Canada: Strategy

Canada's Intellectual Property Office has launched a new pilot program offering accelerated patent examination for critical minerals technologies at no additional cost. The Key Technology Expedited Program (KTEP) targets up to 50 applications per year with a 7-month examination timeline, while a second stream for public health emergencies remains dormant. Will this initiative address industry concerns about examination speed and flexibility, or does it fall short of the broader technology coverage stakehold

Canada is proposing to eliminate its federal zero-emission vehicle sales mandate and replace it with technology-neutral greenhouse gas emission standards. The shift comes amid declining EV sales, affordability concerns, and trade uncertainty with the United States, raising questions about how the automotive industry will balance climate goals with market realities. What will this regulatory transformation mean for manufacturers, consumers, and Canada's electrification timeline?

Canada has ratified the UK's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), opening new trade opportunities between the two nations. Beginning September 1, 2026, qualifying goods traded between Canada and the UK may benefit from preferential tariff rates under the agreement, with full reductions phased in by January 1, 2028.

Le gouvernement fédéral propose d'élargir considérablement les incitatifs fiscaux destinés à stimuler l'investissement des entreprises au Canada avec la mégadéduction à la productivité. Cette nouvelle mesure permanente pourrait modifier la façon dont les entreprises évaluent et planifient leurs investissements en équipement, technologies et autres actifs nécessaires à leur croissance.

Toronto's inaugural Canada Investment Summit has brought together global business leaders, investors and policymakers to explore the country's economic strengths and investment potential.

Canada and Germany are making unprecedented investments in AI infrastructure and safety research, while major players like Cohere, OpenAI, and Bell position themselves in a rapidly evolving landscape of technology sovereignty. How will these strategic moves reshape the global AI race and what do they mean for businesses navigating data residency, vendor relationships, and emerging regulatory frameworks?

A managing partner reflects on the true meaning of influence and power in the legal profession, examining how early sponsorship and opportunity shape careers in ways that often disappear from success stories. Drawing from personal experience navigating law without inherited social capital, she explores the responsibility of gatekeepers to recognize potential before it becomes proof.

For AI developers, the privacy risks of generative AI may extend well beyond the intended uses of their products. A recent finding by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (“OPC”) against X Corp. and xAI underscores that organizations may remain accountable when their AI systems enable the processing of personal information for harmful or foreseeable misuse.

Manufacturing operations face critical vulnerabilities when key suppliers fail unexpectedly. This analysis examines how excessive supplier dependency creates operational risk, explores the warning signs of supply chain exposure, and provides a framework for assessing whether your organization can withstand a sudden supplier disruption.

Legal professionals John Coldham and Kate Swaine provide expert insights and analysis on emerging legal developments. Stay informed about critical changes in law and regulation that may impact your business or practice. Subscribe to receive timely updates and professional guidance on navigating complex legal landscapes.

Clark Wilson LLP's News & Insights hub showcases the firm's expertise across diverse legal practice areas through articles, case studies, and resources. From business succession and construction law to privacy legislation and family matters, discover how Vancouver's leading lawyers analyze emerging legal trends and provide practical guidance for businesses and individuals navigating complex legal landscapes.

Torys law firm celebrates the graduation of its sixth cohort from the exclusive Torys-Rotman Business Leadership Program, a comprehensive training initiative designed to enhance lawyers' strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and client relationship skills through interactive modules and collaborative learning experiences.