2025 Fall conference program

CAN-TECH 2025 Fall Conference

Grounded and Global: Empowering Canadian Tech Lawyers in a Shifting Legal Landscape

Conference Co-chairs

Lisa Danay Wallace, WeirFoulds LLP

Lisa Danay Wallace is a Partner in the Information Technology and Intellectual Property Group. She helps clients navigate the legal and commercial challenges of deploying emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. She advises on AI product development, risk allocation, governance frameworks, use of third-party data, and responsible deployment. She also supports businesses integrating AI tools - balancing innovation with regulatory, contractual, and ethical considerations.

Aarani Stoneham, Modiface (L'Oreal Group Company)

Aarani is General Counsel at ModiFace, Inc., the first technology company acquired by the L’Oréal Group company. At the helm of ModiFace’s legal affairs, Aarani takes a strategic approach in negotiating with global clients for the use of ModiFace’s patented Virtual Try On (VTO) technology for makeup, hair and nails, skin analysis and other tech products/services. She advises on matters ranging from privacy and competition to machine learning, and bias and ethics in artificial intelligence.

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CPD Confirmed:

This program contains 2 hours of Professionalism Content
This program contains 1 hour of EDI Professionalism Content

This program contains 16 hours and 45 minutes of Substantive Hours

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Conference Program: DAY ONE (OCTOBER 23)

All times listed are EDT

8:00 to 8:45 AM REGISTRATION

8:45 to 9:30 AM OPENING REMARKS

CAN-TECH President, Andrew Alleyne, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
Conference Co-chairs Lisa Danay Wallace, WeirFoulds LLP and Aarani Stoneham, Modiface (L'Oreal Group Company)

KEYNOTE - Leading Without a Map Amid Global Flux: How Canada’s Tech Lawyers Can Shape the Future

As the pace of technological innovation accelerates and geopolitical fault lines reshape our assumptions about trade, security, and data sovereignty, Canada finds itself at a critical inflection point. From the rise of generative AI to intensifying trade tensions with the U.S., Canadian technology lawyers must navigate a world where clear legal frameworks often lag behind technological realities. With no comprehensive AI legislation on the books — as AIDA stalls — and global standards emerging unevenly, our role is more vital than ever. Canada’s homegrown strengths — our leading AI research hubs like MILA and the Vector Institute and the appointment of a Minister of AI and Digital Innovation — position us uniquely to lead responsibly, but only if our legal community remains agile, innovative, and bold.

We will explore what it means to stay grounded in principle and ethics, while acting global in mindset and reach. How do we advise clients who build for a borderless digital economy in an era of rising protectionism? How do we protect Canadian innovation, empower our businesses, and push for thoughtful regulation when the rules are still being written? Join us as we chart a course for how Canadian tech lawyers can prepare, excel, and shape the future — transforming uncertainty into opportunity in a rapidly shifting legal landscape.

9:30 to 10:45 AM PLENARY - AI Governance in Practice: Charting a Canadian Course (Post-AIDA)

Featuring:

Brenda Vethanayagam, CPA, CA, PwC
Basia Walczak, Trulioo
Hélène Deschamps Marquis, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG)

Moderator: Aarani Stoneham, Modiface Inc. (L'Oreal Group Company)

As global AI regulation evolves, Canada finds itself at a pivotal moment—backed by major investment in AI innovation, yet without a binding legislative framework like AIDA. This plenary explores how Canadian organizations and their counsel can meaningfully implement AI governance in the absence of clear statutory guidance. Our panel of experts will unpack practical strategies for embedding governance through existing privacy and compliance frameworks, assess what "responsible AI" means in a Canadian context, and explore the role legal leaders must play in shaping internal policy and risk oversight. Whether advising startups or scaling enterprises, this session will equip tech lawyers with the insight to lead AI governance grounded in today’s legal realities—and ready for tomorrow’s reforms.

10:45 to 11:15 AM Networking break

11:15 to 12:15 PM

TRACK 1 - Caveats and Kill Switches: Professional Obligations in Use of Legal AI

Featuring:

Anita Gorney, Harvey
Victoria Uslinov, Law Society of Ontario
Al Hounsell, Gowlings WLG

Moderator: Sam Ip, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

As AI tools become more embedded in legal practice, lawyers are presented with both powerful opportunities and evolving responsibilities. This panel brings together diverse perspectives—a law society regulator, an AI technology provider, and a practicing technology lawyer—to explore how AI can be used effectively and responsibly in day-to-day legal work. The session will cover professional obligations under law society rules, offer practical guidance for responsible AI use, and share real-world insights from those at the forefront of legal innovation. Whether you're already using AI or just starting to consider it, this session will provide critical knowledge you need to promote compliance, competence, and client protection in an AI-enhanced practice.

