Blakes Weekly Digest - July 26, 2024

In this issue...

• The Competition Bureau launches its public consultation on greenwashing enforcement guidance
• Quebec’s Bill 30 amends several laws governing the province’s financial sector
• Canada imposes export controls on quantum computing and advanced semiconductor technology
• Two B.C. class action appeal decisions consider the potential scope of privacy claims against data custodians in data breaches

Competition Bureau Launches Consultation on Greenwashing Enforcement Guidance

As part of amendments to Canada’s Competition Act, the Competition Bureau (Bureau) is seeking public input in developing its new greenwashing enforcement guidelines. In addition, the Bureau recently released its Deceptive Marketing Practices Digest, with a focus on environmental representations, giving further context to the issues of environmental claims and greenwashing.

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Invasion of the Data Snatchers: B.C. Court of Appeal Clarifies Possible Scope of Privacy Claims Against Data Custodians in Data Breaches

Joshua Hutchinson, Robin Reinertson and Lyann Danielak

In G.D. v. South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority and Campbell v. Capital One Financial Corporation, the British Columbia Court of Appeal has affirmed that numerous causes of action may arguably be available against data custodians in cases of data breaches resulting from cyberattacks.

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Quebec’s Bill 30 Addresses Two Major Areas of Concern in the Financial Services and Insurance Sectors

Annick Demers, Louis Morisset and Claudia Ursachi (Articling Student)

On May 9, 2024, Quebec’s National Assembly adopted Bill 30, An Act to amend various provisions mainly with respect to the financial sector (Act). Among other things, the Act amends several provisions of the Act respecting the distribution of financial products and services and the Insurers Act. In doing so, it addresses two major areas of concern, namely a chronic shortage of claims adjusters in Quebec and issues with certain practices adopted by automobile dealers concerning the sale of replacement insurance.

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Canada Imposes Export Controls on Quantum Computing and Advanced Semiconductor Technology

Zvi Halpern-Shavim, Brady Gordon and Jo?o Victor Lima

Beginning July 20, 2024, Canada has placed unilateral export controls on certain quantum computing and advanced semiconductor technology under the Export and Import Permits Act. The export of these technologies will be prohibited to any location except the United States without an export permit from Global Affairs Canada.

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