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• RECORDING: CAN-TECH 2024 Spring Conference:Peeling Back to Basics: Technology Contracts

  • Start
    29 Apr 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • End
    30 Jun 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM

  Register

  
  

  RECORDING: CAN-TECH 2024 Spring Conference: Peeling Back to Basics: Technology Contracts

  The CAN-TECH Spring Conference is back and, following last year's success, will focus on discussing practical tips and tricks for junior to mid level technology lawyers to apply in their practices. The event was held from coast-to-coast – starting in Vancouver and ending in Halifax – with five offices (Vancouver, Regina, Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax) each hosting one live panel and participating in the other panels via Zoom. The one-day, pan-canadian program, with hybrid in-person and webcast sessions, will see panels across five satellite locations discuss a range of topics, including drafting and negotiating strategies and pitfalls to look out for in technology contracts.

  The hope was that the attendees would leave the conference feeling more confident and comfortable in their understanding of technology transactions, the contracts, and the issues that often come up in them. Based on the expertise the panelists shared, and the accompanying materials, mission accomplished.

  Spring Conference Co-chairs:

  

  Justine Gauthier, General Counsel & Head of AI Governance, Mila 

  Justine Gauthier is the General Counsel & Head of AI Governance of Mila, a prominent artificial intelligence research institute at the intersection of industry, academia and government, where she also acts as Privacy Officer and Corporate Secretary. A leading voice on the emerging legal and ethical issues surrounding artificial intelligence, Ms. Gauthier is deeply involved in the Canadian innovation ecosystem, and sits on the boards of Front Row Ventures, AInBC, and the Canadian Technology Law Association.

   Dorian Morrison, Senior Associate, McCarthy Tétrault LLP

  Dorian Morrison is a senior associate in McCarthy Tétrault’s Business Law and Information Technology Law groups in Vancouver. Dorian regularly advises clients, both in the public and private sectors, on complex commercial transactions including technology procurements, technology-based outsourcings, cloud agreements and other commercial transactions.

  Dorian has been seconded to two different national organizations in the United Kingdom allowing her to work alongside the in-house legal, procurement and sales teams.

  Dorian obtained her Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Calgary in 2011 and her Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Leicester in 2014. Dorian completed her legal training in the United Kingdom and became a member of the Law Society of England and Wales in 2017. Prior to joining McCarthy Tétrault LLP, Dorian worked at an international law firm in London, UK where she practiced in the commercial and IT group.

  Locations:

  The conference was recorded in Vancouver, Winnipeg, Montreal, Toronto and Halifax.
  
  CPD - This program is eligible for up to 5 Substantive Hours 

  Vancouver: Service levels, service credits
  

  An intriguing discussion on the topic of service levels, why they are important and how they can be drafted to provide protection to both buyers and sellers will leave you with practical tips to implement in your daily practices. Junior and mid-level associates are often tasked with reviewing service levels in technology contracts and we want to ensure you are equipped with the knowledge required to understand the drafting nuisances of service levels and how one or two simple words (e.g. exclusive remedy) can change the trajectory of contract negotiations. We will also discuss other relevant topics such reporting on and tracking service levels.
  

  Moderator:  Justine Gauthier, General Counsel & Head of AI Governance, Mila 

  Speakers: 

  • Dorian Morrison, Senior Associate, McCarthy Tétrault LLP
  • Kelsey Franks, Associate, McCarthy Tétrault LLP

  Winnipeg:  Negotiation

  Join us for an engaging panel discussion on mastering negotiation in the realm of technology contracts. From leveraging industry standards to anticipating emerging trends, attendees will gain practical tips and tricks to enhance their negotiation skills and achieve favorable outcomes. Whether you're a junior associate or a more seasoned negotiator, this session promises to equip you with the tools necessary to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of negotiating technology contracts.

  Moderator: Danielle Graff, Partner, MLT Aikins LLP

  Speaker: 

  • David Carrick, Counsel, MLT Aikins LLP
  • Nicolas Joubert, Associate, MLT Aikins LLP

  Montreal: Tech Terms Unveiled: Understanding EULAs, Terms of Use and the arrival of GenAI
  

  This session promises to be an engaging discussion for legal professionals eager to grasp the essentials of technology contracts and the exciting new realm of Generative AI. Together, our esteemed panelists will guide you through the intricacies of End-User License Agreements and Terms of Use, illuminating the technical nuances that distinguish on-premises software from cloud solutions and how these differences manifest in legal terms. As the tech world dives into Generative AI, we'll explore its impact on technology contracts, introducing novel contractual concepts and examining how Generative AI contracting is built upon established agreements.

