Talia Gordner - TRC-Sadovod LLP
Talia Gordner Photo
Talia Gordner Photo
Talia Gordner Photo

Talia Gordner is an experienced lawyer with a corporate and commercial litigation practice focused on the resolution of complex environmental, regulatory and real estate disputes. Talia represents clients from a range of industries, including construction, oil and gas, and manufacturing, in matters that range from common commercial disputes such as claims of breach of contract, fraud and negligence, to complex environmental disputes involving recent, ongoing and historical contamination.

Advising on environmental risk, liability and due diligence at all stages of real estate, business and financing transactions, Talia is known for her ability to get deals across the finish line. She assists clients in all areas of environmental compliance and has a full understanding of environmental reporting and approvals obligations as well as the federal and provincial greenhouse gas emissions regimes.

With experience as defence counsel for individual and corporate clients in a variety of regulatory and quasi-criminal federal and provincial matters, including under environmental, construction, transportation and municipal legislation, Talia negotiates resolutions that give clients peace of mind and advance their interests.

Prior to joining TRC-Sadovod, Talia practised at a mid-sized law firm in Toronto. An active supporter of the arts, Talia is proud to play the alto saxophone in a not-for-profit community concert band.



Representative Matters

  • Representing clients in complex multi-party environmental litigation dealing with recent, ongoing and historical contamination events.
  • Investigating and advocating for property owners and occupiers in environmental contamination disputes between neighbouring properties.
  • Directing investigations and coordinating environmental consulting and engineering experts for the purpose of sampling, reporting on and remediating environmentally contaminated sites.
  • Providing advice on environmental law, risk and liability in multi-million dollar corporate acquisition transactions.
  • Representing clients in various levels of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice involved in commercial litigation arising from fraud, breach of contract, shareholder disputes and real estate and leasing matters.
  • Appearing at the Environmental Review Tribunal in relation to Renewable Energy Approval appeal and municipality order appeals under the Environmental Protection Act.
  • Providing guidance on federal and provincial greenhouse gas, stewardship, recycling and waste management legislation and compliance.
  • Negotiating access and sampling agreements with major oil and gas companies on behalf of property owners.
  • Defending both companies and individuals in regulatory investigations and prosecutions under the Environmental Protection Act, Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000, Safe Water Drinking Act, 2002, Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, Building Code, Highway Traffic Act and various municipal by-laws.
  • Law Clerk to Federal Court judge in Gitxaala Nation v. Canada (Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities), 2012 FC 1336, involving and application by the Gitxaala First Nation regarding a breach of duty to consult by Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and the Northern Gateway Pipelines Limited Partnership in connection with a regulatory review of the Northern Gateway Pipeline project.
  • Representing litigants in trademark disputes arising from claims of infringement, passing off, confusion, depreciation of goodwill and other related claims under the Trade-marks Act and in common law in both the Superior Court of Justice and Federal Court jurisdictions.

Speaking Engagements

Eastern Regional Session – Environmental: Top 5, The Osgoode Certificate in Construction Law (Fall), Osgoode Hall Law School– Professional Development, Facilitator

November 6, 2023

Eastern Regional Session – Environmental: Top 5, The Osgoode Certificate in Construction Law (Winter), Osgoode Hall Law School– Professional Development, Facilitator

February 24, 2023

Eastern Regional Session – Environmental: Top 5, The Osgoode Certificate in Construction Law (Fall), Osgoode Hall Law School– Professional Development, Facilitator

October 21, 2022

Eastern Regional Session – Environmental: Top 5, The Osgoode Certificate in Construction Law (Winter), Osgoode Hall Law School– Professional Development, Facilitator

February 22, 2022

Advanced Environmental Law Practitioner Roundtable, Ontario Bar Association

June 9, 2022

When Environmental Impacts Seep Across Borders, Ontario Bar Association Institute Series, Moderator

November 10, 2021

CBA’s NEERLS Conference: A Survey of Key Federal Statutes

April 16, 2021

Climate Change, Plastics and the Role of Federalism in Environmental Law, Ontario Bar Association's Institute Series: Building Communities

