In-House Counsel
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August 06, 2025
‘Time is of the essence’ clauses don’t apply to indefinite time limits, court rules
The Newfoundland and Labrador Court of Appeal has clarified that “time is of the essence” (TOE) clauses do not apply to contractual obligations with indefinite or open-ended time frames, such as those requiring action using “commercially reasonable efforts.”
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August 06, 2025
Agentic AI in law: Navigating the evolution of artificial intelligence
AI agents are driving the next stage in the evolution of artificial intelligence. Agentic AI is a large language model (LLM) that interacts with external systems such as web browsers, databases, emails and calendars, commonly referred to as “tools.” AI agents use tools to execute tasks to pursue user-defined goals. These systems can make decisions and take autonomous actions.
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August 06, 2025
Entering the U.S.: How it has changed
The process of entering the United States has undergone significant changes in 2025, shaped by executive orders, immigration enforcement priorities and a shifting national security agenda. Changes include heightened visa scrutiny, expanded travel restrictions and limitations, rising visa fees and updated entry regulations.
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August 06, 2025
Mitigating human rights risks in hiring and firing: A practical guide for employers
Hiring and termination are the two most consequential moments in the employee life cycle. These actions not only impact workplace culture and morale but can also carry significant legal liability for employers, particularly under the Ontario Human Rights Code. Too often, employers encounter human rights complaints not because of deliberate wrongdoing, but because of rushed decisions or a lack of understanding of legal requirements.
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August 06, 2025
Trademark infringement, post-sale confusion
The U.K. Supreme Court, the country’s highest court, has confirmed that trademark infringement because of post-sale confusion is a viable cause of action.
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August 05, 2025
Carney announces $1.25B program to boost softwood lumber industry
Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced plans to spend more than $1 billion to boost the competitiveness of Canada's softwood lumber industry. The federal government will channel separate amounts of $700 million, $500 million and $50 million to respective areas of the sector to help it better withstand ongoing and increasing U.S. duties.
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August 05, 2025
B.C. Court of Appeal dismisses appeals challenging provincial mink farming ban
The British Columbia Court of Appeal has dismissed appeals in a case related to a provincial regulation banning mink farming, finding the order in council was not ultra vires even if it was influenced by interest groups.
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August 05, 2025
Artistry in law and music in the age of AI
In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping every field and industry, transformative advancements are sweeping through the realms of law and music, challenging long-held traditions and unlocking new possibilities.
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August 01, 2025
Contractual limitation period inapplicable as referee decision arrived after deadline, court rules
The Ontario Court of Appeal has overturned a lower court decision that barred Ontario from challenging a referee’s award in a highway contract dispute, ruling the contractual limitation period did not apply as the referee decision was released after it had expired.
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August 01, 2025
Canada faces 35% U.S. tariffs as trade tensions escalate, putting focus on CUSMA compliance
Canadian political and business leaders are charting divergent strategies to navigate the new reality of 35 per cent U.S. tariffs on goods not compliant with the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), with responses ranging from calls for economic sovereignty to urgent pleas for small business relief.