Osler Outlook

Income Trusts: Where Do We Go From Here?

Ever since Finance Minister Jim Flahertyâ€™s â€œHalloween Surpriseâ€ on October 31, 2006, the income trust sector has been facing a cloudy future. The prospect of losing its cherished tax status was distressing news, even if it was not entirely unexpected. Furthermore, the long wait until the new tax rules would come into effect in 2011, while giving trusts ample time to prepare for the new regime, created a climate of some uncertainty. Read moreâ€¦

Osler Audio Report

Defamation in the Internet Age

The astonishing growth of the Internet over the past 10 years has brought profound changes to the business world. It has also had a great impact on the law, raising new issues that were almost unimaginable before the Internet became a widespread tool for communication. An important issue for corporate counsel is that of defamation. As is well known, the Internet has the power to build reputations and launch careers overnight; yet, it has a darker side as well â€“ the power to damage reputations and destroy careers just as quickly. Read moreâ€¦

Osler Audio Report

Canadian M&A Gets an International Flavour

While it is unlikely that the volume of big ticket M&A deals that were undertaken in the previous two years will continue, certain segments of the Canadian M&A market are enjoying robust levels of activity. For example, we advised on several acquisitions of Canadian companies and assets by international buyers. The number of such acquisitions in general is on the rise while, at the same time, domestic companies are increasingly looking beyond our borders for attractive targets. Read moreâ€¦

Mounting Health Care Costs Drive Outsourcing Initiatives

Governments at all levels are placing greater emphasis on fiscal accountability in the MUSH (Municipalities, Universities, Schools and Hospitals) sector. This increased attention has led to a specific focus on keeping health care costs low. Such a focus is not surprising, given that health care sector costs in Ontario, for example, account for almost half of the provincial budget. Read moreâ€¦

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