Episode 4: Parent company liability

Can the Canadian parent of a multinational organization be liable for actions of its foreign subsidiaries? Last year, the Supreme Court of Canada decision in Nevsun signalled to multinational entities that they must be alive to this risk. And globally, companies face increasing scrutiny to act sustainably and responsibly. Join co-hosts Ailsa Bloomer and Andrew McCoomb for a discussion on the changing nature of international parent company liability: is the “corporate veil” still an effective means of insulating liability? Does having too bold a corporate responsibility statement create a risk for parent companies? And what role might arbitration play in managing this risk? Talking us through these issues are Alison FitzGerald and Martin Valasek. Alison is Of Counsel in our Ottawa office with a practice in international arbitration, trade and investment law. Martin is a Partner in our Montreal office and head of our Canadian International Arbitration team.

CPD credits: This episode qualifies for 0.5 hours of Substantive credit in Ontario and 0.5 hours of Substantive credit in British Columbia.

For more information, please check out our cross-border guide to parent company liability for foreign subsidiaries