  Speakers:

  • Misha Benjamin, Partner, Co-Leader for Tech and AI at BCF Business Law
  • Claire Mazzini, Corporate Counsel, Microsoft Canada
  • Jean-François De Rico, Partner,  KPMG Canada

  Toronto:  NDAs? NBD! A primer on confidentiality agreements

  Have you been asked for an NDA or a confidentiality clause and faced precedents ranging from a paragraph to 10 pages in length? How much of that language does your client actually need, and why?

  Join us for a discussion of key considerations to navigating the varied landscape of confidentiality agreements.

  Moderator: Paul Burbank,  Associate, Fasken

  Speakers:

  • Amy Fliam, Partner, Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP
  • Brandon Track, Corporate Counsel, Cisco Systems Canada Co.
  • Anagha Nandakumaran, Associate, Fasken

  Halifax: Privacy/Cyber Security/AI policy development

  In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the intersection of privacy, cybersecurity, and AI policy development is critical. This presentation will delve into the latest guidelines and best practices for creating robust AI systems that prioritize security and privacy. The presentation will also cover the development of comprehensive cybersecurity policies, aligning with industry standards and regulatory requirements to protect sensitive information and mitigate risks. Furthermore, we will discuss the joint guidance provided by international cybersecurity agencies, which outlines methodologies and controls to safeguard AI systems. By the end of this presentation, attendees will have a clearer understanding of the principles and practical steps necessary for developing and implementing effective privacy and cybersecurity policies in the context of AI.

  Speakers:

  • David Fraser, Partner, McInnes Cooper
  • Charlotte Henderson, CIPP/C Associate & Trademark Agent, Stewart McKelvey
  • Lola Williams-Afolabi, Associate, Boyneclarke Lawyers LLP

  READ MORE ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS
  

  

  Fees:

  • $100: CAN-TECH members
  • $125: Non-members
  • $40: CAN-TECH student members

  

  Thank you to our Sponsors!

  

  
  

  

  
  

  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  

  There are no refunds.
  

  

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• CAN-TECH 2025 Spring Conference: Navigating Legal Uncertainty in your Technology Practice

  • When
    2 May 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    Vancouver, Regina, Toronto, Montreal and Halifax

  Register

  
  

  CAN-TECH 2025 Spring Conference: Navigating Legal Uncertainty in your Technology Practice

  Friday, May 2, 2025
  9 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT | 12 to 5 p.m. ET | 1 to 6 p.m. AT
  

  The CAN-TECH Spring Conference is back and, following last year's success, will focus on discussing practical tips and tricks for junior to mid level technology lawyers to apply in their practices.

  The half-day, pan-Canadian program, with hybrid in-person and webcast sessions, will see panels across five satellite locations discuss a range of topics, including potential risks in drafting technology contracts, tends in litigation and how to navigate AI disruptions to your business.

  We look forward to you joining us at one of our five locations across the country for a chance to learn and network with your peers in the industry.

  

  
  

  This program contains 1  Professionalism Hour.

  
  

  Spring Conference Co-chairs:

  

  John Philip Koopmann, Government of Canada
  

  John Philip is an advisor with the Artificial Intelligence and Data Policy Directorate (AIDPD) at Innovation, Science and Development Canada (ISED).

  His role allowed him to provide critical legal policy insights for the drafting of the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA) - which was tabled in Parliament on June 16, 2022 - and the constitution of the Artificial Intelligence and Data Commissioner.

  John Philip also worked for the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO), Public Services and Procurement Canada, the Department of Justice, Transport Canada, and the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Tribunal.

  His interest in law and technology led him to complete the LL.M. in Law and Technology Program at the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law, in 2021.  John Philip graduated from the National Program (Common Law and Civil Law) from the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law, in 2002.  He has been a member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario since 2005.

  Natalie LaMarche, Legal Counsel, Sustainability & Accessibility, BMO

  Natalie is Legal Counsel at BMO, where she drives initiatives that support the bank’s ESG regulatory compliance and business objectives. Previously, Natalie practiced at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, specializing in technology transactions, commercial contracts, data privacy, and cybersecurity. Natalie's been an active CAN-TECH member, sitting on their Board of Directors and is an active Women in Tech Law committee member. Natalie graduated from the JD/MA Program at the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law, and the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs.