TRACK 2 - Data Protection, Eh? Canadian Data Protection Addenda

Featuring:

Rebecca Ma, Interac Corp.
Robin Sookal, Symcor
Haley Kenny, Deloitte

Moderator: Jade Buchanan, McCarthy Tétrault LLP

Data protection and privacy clauses have grown from paragraphs to pages. Privacy commissioners have weighed in, including commenting on specific clauses in several recent findings. CAN-TECH’s Cybersecurity & Privacy Committee will be sharing our Canadian DPA checklist, identifying topics of frequent debate and scrutiny, and giving you tools to draft and negotiate your way to compliance.

12:45 to 1:45 PM LUNCH/PLENARY - Indigenous Data Sovereignty & Tech Collaboration in Canada

Featuring:

Ben Brookwell, Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP
Aaron Franks, First Nations Information Governance Centre

Moderator: Anagha Nandakumaran, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP

This presentation will introduce Indigenous Data Sovereignty and its application in legal practice. It focuses on First Nations asserting control over their data—what is collected, how it is used, where it is stored, and with whom it is shared. Indigenous Data Sovereignty is part of a larger movement among First Nations toward greater self-governance. To support that goal, First Nations will need specialized legal advice on intellectual property, patents, and data privacy. The presentation will explore these issues by looking at the practical challenges First Nation governments and organizations face in enforcing principles of Indigenous Data Sovereignty in data-sharing agreements with external partners, including governments.

1:45 TO 2:45 PM Plenary - Contracting with Confidence When AI is at the Table

Featuring:

Julia Johnson ADA
Shreya Gupta, Loblaw Companies Ltd.
Rob Hester, Anthropic

Moderator: Lisa Danay Wallace, WeirFoulds LLP

Join a panel of Canadian lawyers working at the intersection of AI and law as they discuss how legal teams can accelerate — not stall — safe AI deployments through smart, pragmatic contract negotiations. The session will unpack how legal can manage reputational risk, streamline diligence on AI vendors, and guide deals from governance through to closure without getting in the way. Expect practical insights from the frontlines on both the customer and vendor side of the transaction.

2:45 TO 3:45 PM

TRACK 1 - Not excluding Quebec: Doing Business across Canada

Featuring:

Eugen Miscoi, McCarthy Tétrault LLP
Alexandra Quigley, Dentons

Moderator: Christine Jackson, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

Quebec is a vital market for many Canadian and international technology companies, but some tech companies opt out of expanding into Quebec due to the unique legal and regulatory requirements that come with operating in a civil law jurisdiction. In this panel, experienced legal practitioners will demystify some of these unique legal and regulatory requirements and discuss how to adjust your Canadian product or service launch strategy to include Quebec. Panelists will share practical lessons learned from advising tech clients on product and service launches, commercial agreements and regulatory compliance in Quebec. Attendees will leave with actionable insights and a better understanding of how to take advantage of operating in this unique and strategic jurisdiction. Ideal for in-house counsel, law firm advisors, and tech executives managing cross-provincial operations.

TRACK 2 - Minor Details, Major Consequences: The Challenges of Contracting with Minors?

Featuring:

Susie Hendrie, Garabyte Consulting INC.
David Fraser, McInnes Cooper
Matthew Shogilev, OPC

Moderator: M. Imtiaz Karamat, Deeth Williams Wall LLP

In Canada and around the world, regulators are looking to reshape the legal landscape governing minors' access to digital services. As the ground shifts, new challenges emerge—from barriers companies must scale to achieve effective age assurance, to legal pitfalls when agreements involving minors falter. Join our expert panel as they explore the evolving tools and rules for age assurance, the legal issues and real-world consequences of contracting with minors, and the privacy concerns that come with it.

3:45 TO 4:00 PM NETWORKING BREAK

Sponsored by:

4:00 TO 5:00 PM PLENARY - Safeguarding Data Fortresses in Turbulent Times: Navigating Privacy in Bankruptcy and M&A

Featuring:

Sharon Kour, Reconstruct LLP
Michael Maguire, OPC
Kristopher Miks, Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP / S.E.N.C.R.L., s.r.l.

Moderator: Jennifer Davidson, Deeth Williams Wall LLP

In today’s dynamic business landscape, safeguarding sensitive data is more critical than ever, especially during the upheaval of bankruptcy and mergers and acquisitions. This talk will explore practical strategies and legal frameworks to ensure data privacy remains intact during these turbulent times. Attendees will gain insights into best practices for protecting data integrity and maintaining compliance, even when facing the storms of corporate change.

