<![CDATA[Dentons Business Insights Podcast]]>8acbd1be-1e1a-5de4-8562-4c286a475faeMon, 07 Apr 2025 15:06:54 +0000Captivate.fmDentonshttps://artwork.captivate.fm/807682b4-7ddd-4032-97cb-6de7ebc5d6c0/Ls45VyE_JXapKcvD6f0UXbx9.jpgDentons Business Insights PodcastDentonsDentonsThe Dentons Business Insights podcast covers emerging business topics facing General Counsel in today’s economic environment and focuses on what GCs and other executives need to know in order to grow, protect, operate and finance their businesses.https://dentons-toronto-business-insights.captivate.fmfalseepisodicnopodcastAI in 2025: Key Trends in Europe, UK and CanadaAI in 2025: Key Trends in Europe, UK and CanadaAI is here, and businesses must adapt. In this episode, Blair McCreadie is joined by global AI leaders, Dentons partners, Chantal Bernier (Canada), Simon Elliott (UK, Ireland & Middle East), and Giangiacomo Olivi (Europe) to unpack key insights from Dentons’ Global AI Trends Report. Together, our panel of experts explore AI adoption, regulatory challenges, governance, and risk management across Europe, the UK, and Canada—helping businesses navigate the evolving AI landscape in 2025 and beyond.

]]>AI is here, and businesses must adapt. In this episode, Blair McCreadie is joined by global AI leaders, Dentons partners, Chantal Bernier (Canada), Simon Elliott (UK, Ireland & Middle East), and Giangiacomo Olivi (Europe) to unpack key insights from Dentons’ Global AI Trends Report. Together, our panel of experts explore AI adoption, regulatory challenges, governance, and risk management across Europe, the UK, and Canada—helping businesses navigate the evolving AI landscape in 2025 and beyond.

]]>f5225bb5-ce92-420a-9c3a-7ae558d8e1f6Tue, 01 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -040032:44falsefull1919DentonsNavigating Change and Embracing Opportunities in Public-Private PartnershipsNavigating Change and Embracing Opportunities in Public-Private PartnershipsIn this episode, Blair McCreadie, The Hon. James Moore, and Ilan Dunsky dive into the key insights from the recent C2P3 Conference in Toronto, where experts explored the evolving landscape of public-private partnerships (P3s). From the shifting dynamics of Canada-US relations to innovative procurement models like alliancing and progressive P3s, this episode covers how the industry is adapting to external forces, political pressures, and fiscal realities. As we navigate disruption and public accountability, discover how a renaissance in P3s is reshaping transportation projects and beyond. Whether it's tackling recent tariff curveballs or playing the long game, this episode unpacks why opportunities are better than they seem—and how collaboration is the key to future success.

]]>In this episode, Blair McCreadie, The Hon. James Moore, and Ilan Dunsky dive into the key insights from the recent C2P3 Conference in Toronto, where experts explored the evolving landscape of public-private partnerships (P3s). From the shifting dynamics of Canada-US relations to innovative procurement models like alliancing and progressive P3s, this episode covers how the industry is adapting to external forces, political pressures, and fiscal realities. As we navigate disruption and public accountability, discover how a renaissance in P3s is reshaping transportation projects and beyond. Whether it's tackling recent tariff curveballs or playing the long game, this episode unpacks why opportunities are better than they seem—and how collaboration is the key to future success.

]]>bb61521a-8561-4019-8877-eaa6070a45ceMon, 16 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -040025:02falsefull1818DentonsLuxembourg: Europe’s Gateway for Global InvestmentLuxembourg: Europe’s Gateway for Global InvestmentIn this episode, Blair McCreadie is joined by Dentons Luxembourg colleagues, Maria Rodriguez, Counsel in Investment Funds and Jean-Luc Fisch, Head of Investment Funds and Tax, to discuss Dentons Global Funds practice and Luxembourg as Europe’s premier gateway for global investors. Highlighting its AAA-rated economy, investment-friendly legal framework, and position as a leader in cross-border investment fund distribution, Maria and Jean-Luc explain why Luxembourg is an ideal hub for both UCITS and alternative investments. Listen to this episode to learn more about investment opportunities in Luxembourg and abroad.

