Public Law

Administrative and Public Law

Author CHAMBERS BAND 1 Litigation: Administrative & Public Law – Ontario, 2022-2025, 2022-2025

“Borden Ladner Gervais has a solid service offering in the Ontario litigation market, with notable expertise in securities, fraud, and banking litigation. The team fields notable experience in administrative and constitutional law matters, regularly appearing on urgent injunctions and judicial reviews, as well as novel matters such as extradition proceedings.”

-Chambers and Partners 2024

  • Lord Reading Law Society and Attorney General of Canada in a Supreme Court of Canada challenge to Québec's Bill 21, which restricts religious symbols in public service. The case raises fundamental questions on minority rights, religious freedom, and the limits of the notwithstanding clause. The ruling will have lasting constitutional impact.
  • Attorney General of Canada in securing Supreme Court of Canada constitutional victory in carbon reference cases, establishing federal jurisdiction over climate change as matter of national concern, and affirming Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act validity against provincial opposition.
  • Law Society of Upper Canada in a landmark Supreme Court victory upholding its decision to deny accreditation to Trinity Western University's law school. The ruling clarified constitutional rights, human rights, and administrative law principles, reinforcing the Law Society's authority as a regulator.
  • Centre for Free Expression at TMU in interventions before the Superior Court, the Court of Appeal for Ontario, and the Supreme Court of Canada challenging the constitutionality of amendments to Ontario's Election Finances Act. The Supreme Court's decision now stands as a leading case on the right to vote under section 3 of the Charter.
  • Canadian Civil Liberties Association as intervenor in a landmark Supreme Court of Canada case balancing freedom of expression, and human rights. The case, involving comedian Mike Ward's controversial act, set key precedents on when artistic expression can be legally restricted.
  • Canadian Civil Liberties Association in a Supreme Court of Canada case on statutory appeal rights under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The case challenges a restrictive interpretation that limits access to appeals. The ruling could reshape procedural fairness and Charter protections in immigration law. Decision pending.
  • Lord Reading Law Society and Attorney General of Canada in a Supreme Court of Canada challenge to Québec's Bill 21, which restricts religious symbols in public service. The case raises fundamental questions on minority rights, religious freedom, and the limits of the notwithstanding clause. The ruling will have lasting constitutional impact.
  • Attorney General of Canada in securing Supreme Court of Canada constitutional victory in carbon reference cases, establishing federal jurisdiction over climate change as matter of national concern, and affirming Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act validity against provincial opposition.
  • Law Society of Upper Canada in a landmark Supreme Court victory upholding its decision to deny accreditation to Trinity Western University's law school. The ruling clarified constitutional rights, human rights, and administrative law principles, reinforcing the Law Society's authority as a regulator.
  • Centre for Free Expression at TMU in interventions before the Superior Court, the Court of Appeal for Ontario, and the Supreme Court of Canada challenging the constitutionality of amendments to Ontario's Election Finances Act. The Supreme Court's decision now stands as a leading case on the right to vote under section 3 of the Charter.
  • Canadian Civil Liberties Association as intervenor in a landmark Supreme Court of Canada case balancing freedom of expression, and human rights. The case, involving comedian Mike Ward's controversial act, set key precedents on when artistic expression can be legally restricted.
  • Canadian Civil Liberties Association in a Supreme Court of Canada case on statutory appeal rights under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The case challenges a restrictive interpretation that limits access to appeals. The ruling could reshape procedural fairness and Charter protections in immigration law. Decision pending.
  • Hockey Canada's independent third-party review led by BLG senior counsel and former Supreme Court Justice Thomas Cromwell. The final report outlined critical governance reforms to rebuild public trust and align with industry best practices.
  • External independent review of high profile, persistent sexual misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces, and Department of National Defence, led by BLG senior counsel, and former Supreme Court Justice Louise Arbour. The final report provided wide-ranging policy, governance, and cultural reforms that will shape the future of Canada's military.
  • Future of Sport in Canada Commission, which is leading an independent review of mistreatment, governance failures, and policy gaps in Canadian sport. Commissioner Lise Maisonneuve will issue key recommendations to improve accountability and protections. As lead counsel, BLG advises on legal, constitutional, and strategic matters while supporting nationwide consultations with diverse stakeholders.
  • Elliot Lake Inquiry in investigating the fatal mall collapse and recommending critical safety and emergency response reforms. The inquiry heard testimony from more than 100 witnesses over 112 days of televised hearings.
  • Hockey Canada's independent third-party review led by BLG senior counsel and former Supreme Court Justice Thomas Cromwell. The final report outlined critical governance reforms to rebuild public trust and align with industry best practices.
  • External independent review of high profile, persistent sexual misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces, and Department of National Defence, led by BLG senior counsel, and former Supreme Court Justice Louise Arbour. The final report provided wide-ranging policy, governance, and cultural reforms that will shape the future of Canada's military.