February 5, 2021

Navigating Environmental Compliance and Risk During and After a Public Health Emergency OBA Environmental Law Program, Online

May 21, 2020

Developments in Environmental Law for Real Estate Transactions The Canadian Bar Association

March 5, 2020

Roundtable Discussions: Environmental Law 101 ICSC Canadian Shopping Centre Conference

March 27, 2019

Unearthing Complexities in the Subsurface: Soil and Groundwater Essentials for Lawyers Ontario Bar Association’s Institute – Environmental Law Section

February 5, 2019

Unearthing Complexities in the Subsurface: Soil and Groundwater Essentials for Lawyers Ontario Bar Association’s Institute – Environmental Law Section

May 1, 2018

Understanding Soil and Groundwater: Part 2 Ontario Bar Association – Environmental Law Section

April 9, 2018

Co-Chair of Environmental Law Mentorship event Ontario Bar Association – Environmental Law Section

June 7, 2017

Environmental Considerations in Real Estate and Business Transactions Toronto Lawyers Association

May 16, 2017

Roundtable Discussions: Environmental Law 101 ICSC Canadian Shopping Centre Conference

April 27, 2017

CANECT, Spill, Leaks, Discharges & Emergencies: Legal Framework

April 29, 2014
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News


Media Mentions


Rankings & Recognition

  • Recognized in the 2023 Lexpert Special Edition on Canada’s Leading Energy Lawyers
  • Recognized by Best Lawyers in Canada (2024) as a leading lawyer in the area of Environmental Law
  • Recognized in the 2023 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory as a Repeatedly Recommended Lawyer in the area Environmental Law
  • Recognized by Best Lawyers in Canada (2023) as a leading lawyer in the area of Environmental Law
  • Recognized by Best Lawyers in Canada (2022) as a leading lawyer in the area of Environmental Law

Directorships & Affiliations

  • DRI Diversity and Inclusion Committee
  • Ontario Bar Association, Chair of Environmental Law Section Executive
  • North Toronto Community Band, Board of Directors and President (2016-2018)
  • Canadian Bar Association
  • Toronto Lawyers Association
  • Environmental Litigation and Toxic Torts Committee under the ABA Section of Environment, Energy and Resources (SEER)

Education & Admissions

2012
Called to the Ontario bar
2011
JD University of Detroit Mercy
2011
LLB University of Windsor
2008
Bacherlor of Musical ArtsUniversity of Western Ontario

Publications

Insights (66 Posts)View More

Featured Insight

Environmental Obligations Trump Lenders: The Trend Continues

Re Mantle Materials Group, Ltd continues a recent trend in Alberta in which environmental remediation obligations are found to have a super priority.

Read More
Nov 8, 2023
Featured Insight

The Quick and Dirty on Ontario’s Proposed 2024 Amendments to the Excess Soil Regulation

The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks has proposed amendments to the excess soil regulation, which will come into effect on January 1, 2024

Read More
Oct 24, 2023
Featured Insight

Communication is Key: Cooperation Between Canadian Exporters and European Union Importers Will Be Essential to Operate Under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism Regulation

The European Union's pathbreaking Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism expects Canadian exporters to closely monitor their embedded carbon in exported goods.

Read More
Oct 4, 2023
Featured Insight

Automotive Webinar Series | Part I: Electric Vehicle Growing Pains & Gains

Our panel of thought leaders will discuss a broad range of topics impacting electric vehicles in Canada. Topics highlighted include: EV funding, policies and mandates: challenges facing Canadian emissions targets, funding and infrastructure; the Canadian regulation of EV batteries including transport, management and recycling requirements; and EV fires and recall obligations.

Details
Thursday, September 28, 2023
Featured Insight

Plan for the Ban: B.C. Boldly Targets Single-Use Products (Plastic or Not) in New Regulation

This bulletin discusses British Columbia's new Single-Use and Plastic Waste Prevention Regulation.