]]>In this episode, Blair McCreadie is joined by Dentons Luxembourg colleagues, Maria Rodriguez, Counsel in Investment Funds and Jean-Luc Fisch, Head of Investment Funds and Tax, to discuss Dentons Global Funds practice and Luxembourg as Europe’s premier gateway for global investors. Highlighting its AAA-rated economy, investment-friendly legal framework, and position as a leader in cross-border investment fund distribution, Maria and Jean-Luc explain why Luxembourg is an ideal hub for both UCITS and alternative investments. Listen to this episode to learn more about investment opportunities in Luxembourg and abroad.

]]>3fa3f191-cca3-4676-a73a-1ded147220bdTue, 12 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -040020:16falsefull1717DentonsBridging Borders: Current and Upcoming Trends in the UK MarketBridging Borders: Current and Upcoming Trends in the UK MarketIn this episode, Claire Armstrong, Managing Partner of Dentons Scotland and Partner in the Firm’s Investment Funds and Asset Management practice, discusses how UK businesses are navigating post-Brexit challenges, rising inflation, and political uncertainty to find resilience and recovery. Learn about emerging investment trends, the importance of being investor-ready, and strategic insights for expanding into the UK market. This episode is a must-listen for business leaders and general counsel looking to stay ahead in a dynamic global landscape.

]]>In this episode, Claire Armstrong, Managing Partner of Dentons Scotland and Partner in the Firm’s Investment Funds and Asset Management practice, discusses how UK businesses are navigating post-Brexit challenges, rising inflation, and political uncertainty to find resilience and recovery. Learn about emerging investment trends, the importance of being investor-ready, and strategic insights for expanding into the UK market. This episode is a must-listen for business leaders and general counsel looking to stay ahead in a dynamic global landscape.

]]>8136eb2d-9004-403c-9839-71f5129e5e78Mon, 24 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -040018:54falsefull1616DentonsEmerging trends in critical minerals, precious metals, and miningEmerging trends in critical minerals, precious metals, and miningIn this episode, Blair McCreadie is joined by Senior Originator at Monetary Metals & Co, Miranda Werstiuk, and Dentons Partner and Canada Mining Co-Chair, Greg McNab to discuss key takeaways from the recent Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada convention in Toronto, such as accessing capital in the critical minerals space, ESG and social licenses to operate, artisanal mining and the future of mineral exploration in the next 12 – 24 months.

]]>In this episode, Blair McCreadie is joined by Senior Originator at Monetary Metals & Co, Miranda Werstiuk, and Dentons Partner and Canada Mining Co-Chair, Greg McNab to discuss key takeaways from the recent Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada convention in Toronto, such as accessing capital in the critical minerals space, ESG and social licenses to operate, artisanal mining and the future of mineral exploration in the next 12 – 24 months.

]]>5c8cb166-27d4-408f-ae94-5c2fb7201887Thu, 30 May 2024 09:00:00 -040032:21falsefull1515DentonsGoing beyond borders: Current and future trends in cross-border dealmaking by private equity fundsGoing beyond borders: Current and future trends in cross-border dealmaking by private equity fundsOn this episode, Blair McCreadie is joined by Andrea Johnson, Partner and Global Co-Head of Dentons Private Equity group, to discuss recent insights gleaned from Dentons’ exclusive report, Beyond Borders Private equity fund managers’ survey of current topics in cross-border M&A. Listen here to learn about key drivers, trends, and lessons learned within the past 24 months as well as a look ahead to M&A activity in the next 12 months.

