Michael Osborne

Chair, Canadian Competition Practice

Recent News:

17 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Named Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch in Canada

Best Lawyers Canada has named 17 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from the firm’s Toronto and Vancouver offices in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada.

Michael helps businesses navigate competition (antitrust), foreign investment, and other regulatory regimes, and resolve commercial disputes. Michael's 25 years' experience and broad practice enable him to identify an achievable outcome that best aligns with his clients' goals, and to work towards achieving that outcome.  

Michael advises and defends clients from around the world in inquiries and proceedings commenced by the Competition Bureau, including criminal matters, abuse of dominance, and marketing and advertising matters. He defends clients in private proceedings under the Competition Act, including price fixing class actions. 

Michael helps clients obtain merger clearance under the Competition Act and the Investment Canada Act, including national security reviews under the Investment Canada Act.

Clients also seek out Michael's representation in a wide range of commercial disputes, including contractual disputes, shareholders' disputes, commercial fraud, and employment matters.

Michael has acted as trial and appellate counsel before all levels of court across the country, including the Supreme Court of Canada. He has tried several cases before the Competition Tribunal and appeared as counsel before arbitral tribunals in international and domestic arbitrations, both institutional and ad hoc. He is also qualified as an arbitrator. 

Michael frequently speaks and writes on competition law and commercial litigation topics.

Michael earned his law degree from Dalhousie University, his master's degree in medieval studies from the University of Toronto, and his undergraduate degree in philosophy, with high honors, from the University of Saskatchewan. Following law school, Michael was a law clerk to the late Honorable Justice John Sopinka with the Supreme Court of Canada. He is bilingual in English and French.

Before joining the firm, Michael was a partner at a leading Canadian national firm. 

News

17 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Named Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch in Canada

September 04, 2024

Best Lawyers Canada has named 17 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from the firm’s Toronto and Vancouver offices in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada.

Michael Osborne Recognized in Who’s Who Legal: Competition 2024

August 01, 2024

Michael Osborne, chair of the firm’s Canadian Competition Practice, has been recognized in Who’s Who Legal: Competition 2024.

Competition Bureau Probes Alleged Anticompetitive Conduct by Loblaws, Sobeys Owners

May 24, 2024

Michael Osborne was quoted in a CTV News article discussing the Canada Competition Bureau’s investigations into the parent companies of grocery store chains Loblaws and Sobeys, alleging that their property controls limit retail grocery competition.

Six Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Named to the 2024 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory

March 29, 2024

Andrew Elbaz, Rory Godinho, Shane Hardy, Michael Osborne, Steven Weisz, and Kevin Zimka were named to the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory for 2024.

Four Cozen O’Connor Attorneys, Practice Area Recognized in 2024 Chambers Global Rankings

March 05, 2024

Geoffrey Ferrer, Shane Hardy, Michael Osborne, and Steven Weisz were recognized in their practice areas based on their legal knowledge and experience, ability, effectiveness, and client service.

Announcing Cozen O’Connor Canada’s Technology and Privacy Team

January 23, 2024

We are excited to launch Cozen O’Connor Canada’s Privacy and Technology team.

Michael Osborne Selected to Who’s Who Legal: Competition 2023

December 01, 2023

Michael Osborne, chair of the firm’s Canadian Competition Practice, has been selected to Who’s Who Legal: Competition 2023.

Report Finds Decline in Competitive Intensity

October 23, 2023

In a video interview with BNN Bloomberg, Michael Osborne discusses the Competition Bureau's study on Canada’s competitive intensity over the last two decades.

Champagne Announces Grocer Commitments to Stabilize Costs

October 13, 2023

In a video interview with BNN Bloomberg, Michael Osborne discusses Minister François-Philippe Champagne's announcement regarding initial commitments from Canada's grocers to stabilize food prices.

Three Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Recognized in 2024 Chambers Canada

October 13, 2023

Shane Hardy (Intellectual Property), Michael G. Osborne (Competition/Antitrust: Litigators), and Steven J. Weisz (Restructuring/Insolvency) were also recognized in the 2023 Chambers Global rankings.

Toronto Real Estate Class-Action Could Affect Billions of Dollars in Commissions

October 05, 2023

Michael Osborne was quoted in a Financial Post article discussing a class action lawsuit that alleges major brokers and real estate organizations in Toronto implemented rules that essentially stifled competition for buyer brokerage services, resulting in higher prices.