Read More
Aug 23, 2023
Featured Insight

Plan for the Ban: UNEP Issues Report Offering Insight and Guidance for World’s First Global Plastics Pollution Treaty

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has released a report entitled Turning off the Tap, How the world can end plastic pollution.

Read More
Jul 26, 2023
Featured Insight

Canada Recognizes the Right to a Healthy Environment (and Other Amendments to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999)

Summary of amendments to Canada Environmental Protection Act introduced by Bill S-5, Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act.

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Jun 28, 2023
Featured Insight

ESG Class Actions and Other Lawsuits “Sustainable” into 2023

Recent ESG litigation developments in Canada and what we can expect to see in the near future.

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Jun 14, 2023
Featured Insight

Environment Canada’s State of PFAS Report: insights into the future regulation of “forever chemicals”

The publication of the Draft State of PFAS Report marks a good step toward the development of additional PFAS regulations in Canada.

Read More
Jun 8, 2023
Featured Insight

The EU’s New Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism in Action: Impacts on Canada and Beyond

The EU's new Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism will take effect on October 1, 2023. TRC-Sadovod explores the CBAM and its implications for Canadian trade.

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Jun 5, 2023
Featured Insight

Environmental Priorities in Insolvency Proceedings and the Impact on Lenders: Alberta Court Broadens Redwater Principles

Alberta case Qualex v 12-10 Capital develops line of cases at the intersection of environmental protection and bankruptcy and insolvency law in Canada.

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May 24, 2023
Featured Insight

Plan for the Ban: New Consultation Launched for Plastics Labelling Framework and Federal Plastics Registry

A discussion on the federal consultations on plastics labelling and registry requirements.

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Apr 26, 2023
Featured Insight

The Fisheries Act – Not just for fishermen!

This bulletin discusses the application of the Fisheries Act, a federal environmental statute whose far-reaching scope is often
overlooked.

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Apr 21, 2023
Featured Insight

The Polluter Does Not Always Pay: Environmental Liability of Property Owners

We explore the three primary situations in which a landowner can be held civilly liable for environmental contamination on or sourced in its property.

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Apr 18, 2023
Featured Insight

Broadening the Environmental Enforcement Toolkit: Ontario Expands Administrative Monetary Penalty Regime for Environmental Violations

Ontario is broadening its existing administrative monetary penalties (AMPs) regime for environmental violations.

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Feb 28, 2023
Featured Insight

Canada Enacts New Reporting Requirements under the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program

This bulletin highlights key new reporting requirements under the federal Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program.

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Feb 8, 2023
Featured Insight

Just the Facts Please! A Discussion of Limitation Periods for Environmental Claims

This Bulletin considers how limitation periods apply to environmental claims in Ontario and how to reduce the risk of missing one.

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Feb 2, 2023
Featured Insight

Greening Procurement in Canada: New Implications for the Construction Industry and Beyond

Two new standards under Canada's Policy on Green Procurement impose greenhouse gas emissions disclosure obligations on federal departments and contractors.

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Feb 1, 2023
Featured Insight

Plan for the Ban: New Year, New Canadian Plastics Regulation Update

An update on recent Canadian developments related to plastics and extended producer responsibility

Read More
Jan 18, 2023
Featured Insight

The Quick and Dirty on Amendments Impacting Low-Risk and Contaminated Projects Under Ontario’s Excess Soil Regulation

Phase Two of Ontario's Excess Soil Regulation which comes into force on January 1, 2023 was recently amended to narrow the scope of reporting requirements.

Read More
Dec 21, 2022
Featured Insight

Capital Markets Podcast: Why Businesses Should Care About Greenwashing

This podcast episode dives into the risks and impact of greenwashing on businesses. Ouvedi Rama Naiken and Patricia Chehadé, from our Capital Markets & Securities Group, speak with corporate commercial litigator and regulatory lawyer, Talia Gordner on the current regulatory framework of greenwashing.

