Businesses are increasingly challenged to promptly and effectively identify, assess and manage rapidly changing risks, including exposure to litigation, regulation and enforcement. The ability to respond strategically and in a timely way to existing and emerging situations that threaten the business and reputation of an organization, as well as that of its executives, directors and advisors, is a paramount concern for corporations and their boards today.
Risk is multi-faceted. It is not confined within self-contained silos in any organization: an issue that arises in relation to one business unit, discipline, product line or department can have far-reaching effects on other parts of the organization. Neglected and mismanaged risk can have a costly financial, operational and reputational impact upon the whole organization, its leaders and its stakeholders.

Risk Management and Crisis Response Blog
Insights on avoiding and addressing corporate crisis.
Strategic prevention and response
Our fully integrated team is uniquely positioned to provide customized, comprehensive service offerings in both proactive risk management and strategic crisis response. We work with boards, in-house counsel and senior executives at leading companies on developing risk management strategies; reviewing, drafting and advising on policies, codes of conduct and internal procedures; and conducting regulatory compliance reviews and risk assessments on governance, accountability structures and protocols.
When that risk becomes a tangible threat, we can develop and implement a considered plan to find a timely, effective and practical resolution. We advise on business-critical situations like government or internal investigations, whistleblower allegations, shareholder activism, data and security breaches, environmental disputes, unexpected leadership issues, hostile takeover bids and litigation arising from other extraordinary circumstances.
A cross-disciplinary approach to managing risk
Members of Osler’s cross-disciplinary Risk Management and Crisis Response practice understand the multi-dimensional and potentially destructive character of unattended risk.
We draw on our national specialists across a broad range of expertise, including capital markets regulation, investment funds, competition, corporate governance, securities and consumer class actions and other litigation, privacy and data security, environmental and government investigations and white-collar defence.
Led by Larry Ritchie, former vice-chair of the Ontario Securities Commission, our team leverages expert knowledge, practical experience and strong working relationships with regulators and officials in Canada and internationally to anticipate, manage and navigate the evolving risk factors that threaten your business.
Key Contacts
Chair
Partner, Disputes, Toronto
Partner, Disputes, Montréal
Partner, Disputes
Head: White-Collar Defence, Montréal, Toronto
Partner, Disputes, Vancouver
Partner, Corporate, Toronto
Latest Insights
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Osler Update January 19, 2026
Artificial intelligence and privacy: highlights from our second annual conference in Montréal
During the fall, Osler’s Montréal office hosted the firm’s second annual Privacy Conference, organized by its Privacy and Data Management team.
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Osler Update December 30, 2025
Canada further shuts its market to steel imports – CBSA guidance released
On December 11, 2025, Canada issued steel import restrictions, effective December 26, 2025, with a 25% surtax on many steel derivatives.
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Report December 4, 2025
Beyond tariffs: compliance implications of shifting U.S. trade relations
Canada’s everchanging trade relationship with the U.S. is giving rise to uncertainty and novel compliance challenges for Canadian businesses.
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Blog December 3, 2025
Procedural route to challenge capital markets regulatory investigative tool confirmed
A recent decision has clarified the scope and limitations of the Ontario Securities Commission’s investigatory authority.
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Media Mentions January 28, 2026
Explainer: What are prediction markets? – Canadian Affairs
In a recent article in Canadian Affairs, Digital Assets and Blockchain Group Chair Matthew Burgoyne comments on the fragmented nature of regulatory...
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Media Mentions January 10, 2026
Someone made big money betting on Maduro. What are prediction markets, and is it time they had tighter rules? – CBC News
Prediction markets, in which users place binary wagers on almost any kind of event, have become an increasingly popular way to make money. While...
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Media Mentions August 8, 2025
Should prediction markets be legal in Canada? – Canadian Affairs
Osler's Matthew Burgoyne spoke to Canadian Affairs about online prediction markets.
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Media Mentions August 6, 2025
Energy firms straddle the line between Canadian DEI and ESG policies and changing U.S. attitudes – Lexpert
Osler's John Valley spoke to Lexpert about shifting approaches to DEI and climate risk disclosure.
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