BLG's Smart Cities Round Table (Video)

Saskatchewan's new Data Centre Framework and Canada's Responsible Data Centre Development Principles establish comprehensive guidelines for data centre development, emphasizing Canadian ownership, data sovereignty, and bring-your-own-power requirements. How will these frameworks shape the future of data centre investments and operations across Canadian provinces, and what challenges remain in implementing these high-level policy priorities?

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.

Canadian organizations developing, acquiring, deploying or using AI have until September 23, 2026 to contribute to shaping the federal government's approach to AI transparency through a public consultation. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada is seeking input on five key areas that could lead to new disclosure obligations, incident reporting requirements, and AI agent tracking mechanisms.

When a major manufacturer makes an investment of this scale, the business opportunity extends far beyond the four walls of the facility being built. It can create demand across an ecosystem of suppliers, subcontractors, fabricators, automation providers, logistics companies, technical service providers and component manufacturers. But that doesn’t mean it’s an automatic growth opportunity for every supplier.

Last week, the federal government unveiled AI for All, an ambitious national strategy designed to accelerate AI adoption from just over 12% today to 60% by 20341 while advancing trust, opportunity, and Canadian sovereignty as foundational principles for the country’s AI future.

Partner Heather Barnhouse sits down with Rachel Mielke, founder and CEO of Hillberg & Berk, to discuss her journey from designing jewelry at her kitchen table in Regina to building a nationally recognized Canadian brand.

Le gouvernement canadien et les provinces intensifient leurs efforts pour soutenir l'innovation nationale face aux perturbations géopolitiques et à la concurrence mondiale. De nouveaux programmes de financement, sources de capitaux et initiatives axées sur le talent visent à commercialiser la recherche, préserver la propriété intellectuelle canadienne et attirer des investissements dans des secteurs stratégiques comme l'IA, les sciences de la vie et la défense.

Canada's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, AI for All, establishes a comprehensive framework built on six pillars designed to protect citizens, empower participation, drive economic prosperity, build sovereign infrastructure, scale domestic champions, and forge global partnerships. The strategy outlines specific legislative initiatives, funding commitments, and policy measures across priority sectors including healthcare, energy, transportation, agriculture, and manufacturing. With trust positioned

Canadian Governments Invest in Innovation, Talent and Domestic Competitiveness — Federal and provincial governments, frequently alongside private-sector partners, have introduced a series of new funding programs, capital sources and talent initiatives designed to support the retention and growth of technology, intellectual property and human capital in Canada. This edition's Market Insight is a summary of recent initiatives that are of particular relevance to companies, founders and investors operating in Canada’s innovation economy.

In this episode, Ellen Bessner and Brendan Monahan dig into one of the biggest barriers to effective financial planning: lack of communication between investors and advisors. Both sides often avoid reaching out — investors don't want to "bother" their advisor, and advisors worry about appearing intrusive.

Developers in British Columbia face significant legal consequences for failing to disclose material developments during presale condominium projects, even if construction is eventually completed. A landmark Supreme Court decision examines when post-contract disclosure failures can render purchase agreements unenforceable and whether insolvency proceedings can override consumer protection obligations under REDMA.

British Columbia's new Construction Prompt Payment Act introduces mandatory payment deadlines and expedited adjudication for construction disputes, drawing from similar regimes in Ontario and Alberta while incorporating unique provisions around invoice requirements and holdback releases. How will these changes reshape payment practices and dispute resolution in BC's construction industry, and what lessons can be learned from other provinces' experiences with prompt payment legislation?

Le 29 juillet 2026, l'OCRI et les ACVM ont publié l'Avis conjoint 81-339 concernant les pratiques sectorielles à l'égard des fonds négociés en bourse à l'étranger. Cet avis traite des obligations de prospectus et d'inscription pour les gestionnaires de FNB étrangers, ainsi que des obligations de connaissance du produit, du client et de détermination de la convenance pour les courtiers. Les gestionnaires et courtiers doivent maintenant évaluer leurs pratiques

La Colombie-Britannique introduit un système de paiement rapide pour les projets de construction avec la Construction Prompt Payment Act, établissant des délais stricts de 28 jours pour les maîtres d'ouvrage et 7 jours pour les entrepreneurs. Comment ces nouvelles échéances de paiement et le processus d'arbitrage intérimaire transformeront-ils la gestion des flux de trésorerie et le règlement des différends dans l'industrie de la construction?

Canada's inaugural Investment Summit in September 2026 aims to attract $1 trillion in investment across defence, infrastructure, Indigenous partnerships, technology, energy, critical minerals and agriculture. This analysis examines the federal measures shaping the Summit's agenda and outlines the key legal, regulatory and structuring considerations businesses and investors should evaluate when assessing nation-building opportunities in Canada.

British Columbia's Construction Prompt Payment Act introduces mandatory payment deadlines and fast-track adjudication for construction disputes. Owners must pay contractors within 28 days, contractors must pay subcontractors within seven days, and payment disputes can be resolved through binding adjudication outside the courts. The legislation also shortens the holdback period under the Builders Lien Act and eliminates standalone liens against holdbacks.

A recent Ontario Court of Appeal decision examines the boundaries of social media criticism in development disputes, addressing when heated online debate crosses into actionable defamation. The case explores how courts balance freedom of expression against reputational harm when Facebook posts allege corruption and misconduct, and clarifies the costs consequences for unsuccessful anti-SLAPP motions where malice may be present.

On July 29, 2026, the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) and the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) published joint Staff Notice 81-339 – Industry Practices Relating to Foreign-Listed Exchange-Traded Funds (the Foreign ETF Notice).

The Canadian Securities Administrators have proposed significant amendments to the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption that would permanently codify increased financing limits up to $50 million and introduce greater flexibility for reporting issuers seeking capital. These changes build on the success of a temporary blanket order that dramatically increased both the number of offerings and average capital raised, while introducing new provisions for marketed offerings, successor issuers, and streamlined disclo

Canada's Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act establishes a comprehensive registration regime requiring individuals and organizations to disclose arrangements with foreign principals that aim to influence Canadian political or governmental processes. The legislation creates broad obligations affecting legal professionals, lobbyists, and anyone undertaking influence activities on behalf of foreign states or entities, with significant penalties for non-compliance ranging from administrative f