The European Union’s recent proposal to make Canada its first associate member has sparked discussion about what a closer relationship between the two economies could look like and what it could mean for businesses operating across borders. While there is no established framework for EU associate membership, the proposal signals a shared interest in strengthening economic and strategic ties. In our view, the commercial implications of any future arrangement will ultimately drive its development, making…
On 8 September 2026, the UK government designated five settlers under the existing Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020 and announced that it will introduce a new sanctions regime targeting settlements in the occupied West Bank over the next six to nine months, under the powers conferred to it by the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018. The announcement formed part of a coordinated cross-jurisdictional effort and was made alongside a joint statement by the UK and 11 other countries, including France, Canada, Denmark, Spain, Finland, Ireland, Iceland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, and Sweden. These countries committed…
On July 31, 2026, authorities from the United States, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom issued a joint alert warning countries, companies, and other entities about the threat posed by information technology (“IT”) workers of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (“DPRK” or “North Korea”). According to the alert, North Korea relies on a network of skilled IT workers, deployed both within and…
At the 2026 G7 Leaders’ Summit, Prime Minister Carney announced a further expansion of its sanctions regime under the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (Regulations), effective June 12, 2026. The measures form part of Canada’s continuing effort to constrain Russia’s military operations and to condemn recent attacks on Kyiv. The amendments list new individuals, entities and vessels in Russia’s shadow fleet and repeal obligations held by the Minister of Foreign Affairs in relation to delisting applications. Expansion…