Canada's constitution is unique in that it is comprised of common law rules developed by courts, written statutes and unwritten rules based on custom, usage and practices. When issues of legislative constitutionality or validity of government action arise, businesses in federally regulated industries need counsel knowledgeable about all these aspects of the law and their application.
Blakes has one of the premier constitutional law practices in Canada. Banking, finance, energy, oil and gas, communications, telecommunications, aviation, insurance companies and First Nations, among others, all rely on our lawyers for authoritative advice on Charter of Rights and Freedoms, aboriginal rights and federalism issues. Working closely with our pre-eminent Media & Defamation and Freedom of Information practices, we also represent Canada's major newspapers, publishers and broadcasters on constitutional law challenges.
Because of our extensive experience and record of success, we have been retained in many leading constitutional cases, appearing before the Supreme Court of Canada on a wide range of constitutional issues. These have included freedom of expression, access to information, application of provincial legislation to federally regulated companies, discrimination and equality rights, tax, and aboriginal rights. Our litigators have also represented clients before the Supreme Court of Canada in cases addressing the constitutionality of the Trade-Marks Act, parliamentary privilege, judicial independence, investigative powers, and health and environmental matters.
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