]]>On this episode, Blair McCreadie is joined by Andrea Johnson, Partner and Global Co-Head of Dentons Private Equity group, to discuss recent insights gleaned from Dentons’ exclusive report, Beyond Borders Private equity fund managers’ survey of current topics in cross-border M&A. Listen here to learn about key drivers, trends, and lessons learned within the past 24 months as well as a look ahead to M&A activity in the next 12 months.

]]>7e512a6d-0ef3-4492-8c9c-2faac06a1e05Tue, 05 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -040022:23falsefull1414DentonsBill C-32: The expanded audit powers of the Canada Revenue AgencyBill C-32: The expanded audit powers of the Canada Revenue AgencyIn response to the Fall Economic Statement of 2022, the federal government has taken steps to reinforce the Canada Revenue Agency’s ability to unravel tax avoidance schemes by expanding their audit powers. In this episode, tax lawyers Jacob Yau and Caroline Harrell discuss their recent two-part series on the newly expanded audit powers of the CRA and what this means for Canadian taxpayers and businesses.

]]>In response to the Fall Economic Statement of 2022, the federal government has taken steps to reinforce the Canada Revenue Agency’s ability to unravel tax avoidance schemes by expanding their audit powers. In this episode, tax lawyers Jacob Yau and Caroline Harrell discuss their recent two-part series on the newly expanded audit powers of the CRA and what this means for Canadian taxpayers and businesses.

]]>7401ae60-b6f4-473e-88c6-62e2cc487fe5Wed, 15 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -040015:09falsefull1313DentonsKey takeaways for Canadian companies on the use of clawback policiesKey takeaways for Canadian companies on the use of clawback policiesOn this episode, Ben Iscoe and Larysa Workewych explore the current use of clawback policies in Canada as well as the implications of new requirements implemented by the Securities and Exchange Commission expected to take effect on October 2, 2023 and how those changes may affect Canadian businesses from a labour and employment perspective.

Click the links below to learn more about this topic:

“Everything you need to know about clawback policies” co-authored by Ben Iscoe and Larysa Workewych. 

“New SEC clawback compensation rules impact Canadian issuers” featuring Ben Iscoe.

]]>On this episode, Ben Iscoe and Larysa Workewych explore the current use of clawback policies in Canada as well as the implications of new requirements implemented by the Securities and Exchange Commission expected to take effect on October 2, 2023 and how those changes may affect Canadian businesses from a labour and employment perspective.

Click the links below to learn more about this topic:

“Everything you need to know about clawback policies” co-authored by Ben Iscoe and Larysa Workewych. 

“New SEC clawback compensation rules impact Canadian issuers” featuring Ben Iscoe.

]]>a7d4fb57-4e50-4166-b053-3c6c080b1a2eWed, 23 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -040015:18falsefull1212DentonsChallenges and opportunities in the electrification boomChallenges and opportunities in the electrification boomDecarbonization has become a central focus for many businesses. While every sector in the global economy is facing different pressures to revamp and decarbonize their footprints – metals and mining companies have been presented with the unique challenge of supplying the critical raw materials needed to move towards wind and solar power generation, battery and fuel-cell based electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen production. In this episode, Blair McCreadie speaks with Corporate partners Greg McNab and Ali Amadee, and Senior Advisor at StrategyCorp Inc. Philippe Couillard about emerging trends and how Canadian businesses are responding.

]]>Decarbonization has become a central focus for many businesses. While every sector in the global economy is facing different pressures to revamp and decarbonize their footprints – metals and mining companies have been presented with the unique challenge of supplying the critical raw materials needed to move towards wind and solar power generation, battery and fuel-cell based electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen production. In this episode, Blair McCreadie speaks with Corporate partners Greg McNab and Ali Amadee, and Senior Advisor at StrategyCorp Inc. Philippe Couillard about emerging trends and how Canadian businesses are responding.