  Vancouver Panel: 9:00 - 10:00 am PT
  

  Hosted by McCarthy Tétrault LLP (MAP)

  Future Proofing Your Contracts (Part 1): 

  In today's dynamic global landscape, where businesses face challenges ranging from the ongoing adjustment to the COVID-19 pandemic to the complexities of geopolitical shifts, companies are proactively exploring innovative strategies to reduce risks in their contractual agreements. This panel will address some key features necessary to strengthen contracts in the face of uncertainties, with an emphasis on the importance of clauses for describing the contractual fee structure (including adjusting prices), force majeure conditions, and options for contract termination or exit. Attendees will leave this panel with a deeper understanding of how to draft and negotiate contract provisions that can withstand unexpected events and economic changes.

  Moderator:

  Dorian Morrison, Associate, McCarthy Tétrault LLP

  Featuring:

  • Kelsey Franks, Associate, McCarthy Tétrault LLP
  • Shane O'Donohoe, Senior Corporate Counsel, Global Relay
  • Ravi Patel, Barrister & Solicitor

  Regina Panel: 12 to 1 pm CT

  Hosted by MLT Aikins LLP (MAP)

  Future Proofing Your Contracts (Part 2): 

  This panel will build off the themes from Part 1 by delving into additional contract considerations. This features a discussion on the “emoji case” from the litigator that represented the plaintiff, with a focus on how technology can and will continue to evolve the very basics of contracting. The panel will also explore contract considerations for the use of AI tools, from both a vendor and customer perspective, and will explore what is presently considered “market” when it comes to these types of provisions given the lack of certainty about who should be accepting the majority of the risk associated with the use of AI.

  Moderator:

  • Jeremy Barber, Associate, MLT Aikins LLP

  Featuring:

  • Matt Barnes, Associate, MLT Aikins LLP
  • Michael Marschal, Associate, MLT Aikins LLP
  • Annie Quangtakoune, Associate, McKercher LLP Barristers & Solicitors

  Toronto: 2 to 3 pm ET
  

  Hosted by Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP (MAP)

  Navigating the Frontier: Key Trends in Technology Law and Litigation: 

  In the dynamic world of technology law, the stakes are as high in the courtroom as they are at the negotiation table. As tech lawyers navigate this ever-evolving landscape, staying up to date is crucial. Fortunately, CAN-TECH is here to be your guiding light! Join our panel of experts for a captivating overview of the latest trends in technology disputes, including key rulings in cutting-edge areas like intellectual property rights in Generative AI, e-commerce advancements, online contracting, privacy, cybersecurity, and data breach class actions. Also, discover how technology is revolutionizing the legal field, enhancing legal research, case preparation, electronic discovery, litigation tracking, and the advent of virtual courtrooms.

  Moderator:

  Anagha Nandakumaran, Associate, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP

  Featuring:

  • Berkley Sells, Partner, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
  • Brent Arnold, Litigator and Data Breach Coach/Counsel, Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP
  • Veronica Tsou, Partner, TAP Law

  Montreal: 3 to 4 pm ET
  

  Hosted by Blake, Cassels and Graydon LLP (MAP)

  When AI Goes Wrong: Legal Strategies for Navigating Business Disruptions: 

  How Do Businesses Avoid AI-Related Incidents? What Happens When AI Tools Are Misconfigured? What About AI Risks from Vendors and Third Parties? AI and Cybersecurity Threats: How Can Lawyers Help? Artificial Intelligence is a driver of business growth and a source of unpredictable disruptions. Whether through internal malfunctions or mistakes, vendor failures, or external cybercrime, AI-driven incidents can lead to regulatory scrutiny, reputational damage, and financial loss. In response to this, lawyers should be equipped to navigate these challenges by understanding legal risks, contractual safeguards and concerns of potential liability. AI is transforming business operations, but with its power comes risk. Our expert panel here today will be discussing this topic, using their individual professional experience to provide helpful guidance.

  Moderator:

  Chloe Barrette, Associate, Blake, Cassels and Graydon LLP

  Featuring:

  • Paul Gagnon, LL.M.IP, Partner, Lawyer, Technology and Artificial Intelligence Co-Lead, BCF Business Law
  • Alexia Magneron, Associate, Technology, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt S.E.N.C.R.L./s.r.l.
  • Larry Markowitz, Senior Director, National Public Relations

  Halifax: 5 to 6 pm AT

  Hosted by McInnes Cooper LLP (MAP)

  Who Wants to Stay Professionally Compliant Panel: 

  Based on the game show “Who Wants to be a Millionaire”, conference attendees with be selected as ‘contestants’ to answer questions in a multiple choice format dealing with professional responsibility, ethics, and practice management matter, complete with sound effects from the game show. After each round of questions a panel of subject matter experts will discuss the issues arising from the questions, giving conference attendees a better understanding how to discharge their professional responsibilities and better manage their practices.

