, could be examined out of turn. Importantly, like Canada’s program, the US pilot did not charge the usual petition fee for expediting. The goal was to spur green tech by making it faster and cheaper to secure IP rights.

Fast Tracks and Green Gaps Part II

Fast Tracks and Green Gaps Part II: Innovation Interrupted: What the End of the USPTO's Green Program Means for Agri-Tech

Climate change is driving a surge in agricultural technology (agri-tech) innovations aimed at making farming more resilient and sustainable. From drought-resistant crops to carbon-capturing soil techniques, these climate-focused agri-tech solutions are crucial for global food security. An often-overlooked piece of this puzzle is intellectual property (IP) strategy, namely how patents and other IP rights are used to protect and incentivize innovation.

Fast Tracks and Green Gaps Part I

Fast Tracks and Green Gaps Part I: Planting the Future: Why Canada's IP System May Be the Climate Innovation Sleeper Hit


Bennett Jones Speaking Engagement Uncovering the CETA Opportunity June 11, 2025 Authors George W. H. ReidPartner On June 11, 2025, George Reid spoke at Uncovering the CETA Opportunity, a panel hosted by the City of Toronto at the North York Civic Centre. The event brought together leaders from government and industry to explore trade and investment potential between Canada and the European Union under the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). George shared practical legal insights on how Canadian companies can expand into European markets by leveraging CETA’s provisions. He discussed regulatory considerations, market access strategies and the importance of legal planning for cross-border growth, highlighting the opportunities available to businesses aiming to scale internationally through CETA. Share by Email Social Media Download Download Subscribe Republishing Requests For permission to republish this or any other publication, contact Amrita Kochhar at kochhara@bennettjones.com. For informational purposes only This publication provides an overview of legal trends and updates for informational purposes only. For personalized legal advice, please contact the authors. Authors George W. H. Reid, Partner Toronto • 416.777.7458 • reidg@bennettjones.com

Uncovering the CETA Opportunity

Authors