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Franchise Disputes in Canada: The Case for Mediation and Arbitration
Canada enjoys a robust and growing franchising environment. According to the Canadian Franchise Association (www.cfa.ca/Publications_Research/Fastfacts.aspx), franchise businesses account for 40% of all retail sales in Canada. More than 78,000 franchise units across Canada directly employ more than one million people. Commensurate with growth, franchise-specific legislation has now been enacted in five provinces in Canada (in order of enactment, Alberta, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Manitoba). In addition, franchising is generally regulated in Quebec under that province's Civil Code, in which franchise agreements are considered to be contracts of adhesion.
With the introduction into Ontario of class action legislation in 1992 under the Class Proceedings Act, franchise disputes common to a distinguishable group of all or substantially all the franchisees within a specific franchise system have become the subject matter of very large and significant class actions. Companies with such prominent names as Petro Canada, Bulk Barn, A&P, Midas, Quiznos, Tim Hortons, Sears, Suncor, Pet Valu, and Shoppers Drug Mart, and even the Ontario government, have been or are currently involved in franchise class actions.
New York's Latest Cybersecurity Commitment
On Aug. 9, 2023, Gov. Kathy Hochul introduced New York's inaugural comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. In sum, the plan aims to update government networks, bolster county-level digital defenses, and regulate critical infrastructure.
Law Firms are Reducing Redundant Real Estate by Bringing Support Services Back to the Office
A trend analysis of the benefits and challenges of bringing back administrative, word processing and billing services to law offices.
How AI Has Affected PR
When we consider how the use of AI affects legal PR and communications, we have to look at it as an industrywide global phenomenon. A recent online conference provided an overview of the latest AI trends in public relations, and specifically, the impact of AI on communications. Here are some of the key points and takeaways from several of the speakers, who provided current best practices, tips, concerns and case studies.
CLE Shouldn't Be the Only Mandatory Training for Attorneys
Each stage of an attorney's career offers opportunities for a curriculum that addresses both the individual's and the firm's need to drive success.