Canada: International Trade & Investment

On June 2, 2026, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) determined that Canada has failed to effectively enforce its prohibition on the importation of goods produced using forced labour, and that such failure is “unreasonable” and “burdens or restricts” U.S. commerce.

Mining companies face evolving challenges as social acceptance, environmental regulations, and climate law increasingly intersect in investment disputes.

Canadian companies operating in sensitive technology sectors now face heightened national security scrutiny when raising capital under Bill C-34's National Security Review regime. This expanded government oversight extends beyond traditional acquisitions to include early-stage financings and minority investments, fundamentally changing how foreign capital flows into defence, aerospace, AI, and other dual-use technology sectors. Founders and foreign investors must now treat national security clearance as a c

Ontario courts may decline jurisdiction over transnational mining claims even when defendants have a Canadian presence, if another forum is clearly more appropriate.

For the first time since the transcontinental railway, Canada is planning a sweeping expansion of northern infrastructure that could reshape trade, energy and defence. The emerging logistics corridor through the Northwest Passage is at the heart of this shift, bringing big opportunities, and some serious legal and policy questions, for businesses operating in or through the Arctic.

Ontario farmers face increasing pressure when buying, selling, or passing on farmland. Rising land values, competition for good soil, and development pressures have all made land decisions more complex.

The Canada Border Services Agency has launched an anti-dumping investigation into steel racks imported from China, which could result in additional duties that significantly increase costs for Canadian importers. This investigation, running parallel to a Canadian International Trade Tribunal injury inquiry, offers affected parties critical opportunities to participate and potentially obtain favorable Normal Values or request product exclusions.

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal has launched a safeguard inquiry into certain wood goods following a government referral, examining whether increased imports are causing or threatening serious injury to domestic producers. This investigation comes amid significant US tariffs on similar wooden products, potentially diverting goods to the Canadian market. Importers and foreign producers face strict deadlines to participate in proceedings that could result in substantial cost increases or import rest

Canada's International Trade Tribunal has launched a global safeguard inquiry into imports of wood cabinets, hardwood flooring, and engineered wood furniture following allegations that surging low-priced imports are threatening domestic manufacturers. The inquiry, requested by the Minister of Finance, could result in safeguard surtaxes or import quotas affecting global supply chains, with a final report due by January 15, 2027.