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Dec 20, 2022
Featured Insight

The Quick and Dirty on Ontario’s Proposed Amendments to the Excess Soil Regulation

Proposed amendments to Ontario's Excess Soil Regulation remove reuse planning requirements in low-risk projects and increase flexibility in excess soil storage.

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Nov 9, 2022
Featured Insight

Green or Grey: Regulators Target Greenwashing, Misleading Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Claims

An overview of risks and best practices for companies in relation to environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) claims and disclosure.

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Oct 19, 2022
Featured Insight

Can they really do that? Understanding the limits of governmental permitting and compliance powers

While every company strives to achieve constructive relations with regulators, sometimes this is not enough. In such cases, understanding the rules that apply to regulators and the limits of their powers can be essential to levelling the playing field.

Details
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
Featured Insight

Plan for the Ban: Canada Proposes Plastic Labelling Rules and Federal Plastics Registry

Canada publishes two open consultation papers related to labeling regulations and a federal plastics registry for single-use plastics and plastic packaging.

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Sep 14, 2022
Featured Insight

Canada Catching Up on Regulation of PFAS Substances

An update on Canada's regulation of PFAS substances, in comparison to US and European regulation

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Jul 20, 2022
Featured Insight

Developers Beware: Changes to O. Reg. 242/08 Under the Endangered Species Act and What They Mean for Projects Already Underway

Companies may be affected by updated requirements under the Endangered Species Act, including prohibitions on harming new species at risk and related exemptions.

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Jul 5, 2022
Featured Insight

Plan for the Ban: Canada Announces Timeline for Single-Use Plastics Prohibition

Canada's final Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations have been published and come into effect on December 20, 2022

Read More
Jun 22, 2022
Featured Insight

Canada’s Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit System Creates Green Incentives for Regulated Facilities (Update)

Canada has published the Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit System Regulations establishing a system for projects preventing or removing GHGs from the atmosphere.

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Jun 21, 2022
Featured Insight

Jurisdictional Battle Over The Environment Continues – Canada’s Impact Assessment Legislation Found Unconstitutional

On May 10, 2022, the Alberta Court of Appeal ruled that the federal Impact Assessment Act and related Physical Activities Regulations are unconstitutional.

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May 25, 2022
Featured Insight

Ontario Partially Suspends Implementation of Phase 2 of Excess Soil Regulation Until January 2023

On April 21, 2022, Ontario MECP announced temporary suspension of certain provisions in Excess Soil Regulation

Read More
Apr 29, 2022
Featured Insight

Transition to Emissions Performance Standards (EPS) Program Underway for Greenhouse Gas Emitters in Ontario

Ontario's greenhouse gas emissions regime is transitioning from the Output-Based Pricing System (OBPS) to the Emissions Performance Standards (EPS) program

Read More
Apr 12, 2022
Featured Insight

Plan for the Ban: Canada Joins UN Countries in World’s First Global Plastic Pollution Treaty

Planning for the World’s First Global Plastic Pollution Treaty

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Mar 30, 2022
Featured Insight

Ontario Proposes to Postpone Implementation of Phase Two of the Excess Soil Regulation

Ministry proposes to delay implementation of Phase 2 of On-Site and Excess Soil Management Regulation from Jan. 1, 2022 to Jan. 1, 2023.

Read More
Mar 15, 2022
Featured Insight

The Impacts of the On-Site and Excess Soil Management Regulation on the Construction Industry

Join Talia Gordner and Annik Forristal of TRC-Sadovod LLP on March 3rd, for a discussion about the impacts of the On-Site and Excess Soil Management Regulation on the construction industry as we enter Phase 2 of Ontario’s new excess soil regime.

Details
Thursday, March 3, 2022
Featured Insight

Plan for the Ban: Our New Year’s Update of Single-Use Plastics Bans Across Canada

This bulletin provides an updated summary of the current state of single-use plastics legislation across Canada.