  • Future of Sport in Canada Commission, which is leading an independent review of mistreatment, governance failures, and policy gaps in Canadian sport. Commissioner Lise Maisonneuve will issue key recommendations to improve accountability and protections. As lead counsel, BLG advises on legal, constitutional, and strategic matters while supporting nationwide consultations with diverse stakeholders.
  • Elliot Lake Inquiry in investigating the fatal mall collapse and recommending critical safety and emergency response reforms. The inquiry heard testimony from more than 100 witnesses over 112 days of televised hearings.
  • Amazon.com.ca ULC and AMZN Mobile LLC in defending Federal Court of Appeal challenge to proportionality standards governing Competition Act section 11 production orders, protecting decade-long judicial review framework against Commissioner of Competition's overbroad information request.
  • A leading cryptocurrency exchange in a high-stakes constitutional challenge against the Ontario Securities Commission's summons, arguing it violates Charter protections against unlawful seizure. The case has already set a key precedent on the Capital Market Tribunal's jurisdiction and is now before the Ontario Court of Appeal. With over $1 billion at stake, the outcome could redefine regulatory limits.
  • NSUS Limited and NSUS Group Inc., which own, and operate online poker rooms under the brand GGPoker, and GGPoker.ca, in intervening in a reference on iGaming in the Court of Appeal for Ontario initiated by the Ontario government. NSUS supports Ontario's position that its online gaming model allowing international players complies with the Criminal Code. The decision will determine the scope of provincial authority over online gambling and could shape the future of iGaming in Canada. Decision pending.
  • B.C. Civil Liberties Association, as intervenor, in a precedent-setting climate case before the Ontario Court of Appeal. Mathur v. Ontario challenges government accountability in climate policy and could shape future Charter litigation on environmental rights.
  • Canadian Airports Council in a Federal Court of Appeal case on whether local airport authorities must meet the same bilingual service obligations as federal institutions under the Official Languages Act. The ruling will impact language rights and service standards at 22 airports across Canada. Decision pending.
  • Canadian National Railway Company in a Federal Court of Appeal case challenging the Canadian Transportation Agency's interpretation of its interswitching rate-setting authority under the Canada Transportation Act. The court overturned the Agency's long-standing approach to interswitching rates which failed to take into account comparative market data.
  • Amazon.com.ca ULC and AMZN Mobile LLC in defending Federal Court of Appeal challenge to proportionality standards governing Competition Act section 11 production orders, protecting decade-long judicial review framework against Commissioner of Competition's overbroad information request.
  • A leading cryptocurrency exchange in a high-stakes constitutional challenge against the Ontario Securities Commission's summons, arguing it violates Charter protections against unlawful seizure. The case has already set a key precedent on the Capital Market Tribunal's jurisdiction and is now before the Ontario Court of Appeal. With over $1 billion at stake, the outcome could redefine regulatory limits.
  • NSUS Limited and NSUS Group Inc., which own, and operate online poker rooms under the brand GGPoker, and GGPoker.ca, in intervening in a reference on iGaming in the Court of Appeal for Ontario initiated by the Ontario government. NSUS supports Ontario's position that its online gaming model allowing international players complies with the Criminal Code. The decision will determine the scope of provincial authority over online gambling and could shape the future of iGaming in Canada. Decision pending.
  • B.C. Civil Liberties Association, as intervenor, in a precedent-setting climate case before the Ontario Court of Appeal. Mathur v. Ontario challenges government accountability in climate policy and could shape future Charter litigation on environmental rights.
  • Canadian Airports Council in a Federal Court of Appeal case on whether local airport authorities must meet the same bilingual service obligations as federal institutions under the Official Languages Act. The ruling will impact language rights and service standards at 22 airports across Canada. Decision pending.
  • Canadian National Railway Company in a Federal Court of Appeal case challenging the Canadian Transportation Agency's interpretation of its interswitching rate-setting authority under the Canada Transportation Act. The court overturned the Agency's long-standing approach to interswitching rates which failed to take into account comparative market data.
  • Canadian Civil Liberties Association in a constitutional challenge over access to medical assistance in dying (MAID). The case, involving a Vancouver woman transferred from a Catholic hospital, argues that faith-based bans on MAID violate Charter rights. The outcome could set a major precedent for patient rights and healthcare access.
  • Canadian Civil Liberties Association, as intervenor, in a trial before the B.C. Supreme Court challenging the B.C. government's exemption for faith-based hospital operators to not provide MAID in publicly funded hospitals in B.C. CCLA's intervention focuses on the novel and complex issue of whether and in what circumstances it may be appropriate for a body corporate to hold religious rights under s. 2(a) of the Charter.
  • York Regional Police Services Board in securing a key win in a novel constitutional challenge to law enforcement information sharing with U.S. authorities. The applicant alleged violations of Charter rights but was required to first use freedom of information processes. The ruling reinforces limits on premature lawsuits and has major implications for privacy and cross-border intelligence sharing.
