Our 2025 Power Outlook, the Tariff Merry-go-round, Changes to Open Work Permits and More: March 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. Please contact us if you have any questions on the topics below.

Here are this month’s trending topics:

Energy

Key insights into Canadian energy – Power Perspectives 2025

Find out what’s ahead for Canada’s vibrant energy sector this year with our Power Perspectives 2025. With contributions from some of Canada’s leading energy lawyers, this latest edition includes provincial overviews and insights into environmental law, Aboriginal law, renewables, emerging energy subsectors and much more.

Read the publication

Our highly anticipated annual Outlook series equips you with the insights you need to stay competitive in the year ahead. Keep an eye out for upcoming releases on technology and procurement.

International Trade and Investment

The Tariff Merry-go-round: Concessions and Refutations

The tariff merry-go-round continues. Trump has suspended his 25% import tariff on Canadian goods until April 2, but only for those that qualify for CUSMA preference. This now means that obtaining CUSMA compliance is critical to businesses that want to import into the U.S. and avoid the tariffs. Read our latest bulletin to stay nimble and proactive as you enact your tariff strategies.

Read our analysis

Our International Trade and Investment Group is closely following developments during this unprecedented period in Canadian-U.S. trade relations. Contact John Boscariol or Martha Harrison to find out how we can help you.

Immigration

Eligibility changes to Canada’s open work permits affect the spouses of foreign workers and students

New eligibility requirements affecting open work permits for family members of temporary residents could affect businesses’ ability to retain key talent if their spouses are unable to work in Canada. We’ve analyzed these changes and suggested possible options for addressing the issue.

Read our analysis

MT❯ iplus, a division of McCarthy Tétrault, seamlessly meets organizations’ complex immigration needs in a global marketplace. Contact Stéphane Duval to find out how we can help you with an effective and personal touch in business immigration.

Transportation and Logistics

Regulatory update affecting motor vehicle safety: New notice and recall publication rules

To help consumers easily access vehicle recall information, new regulations require automotive manufacturers to publish notices and recalls in a standardized format on their websites. The regulations don’t introduce new information requirements. Our bulletin overviews the new rules, their impact on manufacturers and how businesses can best comply.

Read the overview

For more information on how our Transportation and Logistics Group can help you, please contact Kosta Kalogiros or Brian Lipson.

Podcast

Appealing Briefs – Binance and the enforceability of arbitration clauses in “click” contracts

When will a court decline to enforce arbitration clauses in standard form “click” contracts? In this episode of Appealing Briefs, host Adam Goldenberg speaks to McCarthy Tétrault partner Andrew Kalamut and associate Meaza Damte about how companies and consumers will be affected by the decision in Lochan v. Binance.

This episode qualifies for CPD credits in British Columbia and Ontario.

Listen to the episode

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.

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 marcomms@mccarthy.ca.

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