]]>47bbf37d-f020-4ff5-b718-23c58642dce9Wed, 21 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -040035:19falsefull1111DentonsThe shifting tides of cross-border M&AThe shifting tides of cross-border M&AGlobal M&A has shifted over the last year as investors take stock after 2021’s whirlwind of dealmaking. Macro pressures (including inflation, rising interest rates, geopolitical unrest and ongoing supply-chain disruption) have given acquirers cause to pause and assess risks but, at the same time, there is strong motivation to consider cross-border and global acquisitions to unlock growth. In this episode, Blair McCreadie speaks with Corporate partner Alex Farcas and Litigation and Dispute Resolution partner Rachel Howie, to discuss this report as well as emerging trends and how dealmakers are responding.

Click here to read the article, “The shifting tides of cross-border M&A”.

]]>Global M&A has shifted over the last year as investors take stock after 2021’s whirlwind of dealmaking. Macro pressures (including inflation, rising interest rates, geopolitical unrest and ongoing supply-chain disruption) have given acquirers cause to pause and assess risks but, at the same time, there is strong motivation to consider cross-border and global acquisitions to unlock growth. In this episode, Blair McCreadie speaks with Corporate partner Alex Farcas and Litigation and Dispute Resolution partner Rachel Howie, to discuss this report as well as emerging trends and how dealmakers are responding.

Click here to read the article, “The shifting tides of cross-border M&A”.

]]>58fe4166-d215-4ff0-91d7-cf5a7e80355fTue, 23 May 2023 09:00:00 -040025:29falsefull1010DentonsCorporate governance trends in the not-for-profit sectorCorporate governance trends in the not-for-profit sectorExecutives in the not-for-profit sector manage ever-changing corporate governance issues, including responding to geopolitical shifts, keeping up with the war for talent, reconnecting with key stakeholders, and re-imagining strategy, culture, and everything in between. In this episode Blair McCreadie speaks with Tax partner Pamela Shin, who specializes in charity and non-profit law, about emerging trends in the sector, and how boards and executives can respond.

]]>Executives in the not-for-profit sector manage ever-changing corporate governance issues, including responding to geopolitical shifts, keeping up with the war for talent, reconnecting with key stakeholders, and re-imagining strategy, culture, and everything in between. In this episode Blair McCreadie speaks with Tax partner Pamela Shin, who specializes in charity and non-profit law, about emerging trends in the sector, and how boards and executives can respond.

]]>be422ff7-9c20-4db6-bf6c-97f4358a59d1Thu, 26 Jan 2023 09:00:00 -040015:08falsefull99DentonsM&A and MAEs: Key considerations when drafting agreementsM&A and MAEs: Key considerations when drafting agreementsMaterial Adverse Effect clauses (or “MAEs”) are customary in M&A transactions. When the COVID-19 pandemic put the applicability of these provisions under the microscope, courts and industry leaders were called upon to interpret how and when such clauses can be relied on. With the pandemic behind us, helpful guidance and interpretation on the operability of MAE clauses in the M&A landscape remain. In this episode, Blair McCreadie speaks with Corporate M&A partners Alex Farcas and Tom Redekopp alongside Litigation partner Chloe Snider about the lessons we have learned about MAE clauses from the pandemic and key considerations for M&A transactions moving forward.

]]>Material Adverse Effect clauses (or “MAEs”) are customary in M&A transactions. When the COVID-19 pandemic put the applicability of these provisions under the microscope, courts and industry leaders were called upon to interpret how and when such clauses can be relied on. With the pandemic behind us, helpful guidance and interpretation on the operability of MAE clauses in the M&A landscape remain. In this episode, Blair McCreadie speaks with Corporate M&A partners Alex Farcas and Tom Redekopp alongside Litigation partner Chloe Snider about the lessons we have learned about MAE clauses from the pandemic and key considerations for M&A transactions moving forward.

]]>32fcb0fc-b6c9-4098-9989-5db29b42a493Fri, 25 Nov 2022 09:00:00 -040023:26falsefull88DentonsPrivacy class actions in Canada – The pitfalls and path forwardPrivacy class actions in Canada – The pitfalls and path forwardIn this episode, Blair McCreadie speaks with Sean Bhagwandin, General Counsel at Nissan Canada Inc. and Kirsten Thompson, National Privacy and Cybersecurity lead at Dentons, on the trends influencing the outcomes of judicial cases in privacy litigation.