  Hosted by:

  • Jacob Kojfman, Senior Legal Counsel, Co-operators 

  Featuring:

  • Veronica Rossos, Practice Advisor, Law Society of British Columbia
  • Michael R. Brooker, K.C., Burchell MacDougall, LLP
  • Kelly Gerra, Counsel & Manager, Law Society of Ontario
  • Joe Scarfo, Vice President & General Counsel at CGI

  

  SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES

  

  Thank you to our Sponsors!

  
  

  

  
  

  
  

  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  

  There are no refunds.

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• Women in TECH Book Club - This is How You Lose The Time War - TORONTO

  • When
    3 Jun 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
  • Location
    Torkin Manes LLP

  Register

  Date: June 3, 2025

  Time: 12 to 1:30 p.m. ET

  Location: Torkin Manes LLP, 151 Yonge St, Toronto ON M5C 2W7

  Dive into the world of artificial intelligence with the Women in TECH Book Club Event, reading "This is How You Lose The Time War".

  Join the CAN-TECH Women in Technology Committee for our next book club event, where we’ll be diving into This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone.

  This award-winning novel is a genre-bending, lyrical, and deeply moving story of two rival agents on opposite sides of a war across time and space. Through an exchange of secret letters, their initial taunts turn into something more profound—a forbidden connection that threatens everything they’ve ever fought for. A tale of love, fate, and rebellion, this book explores themes of resilience, autonomy, and the ways women navigate and challenge societal constructs and expectations.

  This is an opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussion with fellow tech and legal professionals while connecting over a book that challenges the boundaries of storytelling. Lunch will be provided, so join us for a great meal and engaging conversation. Whether you’ve read the book cover to cover or just started, all are welcome!

  To give us time to order the books, please kindly RSVP by Monday, April 28. Once the books are available for pick-up, you will receive an email. The pick-up location will be at Torkin Manes LLP.

  Cost:

  • with book: $24 for CAN-TECH Member / $28 for Non-Member
  • without book: FREE for CAN-TECH Member / $10 for Non-Member

  Pick up your copy at the Torkin Manes LLP Toronto office: 151 Yonge St, Toronto ON M5C 2W7

  SPECIAL BONUS OFFER: We are pleased to offer with this event registration only, a 50% off discount on 2025 CAN-TECH membership fees. Email contact@cantechlaw.ca to get your membership discount.

  Just some of the benefits of membership that you can expect:

  • Discounts on CAN-TECH conferences, accredited for CPD
  • Access to members-only content, resources that include all articles and conference content and video
  • Networking opportunities with members of the IT bar nationwide
  • Member directory 
  • Volunteer opportunities with our active committees

  CAN-TECH provides you with opportunities to sharpen your practice, network and grow professionally, as well as access exclusive content to stay on top of the latest developments in national and global technology law.

  Organized by:

  Mimi Palmer, WeirFoulds LLP

  Wendes Keung, McCarthy Tétrault LLP

  Thank you to our sponsor!

  
  

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• Club de lecture des Femmes en Technologie - Les Oiseaux du temps - MONTREAL

  • When
    4 Jun 2025
  •  
    8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    Microsoft Canada, 2000 McGill College Ave, Montreal

  Register

  
  

  Date : mercredi 4 juin 2025

  Horaires : de 8h30 à 10h00

  Localisation: Microsoft Canada, 2000 McGill College Ave, Montreal

  Rejoignez le comité des Femmes en technologie de CAN-TECH pour le prochain événement du club de lecture, où nous plongerons dans « Les Oiseaux du temps » par Amal El-Mohtar et Max Gladstone.

  Ce roman primé raconte l'histoire lyrique et profondément émouvante de deux combattantes ennemies se trouvant de chaque côté d’une étrange guerre temporelle. Par l’entremise d’une correspondance secrète, leurs railleries initiales se transforment en quelque chose de plus profond : une connexion interdite qui menace tout ce pour quoi elles ont toujours combattu. Ce livre explore4 les thèmes de la résilience, de l'autonomie et des façons dont les femmes naviguent et défient les constructions et attentes sociétales.

  C'est l'occasion de participer à une discussion stimulante avec des professionnel(le)s de la technologie et du droit tout en connectant autour d'un livre qui défie les limites de la narration. Un petit déjeuner léger sera servi, alors rejoignez-nous pour un bon moment et une conversation enrichissante. Que vous ayez lu le livre de bout en bout ou que vous veniez de le commencer, tout le monde est le bienvenu !

