Information About Barry Sookman

The introduction of Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act (the “SSMAâ€�) marks an ambitious attempt by the Canadian government to regulate social media, online services, and AI chatbots. The legislation would establish a new Digital Safety Act (DSA), create a Digital Safety Commission of Canada, im … Read more »

Here is a speech I prepared for the JusticeNet Advisory Board Meeting – June 8, 2026  Introduction For more than half a century, access to justice has been one of the most persistent challenges facing legal systems in Canada. Governments have funded legal aid. Courts have simplified procedures. L … Read more »

I had the privilege of appearing before the Standing Committee on Industry and Technology (INDU) which is studying “Opportunities, Risks, and Regulation of AI in Canada’s Strategic Industries”. My opening submission and opening remarks are set out below. Madam Chair and members of the Committee, t … Read more »

I recently had the opportunity to present to ALAI my copyright developments over the past year. The presentation was accompanied by a detailed paper that canvasses the most important Canadian (and selected international) decisions shaping copyright law in 2025–2026. The presentation walked through … Read more »

In a bombshell of a case, a Quebec Court recently overturned an arbitration decision based on the arbitrator’s use of generative artificial intelligence in writing reasons for decision. The decision in Association des ressources intermédiaires d’hébergement du Québec (ARIHQ) c. Santé Québec – … Read more »