Kai Olson advises clients on a wide range of regulatory law issues, with a focus on those relating to anti-bribery and corruption, conflicts of interest, election and campaign finance, lobbying law compliance and registration, and procurement integrity.
Kai strives to understand the objectives of his clients, while managing risk, remaining compliance-focused and being aware of the regulatory environment in which they operate. He has assisted large public and private companies, industry associations and non-profits on a variety of matters, including:
- The development of comprehensive compliance programs and policies related to lobbying law, political activity by employees and gifting / hospitality rules
- Election advertising compliance, disclosure and related financial reporting
- Post-employment restrictions on former public officials entering the private sector
- Access to information requests and third party exemptions
- Government contract, funding and sponsorship agreement review
- Whistleblowing
Within the specific area of financial conflicts of interest, Kai has advised public officials with respect to the management and disclosure of complex business interests under applicable legislation.
In addition to assisting clients navigate compliance risks and advising on appropriate compliance measures, Kai acts for clients that are the subject of regulatory audits, investigations or enforcement proceedings. Kai has represented respondents for alleged offences under the federal Lobbying Act, Canada Elections Act, Conflict of Interest Act, as well as the Ontario Lobbyists Registration Act.
Kai is also a member of the firm’s Hydrogen Energy Advisory Team (H2EAT) and has advised clients in this area on corporate governance issues.
Prior to joining the firm, Kai was litigation counsel at the Ontario Securities Commission, where he worked on complex regulatory investigations, enforcement proceedings and appeals relating to capital markets misconduct. Kai brings this experience to bear for clients when responding to regulatory requests, representing clients before regulators or drafting regulatory submissions.