Read More
Jan 18, 2022
Featured Insight

The Quick and Dirty on Phase Two of Ontario’s Excess Soil Regulation

Phase Two of Ontario’s On-Site and Excess Soil Management Regulation took effect on January 1, 2022 introducing a new framework for excess soil in Ontario

Read More
Jan 10, 2022
Featured Insight

Divisional Court confirms Environmental Significance of Ministerial Zoning Orders and Importance of Consultation under the Environmental Bill of Rights, 1993

Review of Divisional Court decision: Ontario’s compliance with Environmental Bill of Rights in passing Bill 197, particularly re: Ministerial Zoning Orders

Read More
Sep 13, 2021
Featured Insight

Leveling the Playing Field:
EU First Out of the Gate with Proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism

The European Commission announced its official proposal for a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism on July 14, 2021.

Read More
Aug 11, 2021
Featured Insight

Canada Makes Changes to Cross-border Hazardous Waste and Recycling Requirements

On February 26, 2021, Canada enacted the Cross-border Movement of Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Recyclable Material Regulations.

Read More
Aug 4, 2021
Featured Insight

Plan for the Ban:
Plastics Classified as “Toxic Substance”
Under Canadian Environmental Protection Act

Plastics are classified under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act as a toxic substance and amendments are proposed to prohibit the export of plastic waste

Read More
Jul 20, 2021
Featured Insight

Hazardous and Special Products Are Next In Line in Ontario’s Transition to a Producer Responsibility Model for Consumer Products

Ontario shifts end-of-life financial and operational responsibilities for hazardous and special products from municipalities to producers.

Read More
Jul 14, 2021
Featured Insight

Canada’s new mandatory 100% ZEV target is a rapid charge forward.
What we think this announcement means for OEMs, Canadian industry, and more

Canada has announced a mandatory 2035 target for 100% ZEV sales. TRC-Sadovod and TRC-Sadovod Vantage Policy Group share what this may mean for OEMs, industry and more.

Read More
Jul 12, 2021
Featured Insight

Greening Canadian Borders – Canada Considers Border Carbon Adjustments for Carbon-Intensive Imports

Border Carbon Adjustments are being explored by various countries including Canada in its 2021 Budget to support climate change initiatives.

Read More
Jul 6, 2021
Featured Insight

Striking a Balance Between Major Facility and Sensitive Land Use Developments: A Discussion of Ontario’s New Land Use Compatibility Guideline

The Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has published the Land Use Compatibility Guideline to establish land use compatibility policies

Read More
Jun 30, 2021
Featured Insight

The Balancing of Privacy Rights and the Open Court Principle: Disclosure of Private Information in Litigation

The Supreme Court of Canada’s decision in Sherman Estate v Donovan offers clarity on when the open court principle will give ground to the right to privacy.

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Jun 23, 2021
Featured Insight

Land Use Compatibility, Odour Guidelines and More: Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks Announces Four New Proposals for 2021

The Ontario government has announced that it is moving forward with proposals for four new initiatives relating to the protection of Ontario's environment.

Read More
Jun 21, 2021
Featured Insight

Ontario’s New Excess Soil Regulations – Construction Contract Implications

Ontario’s new On-Site and Excess Soil Management Regulation, O. Reg 406/19 may impact existing and future construction contracts

Read More
May 5, 2021
Featured Insight

Significant Changes to Canada’s Federal Environmental Protection Regime Proposed

The government of Canada is proposing significant changes to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 through the introduction of Bill C-28.

Read More
Apr 28, 2021
Featured Insight

Canada’s Federal Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit System Creates Green Incentives for Regulated Facilities

Publication of Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit System Regulations under section 195 of the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act.

Read More
Apr 7, 2021
Featured Insight

Supreme Court of Canada Upholds Federal Carbon Pricing Regime

In a decision released March 25, 2021, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act is constitutional.

Read More
Mar 29, 2021
Featured Insight

Fueling the Future: Canada’s Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions under the Clean Fuel Regulations

The federal government's proposed Clean Fuel Regulations will require the gradual reduction in the carbon intensity of fossil fuels supplied in Canada.