  Le prix du billet ci-dessous n'inclut pas un exemplaire du livre (veuillez noter que les participants de Montréal devront acheter leur propre livre)

  • Membres: FREE
  • Non-Membres: $10 + tax

  Le livre peut être acheté ici:

  • Renaud-Bray
  • Amazon
  • Indigo

  OFFRE SPÉCIALE: Nous avons le plaisir d'offrir une réduction de 50 % sur les frais d'adhésion à CAN-TECH pour 2025, uniquement lors de l'inscription à cet événement. Envoyez un courriel à contact@cantechlaw.ca pour obtenir votre réduction de membre.
  
  Voici quelques-uns des avantages auxquels vous pouvez vous attendre en tant que membre :

  • Des réductions pour les conférences de CAN-TECH , accréditées pour la formation continue.
  • Accès au contenu réservé aux membres, des ressources qui incluent tous les articles et le contenu des conférences et des vidéos.
  • Des opportunités de réseautage avec les membres du barreau informatique dans tout le pays.
  • Le répertoire des membres
  • Des opportunités de volontariat avec nos comités actifs

  CAN-TECH vous offre des opportunités d'affiner votre pratique, de réseauter et de vous développer professionnellement, ainsi que d'accéder à un contenu exclusif pour rester au fait des derniers développements dans le droit national et mondial de la technologie.

  Organisé par :

  Claire Mazzini, Microsoft Canada

  Nancy Cleman, Lapointe Rosenstein Marchand Melançon S.E.N.C.R.L.

  

  
  

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• Women in TECH Book Club - This is How You Lose The Time War - VANCOUVER

  • When
    10 Jun 2025
  •  
    11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Borden Ladner Gervais LLP

  Register

  Date: June 10, 2025

  Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. PT

  Location: Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, 200 Burrard St, Suite 1200 Vancouver BC

  Dive into the world of artificial intelligence with the Women in TECH Book Club Event, reading "This is How You Lose The Time War".

  Join the CAN-TECH Women in Technology Committee for our next book club event, where we’ll be diving into This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone.

  This award-winning novel is a genre-bending, lyrical, and deeply moving story of two rival agents on opposite sides of a war across time and space. Through an exchange of secret letters, their initial taunts turn into something more profound—a forbidden connection that threatens everything they’ve ever fought for. A tale of love, fate, and rebellion, this book explores themes of resilience, autonomy, and the ways women navigate and challenge societal constructs and expectations.

  This is an opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussion with fellow tech and legal professionals while connecting over a book that challenges the boundaries of storytelling. Lunch will be provided, so join us for a great meal and engaging conversation. Whether you’ve read the book cover to cover or just started, all are welcome!

  To give us time to order the books, please kindly RSVP by Monday, April 28. Once the books are available for pick-up, you will receive an email. The pick-up location will be at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP.

  Cost:

  • with book: $24 for CAN-TECH Member / $28 for Non-Member
  • without book: FREE for CAN-TECH Member / $10 for Non-Member

  SPECIAL BONUS OFFER: We are pleased to offer with this event registration only, a 50% off discount on 2025 CAN-TECH membership fees. Email contact@cantechlaw.ca to get your membership discount.

  Just some of the benefits of membership that you can expect:

  • Discounts on CAN-TECH conferences, accredited for CPD
  • Access to members-only content, resources that include all articles and conference content and video
  • Networking opportunities with members of the IT bar nationwide
  • Member directory 
  • Volunteer opportunities with our active committees

  CAN-TECH provides you with opportunities to sharpen your practice, network and grow professionally, as well as access exclusive content to stay on top of the latest developments in national and global technology law.

  Organized by:

  Claire Feltrin, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP

  Jacob Kojfman, The Co-operators Group Ltd.

  

  Thank you to our sponsor!

  
  

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• RECORDING: 2024 CAN-TECH Law Fall Conference

  • Start
    11 Jun 2025
  •  
    12:01 AM
  • End
    30 Jun 2025
  •  
    11:59 PM
  • Location
    Virtual

  Register

  
  

  Recorded on October 7 to 8, 2024 at the Ontario Bar Association

  Thank you to our Platinum SponsorSee the full agenda here

  Access CPD Information

  Access Speaker Bios

  Purchase full recording (2 days):

  • CAN-TECH Law Member - $800 + HST
  • CAN-TECH Law In-house/Gov - $500 + HST
  • CAN-TECH Law Student - $150 + HST
  • Practising Lawyer non-member - $1,000 + HST
  • In-house/Gov non-member - $750 + HST
  • Student non-member - $200+ HST

  If you would like to purchase specific sessions only, please contact us at contact@cantechlaw.ca.

  Thank you to our sponsors!

  
  

  

  
  

  

  
  

  

  
  

  
  

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