Fasken Martineau
Fall 2011
Welcome to the first edition of Capital Perspectives: Ottawa's Business Law Update, an authoritative source of legal insight and perspective on the issues that matter to private and public sector organizations operating in the National Capital Region.
On a regular basis we will draw on the Fasken Martineau Ottawa team's expertise in business, communications, litigation, trade, competition, copyright and public law to help our readers make sense of the events, issues and trends that impact their organizations.
We begin in this issue with:
Are you ready to compete with European firms for government business?
Canada and the EU are engaged in ambitious negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) that could open up government procurement at the provincial and municipal level in Canada. In return, Canada would obtain reciprocal access to EU state and sub-state entities and enterprises. Is your business ready to take advantage of these new opportunities and deal with fresh competition at home?
Does Ottawa's technology sector need a shot in the arm?
Ottawa's technology sector has weathered the dissolution of Nortel Networks, the struggles of other large local companies and weak investment deal flow. Meanwhile, there is significant momentum in other centres, such as Montréal, to stimulate startup activity. Is Ottawa thriving, or merely surviving? How do we support more company creation and growth in Ottawa?
What will a municipal lobbyist registry mean?
The City of Ottawa's Governance Renewal Sub-Committee is executing on Mayor Jim Watson's campaign promise to create a lobbyist registry. What impact is the creation of such a registry likely to have on area businesses such as real estate developers who wish to lobby, and do business with, the city? Why is this an important step which the City of Ottawa must take?
In addition…
We feature in this issue a Q&A with Peter Mantas, an experienced and respected litigator who joined the Ottawa office in June to lead our Litigation Practice. And in keeping with our desire to give back to the community we serve, we also highlight our recent engagement as a proud supporter of The Hospice at May Court.
Who is Fasken Martineau Ottawa?
Fasken Martineau is one of the world's leading international business law and litigation firms. With over 675 lawyers, the firm has offices in Canada, the United Kingdom, France and South Africa. Our practice includes every sector of business, industry and government.
In Ottawa, Fasken Martineau's local team of 20 lawyers has broad expertise and practices extensively in the areas of business, communications, litigation, trade, competition, copyright and public law. The Ottawa office also practices in a number of related areas, including government relations and ethics. We provide our clients with seamless access to the extremely broad range of professional services that Fasken Martineau offers on a national and international basis as one of Canada's leading business law and litigation firms.
Stephen Whitehead
Partner
swhitehead@fasken.com