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:
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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.
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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.
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:
- Berkely Sells, Partner, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
- Brent Arnold, Litigator and Data Breach Coach/Counsel, Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP
- Veronica Tsou, Litigation Lawyer, 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
Thank you to our Sponsors!
There are no refunds.
Recording: Women In Tech Committee Presents - Innovating for Impact: The Intersection of Technology, Climate, and Law
$15.00
A conversation with women in law and technology / Conversation avec des avocates en droit et technologie
$0.00
Recording: CAN-TECH Law Women in Tech presents: Unpacking Canada's Approach to Online Harms
$15.00
Recording: Mitigating risks of bias output by AI systems
$15.00$0.00 - Member price
Recording: Mind the Gaps: The Impact of Emerging Threats on Cyber Insurance
$15.00$0.00 - Member price
Recording: Understanding the Global Surveillance Industry: The Spyware Case Study and Key Concerns for Canadian Companies and Public Bodies
$15.00$0.00 - Member price
Recording of Back to Normal: The Return to Office through a Diversity Lens
$15.00$0.00 - Member price
Recording: The Artificial Intelligence and Data Act and Its Potential Implications on Your Organization
$15.00$0.00 - Member price
Recording: Navigating the Metaverse: Digitized Transformations to the Legal and Business Landscape
$15.00$0.00 - Member price
Recording: Quebec’s Bill 64: Basics and Big Topics
$15.00$0.00 - Member price
Recording: It’s 2022: Do you care where your data is?
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