In brief The Government of Canada recently passed Bill C-34, the National Security Review of Investment Modernization Act (“Bill C-34“), marking a turning point in the review of foreign investment in Canada. Bill C-34 enhances the Canadian government’s national security review powers under the Investment Canada Act (“ICA“) and introduces mandatory pre-closing filings for certain investments. The amendments are intended to address evolving threats arising from foreign investment and to ensure Canada’s economic security and prosperity. Bill…
In brief Canada has announced two complementary policies that will subject foreign investment in the interactive digital media (“IDM“) sector to enhanced scrutiny under the Investment Canada Act (“ICA“). IDM relates to digital content and/or digital environments where users can participate or collaborate, including certain mobile apps, video games, and virtual reality platforms. The Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry’s policy is intended to stop hostile state-sponsored or state-influenced actors (“SOEs“) from leveraging Canada’s IDM sector to spread…
In brief The Government of Canada has announced the 2024 financial thresholds for pre-merger notification and clearance under the Competition Act, and for pre-closing, “net benefit” review and approval under the Investment Canada Act (“ICA”). While the Competition Act “size of transaction” financial threshold remains the same, the ICA financial thresholds have increased. Significantly, this is the third year in a row that the Competition Act financial threshold has remained unchanged at CAD 93 million in a bid…