Competition Law not Meant to Fight Inflation

September 22, 2023

Michael Osborne sat down with BNN Bloomberg to discuss the Canadian government's new legislation.

Trudeau Takes Aim at Corporate Canada as Inflation Sinks His Popularity

September 19, 2023

Michael Osborne was quoted in a Bloomberg article discussing the impact of Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne's demand for grocery executives to decrease food inflation rates.

Liberals Target Grocers With Changes to Competition Act, Threaten Tax Measures if Prices Don’t Stabilize

September 18, 2023

Michael Osborne was quoted in a Globe and Mail article discussing the proposed changes to the Competition Act to combat food inflation prices.

A Chill Descends

September 06, 2023

Michael Osborne was quoted in a National Magazine article discussing the mixed reactions to the Competition Tribunal’s order for the Competition Bureau to pay roughly $13 million to Rogers Communications Inc. and Shaw Communications Inc.

Competition Bureau ordered to pay millions to Rogers, Shaw

September 05, 2023

Michael Osborne was quoted in a Financial Post article discussing the Competition Tribunal’s order for the Competition Bureau to pay over $12 million in legal fees and compensation after it failed in its bid to block the Rogers Communications and Shaw Communications merger.

Ten Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Named Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch in Canada

August 24, 2023

Ten Cozen O’Connor lawyers from the firm’s Toronto and Vancouver offices were selected for inclusion in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada

Antitrust Experts Say Competition Bureau Unlikely to Oppose Merger Between Postmedia and Key Torstar Assets

July 11, 2023

Michael Osborne was quoted in a Toronto Star article discussing the concern about the Toronto Star and Postmedia deal reducing competition in the media sector.

Are Canada’s Competition Laws Outdated? Some Say It’s Time for Change

June 02, 2023

Michael Osborne was quoted in a CBC News article discussing the Commissioner of Competition Matthew Boswell’s efforts to reform Canada’s competition laws.

Lawsuit Over Cineplex’s Online Booking Fee Will Be an Uphill Battle for Competition Bureau

May 25, 2023

In a video interview with BNN Bloomberg, Michael Osborne, chair of the firm’s Canadian Competition Practice, discussed the Competition Bureau and Cineplex lawsuit over the theatre’s online ticket prices.

Glencore’s Bid for Teck Spurs Call for Canada Pensions to Up Domestic Equity Stake

May 16, 2023

Michael Osborne was quoted in a Reuters article discussing Canadian institutional investors wanting to push Canada’s most significant pension funds to limit their exposure to domestic companies.

Michael Osborne Elected to the Canada Branch of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Board of Directors

April 27, 2023

Cozen O’Connor is proud to announce that Michael Osborne has been elected to the board of directors for the Canada Branch of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb).

High-Profile U.S. Enforcers Weigh In on Canada’s Competition Overhaul

April 14, 2023

Michael Osborne was quoted in a Toronto Star article discussing the joint letter Lina Khan, chair of the Federal Trade Commission, and Jonathan Kanter, assistant attorney general for the Department of Justice Antitrust Division, sent to Canada’s Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne about the new competition rules for Canadian businesses.

Lack of Competition Allowing Major Players to Dominate Canada’s Business Landscape, Critics Say

April 10, 2023

Michael Osborne was quoted in a Globe and Mail article discussing critics’ opinions of increasing competition in Canada to fix the economy.

Champagne’s Threat: Can the Industry Minister Really Force Big Telcos to Lower Phone Bills?

April 05, 2023

Michael Osborne was quoted in a Financial Post article discussing Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne’s threat to seek further legislation and regulatory powers to drive down cellphone bills if they do not get cheaper with Videotron in the mix.

Reactions to Canada’s Rogers-Shaw Deal Approval

April 03, 2023

Michael Osborne was quoted in a Reuters article discussing the approved Rogers-Shaw Communications merger requirements.

Rogers Takeover of Shaw Approved by Ottawa

March 31, 2023

In a video interview with CBC News: The National, Michael Osborne, chair of the firm’s Canadian Competition Practice, discussed a legal ruling that predicted one of the several conditions in the approved Rogers acquisition of Shaw Communications.

Four Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Named to the 2023 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory

March 14, 2023

Shane Hardy, Michael Osborne, Steven Weisz, and Kevin Zimka were named to the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory for 2023.

