The latest AI insights, oil and gas emissions caps and more: December Timely Topics
Timely Topics with McCarthy Tétrault curates the latest market trends on a monthly basis to help you stay informed of developments that can affect your business. This content is current as of December 4, but please connect with us if you have any questions on any of the topics below.
Here are this month’s trending topics:
1) AI Law
Mitigating Dispute Risks: The Need to Navigate AI Privacy Issues
Do you know how Canada’s privacy laws may apply to the AI tools you’re using in your business? The use of these tools can raise a range of privacy-related issues across sectors and industries, including in relation to the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information.
This article roadmaps some of Canada’s key privacy laws and how they may apply to AI tools to help you mitigate potential privacy dispute risks.
| This article is the latest in our AI Insights Series, written by members of our AI Law Group. Access the series and subscribe to our TechLex blog to get the latest articles delivered straight to your inbox. |
2) Energy Transition
Proposed Oil and Gas Sector Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cap Regulations
New regulations proposed by the federal government aim to establish a cap-and-trade system applicable to a wide range of industrial activities within the oil and gas sector, starting in 2025.
The federal government is seeking written feedback on the proposed regulations between November 9, 2024 and January 8, 2025.
Our overview provides insights into what the new regime is expected to look like so you can prepare and submit your feedback and begin preparing for these changes.
| The proposed regulations are in addition to existing provincial regimes. Speak with a member from our national and multidisciplinary Energy Transition team about how you can adapt to Canada’s changing energy economy. |
3) Podcast
Appealing Briefs: Democracy Watch
Can legislatures prevent courts from reviewing government decisions?
On the latest episode of "Appealing Briefs", host Adam Goldenberg speaks with litigation partner Jamie Holtom about the Federal Court of Appeal’s recent decision in Democracy Watch and what it means for challenging administrative decisions in court.
This episode qualifies for CPD credits in British Columbia and Ontario.
| Adam Goldenberg, litigation partner and host of the award-winning "Law in the Time of COVID-19" podcast, brings his impeccable interview style to this series, with analysis from some of Canada’s brightest legal minds on the country’s most important appeal decisions. |
4) Labour and Employment
Five Bills In: What Employers Need to Know About Ontario’s Latest Working for Workers Act
The fifth iteration of Ontario’s Working for Workers Act is now in effect with significant changes to the Employment Standards Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Workplace Safety Insurance Act. Among the biggest changes is the expansion of the application of workplace health and safety legislation into the private residences of teleworkers.
As these changes largely come without companion regulations or guidelines, our summary highlights some areas where you may have expanded obligations and may need to take steps.
| We will continue to monitor and provide updates as regulations and guidance are published. Please reach out to the authors, Ben Ratelband, Justine Lindner, and Alexander Steele if you require legal advice on this evolving area of employment law. |
5) Pensions, Benefits and Executive Compensation
Key Takeaways: 14th Annual Pensions and Benefits Seminar
Our 14th annual Pensions and Benefits Seminar brought together some of our leading lawyers for an afternoon discussing the latest and most important developments and trends in the space.
The Key Takeaways summarise the lively discussions, covering legislative and regulatory updates, practical tips for plan administrators to address administration errors and drafting mistakes, evolving privacy laws, technology and artificial intelligence, as well as recent important cases.
| Our Pensions, Benefits and Executive Compensation Group sculpts smart and sustainable solutions for every plan and organization no matter the size. Contact the group’s Head, Susan Nickerson, to find out how our team can help you. |
This newsletter is designed to provide general information only. This newsletter does not provide legal advice on specific issues. You are encouraged to consult with legal counsel should you require assistance in addressing a particular issue or concern.
Tell us what you think! Do you have feedback for the Timely Topics newsletter or topics you’d like for us to explore? Let us know at [email protected].