  • Railway Association of Canada in a constitutional Charter challenge on mandatory locomotive recording devices under the Railway Safety Act. The case will define the scope of privacy protection for employees whose work has public safety implications.
  • Waterloo Region District School Board in a precedent-setting Charter case affirming its ability to discipline a trustee while balancing free speech and human rights obligations. Leave to appeal was denied.
  • CN in multiple proceedings on whether provincial drainage laws apply to works within federally regulated railway rights‑of‑way. BLG has represented CN before the Canadian Transportation Agency and on related appeals, arguing that federal legislation governs approval and cost sharing and that the Agency has exclusive jurisdiction to decide these issues. This case is likely to be precedent setting in constitutional division of powers matters.
  • Canadian Civil Liberties Association in a constitutional challenge over access to medical assistance in dying (MAID). The case, involving a Vancouver woman transferred from a Catholic hospital, argues that faith-based bans on MAID violate Charter rights. The outcome could set a major precedent for patient rights and healthcare access.
  • Canadian Civil Liberties Association, as intervenor, in a trial before the B.C. Supreme Court challenging the B.C. government's exemption for faith-based hospital operators to not provide MAID in publicly funded hospitals in B.C. CCLA's intervention focuses on the novel and complex issue of whether and in what circumstances it may be appropriate for a body corporate to hold religious rights under s. 2(a) of the Charter.
  • York Regional Police Services Board in securing a key win in a novel constitutional challenge to law enforcement information sharing with U.S. authorities. The applicant alleged violations of Charter rights but was required to first use freedom of information processes. The ruling reinforces limits on premature lawsuits and has major implications for privacy and cross-border intelligence sharing.
  • Railway Association of Canada in a constitutional Charter challenge on mandatory locomotive recording devices under the Railway Safety Act. The case will define the scope of privacy protection for employees whose work has public safety implications.
  • Waterloo Region District School Board in a precedent-setting Charter case affirming its ability to discipline a trustee while balancing free speech and human rights obligations. Leave to appeal was denied.
  • CN in multiple proceedings on whether provincial drainage laws apply to works within federally regulated railway rights‑of‑way. BLG has represented CN before the Canadian Transportation Agency and on related appeals, arguing that federal legislation governs approval and cost sharing and that the Agency has exclusive jurisdiction to decide these issues. This case is likely to be precedent setting in constitutional division of powers matters.
  • A leading cryptocurrency exchange in a challenge to a $6-million FINTRAC penalty under Canada's anti-money laundering laws. The case, a rare enforcement action under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act, could set a key precedent on regulatory obligations for foreign cryptocurrency firms.
  • CN Rail in securing key disclosure rights in an appeal examining transparency in regulatory rate-setting by the Canadian Transportation Agency. Within months, the decision was cited in four cases and will likely be a precedent for administrative tribunal disclosures.
  • Canadian Air Transport Security Authority in a Federal Court case clarifying the Charter and Official Languages Act obligations of federal agencies. The ruling will set national compliance standards for bilingual services in government institutions.
  • Elections Canada in a Federal Court victory upholding the dismissal of a human rights complaint over its mandatory mask policy for poll workers in the 2021 federal election. The ruling reinforces the need for evidence in discrimination claims and affirms Elections Canada's authority over election procedures.
  • Chief Electoral Officer of Canada in successfully defending a judicial review challenge to the de-registration of a political party. The Federal Court upheld the decision, reinforcing procedural fairness, and the integrity of Canada's political financing regime.
  • York Regional Police officers, including the Chief of Police, in successfully securing the withdrawal of private prosecution charges under municipal privacy laws. Successfully applied for certiorari to challenge a disclosure order.
  • A leading cryptocurrency exchange in a challenge to a $6-million FINTRAC penalty under Canada's anti-money laundering laws. The case, a rare enforcement action under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act, could set a key precedent on regulatory obligations for foreign cryptocurrency firms.
  • CN Rail in securing key disclosure rights in an appeal examining transparency in regulatory rate-setting by the Canadian Transportation Agency. Within months, the decision was cited in four cases and will likely be a precedent for administrative tribunal disclosures.
  • Canadian Air Transport Security Authority in a Federal Court case clarifying the Charter and Official Languages Act obligations of federal agencies. The ruling will set national compliance standards for bilingual services in government institutions.
  • Elections Canada in a Federal Court victory upholding the dismissal of a human rights complaint over its mandatory mask policy for poll workers in the 2021 federal election. The ruling reinforces the need for evidence in discrimination claims and affirms Elections Canada's authority over election procedures.
  • Chief Electoral Officer of Canada in successfully defending a judicial review challenge to the de-registration of a political party. The Federal Court upheld the decision, reinforcing procedural fairness, and the integrity of Canada's political financing regime.
  • York Regional Police officers, including the Chief of Police, in successfully securing the withdrawal of private prosecution charges under municipal privacy laws. Successfully applied for certiorari to challenge a disclosure order.
Chambers Canada