]]>In this episode, Blair McCreadie speaks with Sean Bhagwandin, General Counsel at Nissan Canada Inc. and Kirsten Thompson, National Privacy and Cybersecurity lead at Dentons, on the trends influencing the outcomes of judicial cases in privacy litigation.

]]>ba559828-893c-4aca-9048-8892e7b3d6feThu, 07 Jul 2022 09:00:00 -040018:29falsefull77DentonsESG considerations for businesses in CanadaESG considerations for businesses in CanadaIn Canada, ESG issues are at the forefront of corporate thinking as a source of risk and opportunity – from regulations, standards and setting sights on the future. In this episode, Blair McCreadie is joined by Toronto Litigation partner Dina Awad, to talk about what’s on the horizon for ESG and climate-related disclosures, and what businesses can do to proactively prepare for upcoming regulations.

]]>In Canada, ESG issues are at the forefront of corporate thinking as a source of risk and opportunity – from regulations, standards and setting sights on the future. In this episode, Blair McCreadie is joined by Toronto Litigation partner Dina Awad, to talk about what’s on the horizon for ESG and climate-related disclosures, and what businesses can do to proactively prepare for upcoming regulations.

]]>b99b23c3-706a-457a-9707-020b9801fc06Wed, 18 May 2022 09:00:00 -040012:20falsefull66DentonsResponding to emerging legal trends to mitigate and manage riskResponding to emerging legal trends to mitigate and manage riskChief Legal Officers are increasingly relied on as key business partners to manage and mitigate risks in their organizations. In this episode, Blair McCreadie speaks with Toronto litigation partner Michael Schafler to discuss the emerging legal trends that are affecting in-house counsel, and what they can do protect their business.

]]>Chief Legal Officers are increasingly relied on as key business partners to manage and mitigate risks in their organizations. In this episode, Blair McCreadie speaks with Toronto litigation partner Michael Schafler to discuss the emerging legal trends that are affecting in-house counsel, and what they can do protect their business.

]]>cb07a5ea-a901-4cb2-8464-482cf29a7cbbWed, 20 Apr 2022 09:00:00 -040011:12falsefull44DentonsHow personal estate planning can impact your business’ bottom lineHow personal estate planning can impact your business’ bottom lineIn this episode, Blair McCreadie speaks with Toronto trusts and estates partner Blair Botsford to discuss the intersection of business and personal planning and how getting your personal affairs in order can add significant value to your business.

]]>In this episode, Blair McCreadie speaks with Toronto trusts and estates partner Blair Botsford to discuss the intersection of business and personal planning and how getting your personal affairs in order can add significant value to your business.

]]>f35e37f8-7b6a-4825-a8b0-76225f6d20dbThu, 14 Apr 2022 04:00:00 -040011:12falsefull55DentonsDisruption in Canada’s insurance marketDisruption in Canada’s insurance marketCanada has long been seen as a key player in the global insurance industry. With increasing M&A and consolidation in the Canadian market, alongside heightened regulatory activity both federally and provincially, what challenges are on the horizon for Canada's insurance sector in 2021 and where do the opportunities lie?

In this episode, Blair McCreadie speaks with Canada head of Corporate and Regulatory Insurance Laurie LaPalme, and Litigation partner Arthur Hamilton, who outline the trends you need to know about and how companies in the insurance space can best manage risk.

]]>Canada has long been seen as a key player in the global insurance industry. With increasing M&A and consolidation in the Canadian market, alongside heightened regulatory activity both federally and provincially, what challenges are on the horizon for Canada's insurance sector in 2021 and where do the opportunities lie?

In this episode, Blair McCreadie speaks with Canada head of Corporate and Regulatory Insurance Laurie LaPalme, and Litigation partner Arthur Hamilton, who outline the trends you need to know about and how companies in the insurance space can best manage risk.

