A fundamental tenet of every democracy is the right of citizens and organizations to challenge what they believe to be arbitrary, oppressive or unfair government actions via the courts. Successfully asserting this right, when the state can draw upon almost limitless resources to litigate its opponents into submission, demands a committed opponent supported by a tenacious and highly skilled advocate.
When major organizations doing business in Canada decide they must challenge a government decision or action, they want the right legal partner on their side. The first name that comes to mind for many is Osler.
We've participated in some of the most important cases to come before Canada’s top courts in recent years – the kind that establish important principles, define new tests and bright lines, set oft-quoted precedents. It’s advocacy in one of its purest forms, involving persuasion through superlative written materials and oral argument. At this level, one can’t hope to succeed without analytical clarity, innovative thinking and excellent presentation skills.
Osler counsel regularly appear on behalf of clients before all levels of courts in Canada, including the Supreme Court, federal and provincial courts of appeal, and before administrative tribunals and regulatory agencies. We provide opinions and representation on issues involving the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the division of powers, judicial review of administrative agencies, in regulatory matters, and in cases involving a wide range of other public law issues.
And, as our clients will attest, we succeed a good deal of the time.