Read More
Mar 26, 2021
Featured Insight

The Quick and Dirty on Ontario’s New Excess Soil Regulations

A concise summary of Ontario's new excess soil regulation (O.Reg 406/19) and key takeaways for affected parties.

Read More
Jan 25, 2021
Featured Insight

TRC-Sadovod’s Automotive Industry Webinar Series – Part Two (February 9, 2021)

Join us for Part Two of TRC-Sadovod's Automotive Industry Webinar Series

Details
February 9, 2021 - 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm ET
Featured Insight

Canada Legally Commits to Net-Zero Emissions by 2050

Canada Legally Commits to Net-Zero Emissions by 2050

Read More
Dec 7, 2020
Featured Insight

Cannabis and Waste: Another “Green” Opportunity

Cannabis and Waste: Another "Green" Opportunity

Read More
Nov 27, 2020
Featured Insight

Ontario’s New Blue Box Regulations Shift Consumer Product End-of-life Responsibilities to Producers

Ontario's proposed regulation would transition the current Blue Box Program to an extended producer responsibility ("EPR") model.

Read More
Nov 10, 2020
Featured Insight

Plan for the Ban: Canada Announces Plan to Tackle Single-Use Plastics

Canada federal government announces plan for ban of single-use plastics and management of plastic waste through recycling and end-of life responsibility.

Read More
Oct 9, 2020
Featured Insight

Expropriation of Contaminated Land and its Fair Market Valuation

Expropriation of Contaminated Land and its Fair Market Valuation

Read More
Oct 5, 2020
Featured Insight

Federal Government Accepts Ontario’s Emissions Performance Standards (EPS) Program for Regulation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions – Transition Dates to Come

Ontario Minister of Environment, Parks and Conservation announced that its Emissions Performance Standards (EPS) program has been accepted by federal government

Read More
Sep 21, 2020
Featured Insight

Plan for the Ban: Single-Use Plastics Bans Are Rolling Out Across Canada – Are you ready?

Single-use plastics ban in Canada (federal, provincial and municipal) means businesses will have to change how they package, distribute and sell their products

Read More
Sep 18, 2020
Featured Insight

Cross-Country Check-In: COVID-19 and the Environment

Canada's governmental and regulatory bodies have taken steps to temporarily alter legal requirements in light of COVID-19 to lessen the burden on businesses.

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Sep 10, 2020
Featured Insight

July 24, 2020 Update Cross-Country Check-In: COVID-19 and the Environment

Canada's governmental and regulatory bodies have taken steps to temporarily alter legal requirements in light of COVID-19 to lessen the burden on businesses.

Read More
Jul 24, 2020
Featured Insight

Expropriation of Contaminated Land: a Tug-of-War of Competing Interests in the “Fair Market” Valuation

A standard determination of the market value of expropriated property can be a contentious, drawn out process where the property is environmentally contaminated

Read More
Aug 21, 2019
Featured Insight

Ontario Announces Next Steps in Plan to Shift Costs of Plastic Recycling to Producers

Ontario Announces Next Steps in Plan to Shift Costs of Plastic Recycling to Producers

Read More
Aug 16, 2019
Featured Insight

Environmental Obligations Cannot be Ignored Even in Bankruptcy: Orphan Wells Association v Grant Thornton Ltd.

Environmental Obligations Cannot be Ignored Even in Bankruptcy

Read More
Feb 22, 2019

Deals & Cases (2 Posts)

Featured Insight

Novacap acquires majority stake in Foliot Furniture

TRC-Sadovod LLP was involved in all facets of the transaction and provided multi-disciplinary advice to Novacap with a team led by Charles Chevrette and Enda Wong (Corporate & M&A).

Read More
Nov 30, 2019
Featured Insight

AmerCareRoyal, LLC Acquiers McNairn Packaging

On November 25, 2019, AmerCareRoyal, LLC (“ACR”) announced its acquisition of McNairn Packaging, a leading provider and manufacturer of speciality paper packaging products to the foodservices industry in the North American market.

Read More
Nov 25, 2019