Mr Lewis Retik > Gowling WLG > Ottawa, Canada > Lawyer Profile

Gowling WLG
SUITE 2600
160 ELGIN STREET
OTTAWA, ON K1P 1C3
Canada

Position

Leader, Food and Beverage Group and Co-Leader, Cannabis Group

Career

Lewis Retik is a partner in Gowling WLG’s Ottawa office. He leads the Food and Beverage Group and co-leads the Cannabis Group.

His practice is focused primarily on regulatory and commercial law with respect to commercializing regulated products, including: regulatory licencing, product distribution, product classification, manufacturing, advertising, packaging, and labelling.

Lewis has extensive experience working with companies of all sizes, ranging from recent startups to large international companies in regulated industries, including: food, natural health products, cosmetic, drugs, and technology. He also addresses regulatory compliance and commercial issues that relate to e-commerce, multi-level marketing, direct selling, consumer protection, and products that use the radio frequency spectrum.

He is often responsible for working with clients to develop regulatory strategies that are both consumer-friendly and compliant.

In addressing client issues, Lewis regularly interacts with senior government officials within such departments and agencies as Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), Competition Bureau, Health Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and Environment Canada.

Lawyer Rankings

Canada > Cannabis

Gowling WLG’s cannabis practice impresses with its ‘unparalleled ability to navigate complex legal landscapes’. The multidisciplinary group combines strength in transactional and regulatory work, with the wider firm’s intellectual property prowess reflected in a client list that is dominated by life sciences companies. Alongside its work for producers, it also acts for investors and retailers, among others. Key highlights included corporate and securities partner Peter Simeon advising Khiron Life Sciences on the $3m sale of its European subsidiaries to 2518542 Alberta. Toronto-based Simeon jointly leads the team together with Ottawa-based regulatory and commercial law specialist Lewis Retik. IP-focused Natalie Rizkalla-Kamel is also recommended in Toronto.