The Complete Brief
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February 20, 2026
Blockbuster moves: Netflix and Paramount face off in the race for Warner Bros.
In June 2025, Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (WBD) announced plans to separate its Global Networks division from its Streaming and Studios division. WBD’s Streaming and Studios division includes its television and movie studios (Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, HBO, DC Studios, etc.), its streaming platform HBO Max and its extensive media library. WBD’s Global Networks division includes its global linear cable network properties such as CNN, TNT Sports, TBS, HGTV, Food Network and Discovery. The Global Networks division also encompasses several free-to-air channels across Europe and digital products including Discovery+ and Bleacher Report. The separation is expected to spin off Global Networks into a standalone publicly traded company, Discovery Global, in Q3 2026.
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February 20, 2026
Scope of cabinet statutory discretion: Precautionary approaches to protect public interests
Two recent decisions of the Federal Court of Appeal explore the scope of cabinet’s room to manoeuvre pursuant to statutory grants of discretion to protect public interests.
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February 20, 2026
Addressing gender identity among prison populations
Policies provide a framework, and operations turn that framework into action. In a municipal setting, the town council sets policy, and town staff implements operations. But what if a policy puts staff and those they serve in danger?
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February 20, 2026
CIVIL PROCEDURE - Pleadings - Amendment of - Striking out pleadings or allegations
Appeal by appellants from an order striking their claim against the Attorney General of Canada for failure to disclose a reasonable cause of action. The claim arose after Sienna was fatally shot by neighbour Duckett, who held a firearms licence.
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February 19, 2026
Manitoba expanding safety tech, safety officers at various health-care facilities
In a bid to secure the safety of Manitoba’s front-line health-care workers, the province is expanding its delivery of a mobile app that provides real-time safety alerts, connection to “safety services” and emergency notifications.
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February 19, 2026
Ottawa boosts FINTRAC resources to combat rising extortion threat
Ottawa has announced new measures to crack down on extortion, including a planned surge of resources to Canada’s financial crimes watchdog and launching a partnership with financial institutions to disrupt criminal networks, according to a Feb. 19 government release.
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February 19, 2026
Canada strengthens trade partnerships in Singapore, Vietnam
Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu visited Singapore and Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada’s 2026 Canada-in-Asia Conference, promoting Canada as a leading investment destination for trade outcomes. This included a new $7-million legal initiative for Vietnam.
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February 19, 2026
When conduct drives costs: Bad faith, unreasonableness and a $220,000 award
The Superior Court’s decision in G.P.R. v. A.K., 2026 ONSC 409 is a pointed reminder of how litigation conduct, both at trial and in the post-trial period, can dramatically shape a costs outcome.
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February 19, 2026
Legal institute proposes solutions for land, airspace access issues in B.C. construction projects
A legal think tank in B.C. is calling attention to an issue that it says has become more contentious in recent years — disputes around access to land and airspace next to construction sites.
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February 19, 2026
Dentons adds senior energy partner Peter Bryan in Calgary
Dentons Canada has welcomed Peter Bryan to its Calgary office as a partner in the firm’s national energy group, according to the firm.