5:00 TO 5:15 PM CLOSING REMARKS

5:30 TO 6:30 PM COCKTAIL RECEPTION: Open to all conference attendees

Sponsored by:

Conference Program: DAY TWO (OCTOBER 24)

All times listed are ET

8:00 TO 9:00 AM BREAKFAST/WIT Presents – From Backlash to Backup: Sustainable Allyship in Challenging Times

Featuring:

Charlene Theodore, Workplace Culture Expert
Chandimal Nicholas, Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP

Moderator: Sandra Montanino, Navig8 Professional Development Inc.

As the legal and tech industries continue to evolve - shaped by rapid innovation, shifting regulatory expectations and changing workforce dynamics - fostering inclusive, supportive and resilient workplaces is more critical than ever. This panel, presented by the WIT Committee, featuring experts and allies in the field, will explore how technology professionals can serve as effective partners and advocates for long-term inclusion, as well as the challenges facing us today. Panelists will share real-world strategies for reinforcing inclusivity through policy, governance, and leadership; building credibility across diverse teams; and supporting women in sustainable ways.

Sponsored by:

9:10 TO 9:15 AM OPENING REMARKS

9:15 TO 10:30 AM PLENARY - 2025 Legal Landscape: From law to practice

Featuring:

Barry Sookman, McCarthy Tétrault LLP
Catherine Lovrics, Marks & Clerk LLP
Kavita Ramamoorthy, Fineberg Ramamoorthy LLP

Moderator: Lisa Danay Wallace, WeirFoulds LLP

Get up to speed on key legal developments in technology contracting, patents, trademarks, and copyright from the past year. In this fast-paced session, top professionals from each field will break down what’s changed, what matters, and how it’s playing out in practice—giving you the insights you need to navigate the year ahead.

10:30 TO 10:45 AM NETWORKING BREAK

Sponsored by:

10:45 TO 12:00 PM PLENARY - Round tables (in person only, this will not be recorded):

This session will involve dynamic Roundtable Discussions designed to get everyone engaged. Each topic will be hosted at its own table, led by one facilitator who will open with a short networking activity and a quick introduction to the theme.

Participants will then have the opportunity to join two separate 35-minute conversations, selecting the topics that interest them most. These sessions are intended to be lively, interactive, and thought-provoking, giving attendees the chance to connect, share perspectives, and dive into the issues that matter most.

Roundtable Discussions will feature:

Cross-border Contracting
AI benchmarking
Tariffs and Tech
Unilateral contracts and enforceability
Termination troubles
Data use in AI, copyright
Agentic AI
Digital Sovereignty
In House counsel

12:00 TO 1:00 PM

TRACK 1 - Data Sovereignty and Digital Infrastructure: Canada’s Strategic Imperative

Featuring:

Carole Piovesan, INQ Law
Craig McLellan, ThinkOn
Mark Graham, Bell
Samir Chhabra, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)

Moderator: Sairam Sanathkumar, Torys LLP

The panel will discuss the evolving concept of data sovereignty and its renewed significance amidst growing economic and geopolitical pressures. Speakers will examine the infrastructure gap between Canada’s AI ambitions and its current dependence on foreign – chiefly, U.S – data hosting and computing services, and the related legal, commercial, and policy considerations. The session will also address the case for Canada-controlled infrastructure, considerations for data centre investment, and the legislative path forward for AI and privacy regulation. Panelists will consider whether federal funding and policy interventions are sufficient to support Canadian innovation, and what practical alternatives are available to mitigate jurisdictional and operational risks.

TRACK 2 - Inside Counsel, Outside Impact: The Many Hats of In-House Lawyers

Featuring:

Arun Krishnamurti, Google
Jamie Greenberg, Solink
Jacqueline Tsai, Paybilt

Moderator: Claire Mazzini, Microsoft

This presentation will explore the evolving role of in-house counsel as strategic business partners. We'll cover proactive risk management and avoiding over-lawyering, focusing on measuring and presenting legal metrics to management. Also including the use of intake and workflow tools, and the in-house counsel's evolving position on AI.

