Dispute Resolution

Public Law

When public law disputes occur, parties on either side need an ally that combines a fluent understanding of government processes with expert advocacy skills. We meet that challenge.

Clients in both the public and private sectors – including corporations, government agencies, professional associations, municipalities and post-secondary institutions – rely on our team to guide them through complex policy and regulatory frameworks and develop strategies for resolving the toughest disputes.

Drawing on our expansive knowledge of the public-private interface, we advocate on matters ranging from provincial and federal regulatory compliance to challenges against legislative or government decisions, and from contractual disputes involving Crown corporations to constitutional and Charter rights litigation.

Our expertise spans a wide range of industries intersecting the public-private spheres, including pharmaceuticals, healthcare, energy, education, utilities, gaming, alcoholic beverages, land use and transportation. We leverage our proficiency in corporate law, environment, labour, real estate and pensions to offer comprehensive and integrated solutions.

Whatever the forum – be it a judicial review proceeding, a regulatory hearing, an appeal before the Supreme Court of Canada – and whatever the issue, we work with you as a team to mitigate financial risk, preserve your business operations and protect your interests each step of the way.

Representative Work

Regional Municipality of Halton, 2022

Acted as counsel to the Regional Municipality of Halton, the Town of Milton, the Halton Region Conservation Authority and other municipalities in a constitutional challenge concerning the enforcement of dozens of provincial and municipal laws in respect of a major industrial development that the Canadian National Railway Company intends to proceed with in Milton and Halton. The matter was heard by a Justice of the Superior Court of Ontario in May and June, 2022.

Hydro One Inc., 2021

Acted for Hydro One Inc. in the defence of a high-profile employment-related claim advanced in the context of governance changes at Hydro One following the 2018 Ontario Provincial Government election.