Government Regulation and Public Sector Law

On July 23, 2026, the Government of Canada launched the Defence Drone Initiative (DDI), a new procurement vehicle for Canadian uncrewed and autonomous systems, and associated services, training, research and development, and innovation. Here is what the Defence Tech ecosystem needs to know.

Le 23 juillet 2026, le gouvernement du Canada a lancé l’Initiative liée aux drones de défense (IDD), un nouveau mécanisme d’approvisionnement dédié aux systèmes autonomes sans équipage canadiens ainsi qu’aux services, à la formation, à la recherche, au développement et à l’innovation qui y sont associés. Voici ce que l’écosystème des technologies de la défense doit savoir.

Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy marks a fundamental shift in defence procurement, linking national security with industrial capacity, supply chains, and workforce development. This three-part series examines the legal and business implications for organizations in defence and dual-use sectors, covering procurement frameworks, intellectual property considerations, and contract lifecycle management.

First Nations in Canada have the authority to establish their own membership systems independent of the Indian Act. This article examines three primary models for defining community membership—ethnic, civic, and residency—and explores how Indigenous communities can draft membership codes that reflect their values while avoiding historical discrimination and ensuring legal compliance.

Osler's Legislative Update is a bi-weekly listing of new legislation. This issue covers legislation for the period 08/06 to 08/19.

A recent Ontario Superior Court decision has struck down blanket confidentiality rules governing Canada's air passenger complaint resolution process, finding they violate constitutional freedom of expression. The ruling distinguishes between protected mediation communications and adjudicative records, requiring that decisions and orders issued by Complaint Resolution Officers be made public.

First Nations in Canada have the authority to establish their own membership systems independent of the Indian Act. This article examines three primary models for defining community membership—ethnic, civic, and residency—and explores how Indigenous communities can draft membership codes that reflect their values while avoiding historical discrimination and ensuring legal compliance.

The Innu Takuaikan Uashat mak Mani-utenam, along with the governments of Canada and Quebec, have signed a groundbreaking tripartite coordination agreement that enables the First Nation...

The Indian Act's registration provisions have undergone multiple amendments to address sex-based discrimination, yet many First Nations membership codes still incorporate outdated eligibility criteria from the 1985 Act. Recent court decisions have found these membership codes unconstitutional when they perpetuate the same discriminatory provisions that were challenged and remedied through Bills C-3 and S-3, creating a two-tier citizenship system that disadvantages descendants of female ancestors compared to

Foreign exchange bureaus operating in Canada are subject to a comprehensive compliance regime under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act, administered primarily by the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada, alongside tax reporting obligations enforced by the Canada Revenue Agency.

A recent Alberta court decision provides critical guidance on Canadian sanctions compliance, examining how businesses must assess whether counterparties are controlled by sanctioned entities through voting power, board composition, and governance structures. The case demonstrates that sanctions screening extends far beyond checking names on official lists, requiring deeper analysis of corporate ownership chains and practical control mechanisms.

Expanding a payment business into Canada requires navigating FINTRAC's Money Services Business registration framework. Understanding the regulatory requirements, compliance obligations, and practical steps for MSB registration helps international payment providers establish compliant operations in one of the world's most established financial markets.