1:00-1:30PM LUNCH

1:30-2:30 PM PLENARY - Personal Branding, Professional Presence & Profile

Featuring:

Bindu Cujoe, Bindustries Consulting Inc
Judith McKay, JEM3 Consulting

Moderator: Aarani Stoneham, Modiface Inc. (L'Oreal Group Company)

Professional success requires the ability to clearly articulate your value and inspire others to see it. While great work naturally contributes to your reputation, intentionally managing your personal brand can amplify your visibility, broaden your network, raise your profile, and create advocates who support your career aspirations: it can give you presence. For lawyers, personal branding is especially critical to overcoming common misperceptions. Effective personal branding allows lawyers to redefine perceptions and position themselves as indispensable executives and trusted advisors with a seat at the table. In this interactive panel discussion, moderated by Aarani Stoneham, Bindu Cudjoe and Judith McKay will discuss personal branding theory and provide practical insights as well as strategies to enhance your internal and external brand.

Bindu Cudjoe is the Principal & Strategic Advisor of Bindustries Consulting Inc., a former law firm partner and executive and chief legal officer in the complex and highly regulated financial services industry.
Judith McKay is the Principal and Strategic Advisor of JEM3 Consulting, a former chief client and innovation officer with a top tier law firm with over 800 lawyers, and a former global general counsel for a Fortune 500 company.

2:30 TO 3:30 PM

TRACK 1 - Certifiably Secure? Cyber Standards in an Unstable Era

Featuring:

Andrew Alleyne, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
Carlos Chalico, EY Canada
Nayab Sabahat, NuviSight AI
Cherlene Tay, Digital Governance

Moderator: Lola Williams Afolabi, Williams Armstrong LP

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, understanding the landscape of cyber standards, certifications, and audits has never been more critical. This session will explore how these frameworks are shaped and influenced by external events, including recent developments such as the US government's budget cutbacks affecting CISA and NIST.

Join us as we unpack the essential components of cyber standards and certifications and discuss what impacts their evolution, effectiveness and reliability, providing insights into how organizations can navigate this complex environment.

This session aims to equip attendees with practical knowledge and strategies to enhance their understanding of cyber standards and engage in dialogue that goes beyond theoretical discussions, grounding the conversation in the realities of today’s cybersecurity landscape.

TRACK 2 - “Employing” AI in the Workplace

Featuring:

Alex Treiber, Treiber Law PC
Dina Maxwell, PwC
Marsha Lindsay, Loblaw Companies Ltd.

Moderator: Shreya Gupta, Loblaw Companies Ltd.

Technology has evolved the way in which employers and employees interact. In this session, we will explore the various obligations of employers as it relates to job applicants and employees when leveraging AI.

3:30 TO 3:45 PM NETWORKING BREAK

3:45 TO 4:45 PM

TRACK 1 - From War Room to Boardroom: Winning Tech Negotiations

Featuring:

Amy-Lynne Williams, Retired, co-Founder of Deeth Williams Wall LLP
Richard Austin, Deeth Williams Wall LLP

Moderator: Andrew Alleyne, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP

Negotiation is where legal advice meets business reality—and where the best lawyers earn their keep. This session shows technology lawyers how to prepare, position, and play to win in negotiations. Learn how to set up your team, define your role, and spot (or deploy) common tactics—from anchoring to silence— these insights will leave you better prepared to win the next deal.

Key Takeaways

How to prepare negotiations in advance for maximum leverage.
Strategies to build and lead a negotiation team effectively.
Understanding your role as the lawyer—and when to step forward or step back.
The tactics you’ll face (and may use): anchoring, bracketing, good cop/bad cop, silence, and more.
Practical, battle-tested tips to keep your client’s objectives front and center.

TRACK 2 - Autonomous by Design: Legal and Ethical Dimensions of Agentic AI

Featuring:

Kosta Starostin, Cohere
George Wray, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG)
Tareq Tayeh, Modiface Inc. (L'Oreal Group Company)
Misha Benjamin, BCF Business Law

Moderator: Tetyana Klimova, EY Canada

Agentic AI—systems capable of autonomous decision-making, goal formation, and adaptive behavior—are fast becoming a frontier issue for legal and compliance professionals. As these systems act with increasing independence, they raise fundamental questions around accountability, oversight, and legal personhood that existing Canadian legal frameworks have yet to fully address.

This plenary will explore how tech lawyers can meaningfully engage with the risks and governance challenges of agentic systems. The discussion will focus on practical legal strategies for addressing autonomy in design and deployment, while introducing core concepts from AI safety and AI assurance—including transparency, predictability, and alignment—as tools to mitigate emerging risks.

Panelists will also consider how Canadian organizations can begin building the right legal and ethical guardrails now, drawing on both privacy and compliance frameworks, in anticipation of future regulatory clarity. Designed for legal professionals who want to go beyond hypotheticals, this session will ground the conversation in today’s shifting legal and operational landscape.

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Canadian Technology Law Association

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Toronto, ON M5A 1S2

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