Osler Legal Outlook

International trade: navigating the rapidly changing landscape

In this article — “International trade: navigating the rapidly changing landscape” — we discuss the dramatic shifts in Canadian trade policy that occurred in 2025 due largely to the often-fluctuating U.S. tariffs. In the coming year clients will need to closely monitor legal and political developments in the U.S., and Canada’s responses to them, as they adapt to this new and rapidly evolving environment. Osler Legal Outlook is brought to you by Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP. Osler is a leading, national law firm with a singular focus — your business. We advise clients on an array of domestic and cross-border legal issues, drawing on the expertise of over 600 lawyers to provide the answers you need, when you need them. Osler Legal Outlook, published on December 4, 2025, provides general information only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice. Specific advice should be sought in connection with your circumstances. For more information about Osler and for the full Osler Legal Outlook, please visit our website, osler.com [https://www.osler.com/en/insights/reports/2025-legal-outlook/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=olo-2025].

Building Canada: advancing national priorities and projects

In this article — “Building Canada: advancing national priorities and projects” — we discuss how the Building Canada Act is expected to provide greater project development certainty and efficiency. There are both benefits and risks associated with this process, which proponents will want to weigh when determining whether to seek to take advantage of the new framework. This article is authored by Maureen Killoran, KC, Osler’s National Co-Chair; Sander Duncanson, Calgary Managing Partner and Co-Chair, Regulatory, Indigenous and Environmental; Paula Olexiuk, a partner in the Energy and Commercial Group and Co-Chair, Construction; Brad Gilmour, a partner in the Regulatory, Indigenous and Environmental Group and Co-Chair, Environmental Disputes and Enforcement; Sean Sutherland, a partner in the Disputes Group; Maeve O’Neill Sanger, an associate in the Regulatory, Indigenous and Environmental Group; and Jamie Bell, who is an articling student. Osler Legal Outlook is brought to you by Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP. Osler is a leading, national law firm with a singular focus — your business. We advise clients on an array of domestic and cross-border legal issues, drawing on the expertise of over 600 lawyers to provide the answers you need, when you need them. Osler Legal Outlook, published on December 4, 2025, provides general information only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice. Specific advice should be sought in connection with your circumstances. For more information about Osler and for the full Osler Legal Outlook, please visit our website, osler.com [https://www.osler.com/en/insights/reports/2025-legal-outlook/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=olo-2025].

Powering AI: Canada’s evolving electricity grid connection policies

In this article – “Powering AI: Canada’s evolving electricity grid connection policies” — we discuss the challenges that AI is creating for Canada’s electricity systems and the new policy frameworks key provinces are developing in response. This article is authored by Richard Wong, partner in the Commercial and Energy Groups and Co-Chair of the National Construction and Infrastructure Group, along with associates Cole Tavener, Construction, Infrastructure & Energy Group, Ian Clarke, Corporate and Yan Besner, a partner in Osler’s Real Estate Group. Osler Legal Outlook is brought to you by Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP. Osler is a leading, national law firm with a singular focus — your business. We advise clients on an array of domestic and cross-border legal issues, drawing on the expertise of over 600 lawyers to provide the answers you need, when you need them. Osler Legal Outlook, published on December 4, 2025, provides general information only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice. Specific advice should be sought in connection with your circumstances. For more information about Osler and for the full Osler Legal Outlook, please visit our website, osler.com [https://www.osler.com/en/insights/reports/2025-legal-outlook/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=olo-2025].

Data sovereignty: looking to the past as Canada decides how to move forward

In this article — “Data sovereignty: looking to the past as Canada decides how to move forward” — we discuss the expectation that the Canadian government will reveal its digital and AI strategy in 2026 that will prioritize data sovereignty. Industry experts have recommended Canada take measures to ensure data remains in this country and is insulated from foreign jurisdictions.” This article is authored by Michael Fekete, a partner in Osler’s Technology Group and John Salloum, a partner in Osler’s Privacy and Data Management practice. Osler Legal Outlook is brought to you by Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP. Osler is a leading, national law firm with a singular focus — your business. We advise clients on an array of domestic and cross-border legal issues, drawing on the expertise of over 600 lawyers to provide the answers you need, when you need them. Osler Legal Outlook, published on December 4, 2025, provides general information only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice. Specific advice should be sought in connection with your circumstances. For more information about Osler and for the full Osler Legal Outlook, please visit our website, osler.com [https://www.osler.com/en/insights/reports/2025-legal-outlook/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=olo-2025].

Canada’s 2026 privacy priorities: data sovereignty, open banking and AI

In this article — “Canada’s 2026 privacy priorities: data sovereignty, open banking and AI” — we discuss legislative reform, government policy, industry standards, and regulatory guidance and oversight which will all have a role to play in shaping the privacy and data management landscape in 2026. This article is authored by Adam Kardash, partner and Co-Chair of the Privacy and Data Management practice; Wendy Gross, Chair of the Technology Group; François Joli-Coeur, partner, Privacy and Data Management; Adam LaRoche, partner Privacy and Data Management and Employment and Labour Groups; Colleen Morawetz, Privacy Knowledge Management lawyer; and Alexandra Toma, associate, Privacy and Data Management. Osler Legal Outlook is brought to you by Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP. Osler is a leading, national law firm with a singular focus — your business. We advise clients on an array of domestic and cross-border legal issues, drawing on the expertise of over 600 lawyers to provide the answers you need, when you need them. Osler Legal Outlook, published on December 4, 2025, provides general information only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice. Specific advice should be sought in connection with your circumstances. For more information about Osler and for the full Osler Legal Outlook, please visit our website, osler.com [https://www.osler.com/en/insights/reports/2025-legal-outlook/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=olo-2025].