]]>cfdc3331-7883-4b63-8424-04d0701b0f1fThu, 15 Apr 2021 09:00:00 -040013:20falsefull33DentonsCanada’s competitive advantage in the global cannabis sectorCanada’s competitive advantage in the global cannabis sectorCanadian Cannabis companies have a unique window of opportunity to retain the leading position in this growing global sector. Having passed the two-year 'canniversary' of the federal Cannabis Act, and with more than 1,000 new cannabis retail stores expected to open across the country next year, business leaders are well-positioned to leverage insights and shift the focus from cultivation to innovation.

In this episode of the Toronto Business Insights podcast, Blair McCreadie speaks with Eric Foster about the industry review he’s leading with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, pressure points companies are facing, evolving opportunities for expansion, and why innovation is the key to retaining Canada’s lead on the global stage. Eric also shares what’s on the horizon for the emerging psychedelics industry. 

If you would like to discuss this podcast, please contact Eric Foster, Blair McCreadie or any member of Dentons’ Cannabis group.

]]>Canadian Cannabis companies have a unique window of opportunity to retain the leading position in this growing global sector. Having passed the two-year 'canniversary' of the federal Cannabis Act, and with more than 1,000 new cannabis retail stores expected to open across the country next year, business leaders are well-positioned to leverage insights and shift the focus from cultivation to innovation.

In this episode of the Toronto Business Insights podcast, Blair McCreadie speaks with Eric Foster about the industry review he’s leading with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, pressure points companies are facing, evolving opportunities for expansion, and why innovation is the key to retaining Canada’s lead on the global stage. Eric also shares what’s on the horizon for the emerging psychedelics industry. 

If you would like to discuss this podcast, please contact Eric Foster, Blair McCreadie or any member of Dentons’ Cannabis group.

]]>7dc9e7d8-ee73-4299-b502-dd22638444bbMon, 21 Dec 2020 09:00:00 -040021:17falsefull22DentonsPreparing for privacy modernization in CanadaPreparing for privacy modernization in CanadaPrivacy modernization is underway in Canada, following the trend that started in 2018 when the European Union enacted the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).  Since then, more than 60 jurisdictions around the world have enacted or proposed postmodern privacy and data protection laws.  As new privacy regulations emerge, businesses will need to seek compliance solutions that can appropriately scale in order to mitigate reputational risk and avoid hefty monetary fines. 

On this episode of the podcast, Blair McCreadie speaks with Kirsten Thompson about data privacy modernization and how this will impact the bottom line for any business.  Kirsten outlines what’s on the horizon for Canada’s data privacy landscape, what new legislative measures are being considered, and what steps General Counsel or Chief Privacy Officers should take now to manage their risk and get prepared for the new regime.

If you would like to discuss this podcast, please contact Kirsten Thompson, Blair McCreadie or any member of Dentons’ Transformative Technologies and Data Strategy group.

]]>Privacy modernization is underway in Canada, following the trend that started in 2018 when the European Union enacted the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).  Since then, more than 60 jurisdictions around the world have enacted or proposed postmodern privacy and data protection laws.  As new privacy regulations emerge, businesses will need to seek compliance solutions that can appropriately scale in order to mitigate reputational risk and avoid hefty monetary fines. 

On this episode of the podcast, Blair McCreadie speaks with Kirsten Thompson about data privacy modernization and how this will impact the bottom line for any business.  Kirsten outlines what’s on the horizon for Canada’s data privacy landscape, what new legislative measures are being considered, and what steps General Counsel or Chief Privacy Officers should take now to manage their risk and get prepared for the new regime.

If you would like to discuss this podcast, please contact Kirsten Thompson, Blair McCreadie or any member of Dentons’ Transformative Technologies and Data Strategy group.

]]>b731a270-cf28-4ec1-b97e-7d9c067c6a59Tue, 17 Nov 2020 09:00:00 -040018:18falsefull11Dentons