In this article – “White-collar defence: Increasing risks and enforcement activity” – we review such factors as increased compliance risks related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic; significant updates to federal anti-money laundering legislation and to Canada’s remediation agreements regime; key legal and regulatory developments which continue to increase prospective liability for businesses; global trends in support of internationally responsible business conduct; the requirement for companies to report international human rights and certain environmental abuses along their supply chains; Government of Canada funding for the implementation of a beneficial ownership registry for corporations in Canada; and an anticipated continuation of increased enforcement activity and regulatory initiatives to combat white-collar crime. 

This article is authored by Stéphane Eljarrat, Partner, Litigation and Lead for Osler’s White-Collar Defence practice, and Lawrence Ritchie, Partner, Litigation and Chair of Osler’s Risk Management and Crisis Response practice; and by Malcolm Aboud, Frédéric Plamondon, Sarah Firestone and Emily Lynch, Litigation associates.

Legal Year in Review is brought to you by Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP. Osler is a leading, national law firm with a singular focus – your business. We advise clients on an array of domestic and cross-border legal issues, drawing on the expertise of over 450 lawyers to provide the answers you need, when you need them.

Our Legal Year in Review, published December 7, 2021, provides general information only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice. Specific advice should be sought in connection with your circumstances.

For more information about Osler, please visit our website at osler.com. For the full Legal Year in Review, please visit www.legalyearinreview.ca.