"BLG is our partner of choice not only because of their full spectrum of capabilities, but also the breadth and depth of their team. They have displayed a deep understanding of our business, our business strategies and the challenges we face, and are always ready to offer us solutions with their strategic and forward‐thinking approach."
Litigation: Administrative & Public Law client

Chambers Canada

"BLG have the ability to act as a one-stop shop due to their broad capability. The service has been of an exceptionally high level, with lots of detailed analysis, and they are very responsive."
Litigation: Administrative & Public Law client

Chambers Canada

"I have nothing but great things to say about their professionalism, availability and how strategically and practically they handled things."
Litigation: Administrative & Public Law client

Chambers Canada

"BLG were able to take a complex topic and break it down clearly and concisely for the trial judge, while showing strong commercial awareness throughout the entire process."
Litigation: Administrative & Public Law client

Chambers Canada

“BLG have a comprehensive full sweep of legal services in the securities space. They have a deep bench, who are very experienced in the matters we handle, and that shows through.”
Litigation: Administrative & Public Law client

Chambers Canada

“A dynamic, professional team, always available and proactive. Always available without delay to answer questions on both procedural and strategic issues.”
Litigation: Administrative & Public Law client

Key Contacts

View All Professionals

Insights

View All Insights
View All Insights

Stay Up to Date

Subscribe to receive our insights and perspectives on the latest legal developments that will affect you.
Register