Opening Keynote: Dawn Desjardins, Chief Economist, Deloitte

Join Deloitte Chief Economist and former RBC Deputy Chief Economist Dawn Desjardins for an engaging look at the forces shaping Canada’s economy. With deep insight and a gift for clarity, she’ll break down the trends, risks, and outlooks every legal leader needs to understand in today’s fast-changing business landscape.  

Fraud Risk in a Volatile Economy: Prevention, Detection and Response

(Sponsored by Blaney McMurtry LLP) 

In these uncertain economic times, one thing is certain: some will look to take advantage of the instability. When times get tough, the risk of fraud, both internal and external, rises significantly. As in-house counsel in public and private organizations work to adapt risk management strategies to today’s evolving economic landscape, fraud must remain a key part of the conversation.

This session will explore practical steps, proactive measures and lessons learned that legal, risk and finance teams can take in the short- and long-term to help prevent fraud and minimize its impact. We’ll also look at how to respond when fraud does occur, including mitigation and recovery strategies. 

While fraud may not always grab headlines, with the increasing use of AI and deepfake tools to perpetuate fraud, it can quickly become a crisis for your organization. We will discuss proactive risk management insurance options and how to make prevention, preparedness, and response essential parts of your legal toolkit.

Speakers:

• David Mackenzie, Partner, Insurance Litigation, Blaney McMurtry
• Varoujan Arman, Partner and Co-Chair of Fraud, Investigation, Recovery and Enforcement Group, Blaney McMurtry

Balancing Ethical Obligations with Professional Responsibilities during Uncertain Times

(Sponsored by Henein Hutchison Robitaille LLP)

The role of GC in cross-border corporate environments is increasingly complex as the world reacts and responds to a new political reality in the United States. Commentators have noted the Trump administration’s impact on the erosion of the rule of law, independence of the judiciary and other legal norms domestically. Lawyers, unlike some other corporate actors, owe ethical duties that transcend immediate business goals and exigencies.

In light of recent instances where private corporations, such as Elon Musk's Tesla and SpaceX, have interfered in government affairs, creating potential conflicts of interest, and the Trump administration’s pause on Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) enforcement, it is not difficult to imagine the kinds of ethical quandaries Canadian GC might find themselves in the coming years. How can they reconcile their professional ethical obligations in an environment of de-regulation, corporate opportunism and attacks on the administration of justice?

Join this panel discussion as we review case studies, recent case law and stories to help you navigate these treacherous waters.

Speakers:

• Danielle Robitaille, Managing Partner, Henein Hutchison Robitaille LLP
• Robert Balcom, PhD candidate, Osgoode Hall Law School; Lecturer at Ted Rogers School of Management, TMU; and former general counsel of George Weston Ltd., Loblaw Co. Ltd. and Wittington Investments Ltd.

Lunch 

(Sponsored by LawVu)

The New Economic Security Imperative: The Impact of Trade and Investment Measures as Economic Weapons 

(Sponsored by McCarthy Tetrault LLP)

In today's globalized economy, the intersection of trade, investment, and national security has never been more pronounced. As geopolitical tensions rise and nations increasingly wield economic tools as extensions of their strategic interests, Canadian businesses find themselves at the crossroads of these decisions. Join us for insights into the evolving challenges and opportunities in current economy. Topics for discussion include:

• How businesses have been impacted by the recasting of protectionist economic measures as national security measures, including the impact of economic warfare through tariffs, economic sanctions, anti-terrorism measures, foreign investment review, and more.
• Relevant Canadian actions within last year, such as Chinese electric vehicles, Chinese steel and aluminum products, and the new Sensitive Technology List.
• The Trump administration's use of tariffs as sanctions in cases of so-called national emergencies.
• How to deal with escalating tariff measures and both tariff and non-tariff retaliation.
• Whether international trade and investment agreements matter anymore for the business community.

Speakers:

• John Boscariol, Partner, McCarthy Tétrault LLP
• Robert Glasgow, Partner, McCarthy Tétrault LLP
• Ljiljana Stanic , Partner, McCarthy Tetrault  LLP

How Can Canadian Organizations Keep DEI Mandates a Priority?

(Sponsored by LexisNexis Canada)

The landscape for DEI initiatives has been rapidly shifting, both in the US and Canada, and this is affecting the legal community. In-house lawyers working for American-listed companies, public and private Canadian companies, and non-profits are finding that their organizations’ mandates, policies, and programs are under more scrutiny than ever.  

This discussion will look at how in-house counsel can provide strategic leadership and advice on DEI-related matters. Our conversation will also canvass various measures that organizations are implementing in these challenging times.

Speakers:

• Julie Chapman, VP & Head of Legal, North America, LexisNexis Canada
• Fernando Garcia, Chief Legal and People Officer, Opta Group
• Kamika McLean, Partner/Co-Founder KamiSan Consultancy, Business Executive and Senior Legal Counsel

Break

(Sponsored by Heuristica Discovery Counsel)

Peer-to-Peer Roundtables

A perennial favorite at the Retreat, these dynamic roundtable discussions offer in-house counsel a unique space for candid, engaging conversations on the issues that matter most. This is your opportunity to ask pressing questions and gain real-world insights, share your experiences and discover fresh perspectives, and connect with peers who understand your challenges.

Each discussion is tailored to participants, ensuring meaningful and relevant conversations. We’ll be gathering your input closer to the event. Stay tuned!

Closing Remarks