Six Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Recognized in 2023 Chambers Global Rankings

February 22, 2023

Chambers Global has recognized six Cozen O’Connor attorneys: Susan Eisenberg (Miami – Labor & Employment), Geoffrey Ferrer (New York – Transportation & Trade), Shane Hardy (Toronto – Intellectual Property), Michael Osborne (Toronto – Antitrust & Competition), Joseph Tilson (Chicago – Labor & Employment), and Steven Weisz (Toronto – Bankruptcy & Restructuring) as worldwide leaders in their respective practices.

Canada to Increase Penalties for Non-compliance with FDI Reviews

February 01, 2023

Michael Osborne and Samuel Bogetti were quoted in a Foreign Investment Watch article discussing the new guidelines the Canadian government issued for their national security review process.

Will the Rogers Ruling Drive Competition Reform?

January 26, 2023

Michael Osborne was quoted in a National Magazine article discussing the Federal Court of Appeal’s ruling to uphold the decision to allow the Rogers Communications and Shaw Communications’ merger and the effect it could have on the Competition Commissioner’s ability to advocate for reform.

Rogers and Shaw Win Merger Case at Federal Court of Appeal

January 25, 2023

Michael Osborne was quoted in a Toronto Star article discussing Rogers Communications and Shaw Communications’ victory at the Federal Court of Appeal, which upheld a ruling in favor of their merger.

Supreme Court Unlikely to Want to Take On Rogers-Shaw Case: Competition Lawyer

January 24, 2023

In a video interview with BNN Bloomberg, Michael Osborne, chair of the firm’s Canadian Competition Practice, discussed the dismissal of the Competition Bureau’s appeal seeking to overturn the Competition Tribunal’s approval of Rogers Communications Inc.’s proposed merger with Shaw Communications Inc

Rogers-Shaw Deal Gets Lift as Court Rebuffs Antitrust Appeal

January 24, 2023

Michael Osborne was quoted in a Bloomberg article discussing the dismissed appeal by a Canadian appeals court in the Roger-Shaw Communications merger.

Rogers-Shaw, Canada Regulator to Duke It Out in Federal Court Over C$20 Billion Bid

January 23, 2023

Michael Osborne was quoted in a Reuters article discussing the Rogers Communications and Shaw Communications’ appeal, which will be heard tomorrow in a Federal Court of Appeal in Ottawa.

Competition Bureau Appeal of Rogers-Shaw Approval to Be Heard Jan. 24

January 04, 2023

Michael Osborne was quoted in a Financial Post article discussing the Competition Bureau’s appeal of a tribunal decision to approve the merger between Rogers Communications Inc. and Shaw Communications Inc.

Tribunal ‘Smackdown’ Raises Odds of Rogers-Shaw Deal Closing, Experts Say, as Appeal Date Set

January 03, 2023

Michael Osborne was quoted in a Toronto Star article discussing the substantially increased odds of the Rogers-Shaw deal closing.

Appeal in Rogers-Shaw Takeover Set for Jan. 24

January 03, 2023

Michael Osborne was quoted in an article published by The Globe and Mail that discusses the Competition Bureau’s appeal to the tribunal’s decision to permit a proposed $20 billion deal between Rogers Communications Inc. and Shaw Communications Inc.

Don’t Expect Minister Champagne to Second Guess the Tribunal: Competition Lawyer on Rogers-Shaw Deal

December 30, 2022

In a video interview with BNN Bloomberg, Michael Osborne, chair of the firm’s Canadian Competition Practice, discussed his view on the Competition Tribunal not opposing the Rogers-Shaw $20 billion deal.

Rogers-Shaw Hearings Not So Public Despite Tribunal’s Pledge to Hold Open Process

November 18, 2022

Michael Osborne was quoted in a Globe and Mail article discussing the increased interest and confidentiality aspects of the Rogers Communications Inc. and Shaw Communications Inc. public hearing.

Cozen O'Connor's Recent Canadian Growth Featured on Law.com International

November 16, 2022

In the article, "Foreign Firms Making Waves in Canada's Mid-Market" Law.com discusses Cozen O'Connor's recent growth in Toronto and Vancouver.

Federal Judge Asks Rogers and Shaw to Provide Evidence Supporting Competition Bureau’s Proposed Relief

November 04, 2022

Michael Osborne was quoted in an article published by The Globe and Mail that discusses a recent request for Rogers Communications Inc. and Shaw Communications Inc. to address proposals from Canada’s anti-competition watchdog to resolve a dispute.

Veteran Litigator Michael Osborne Joins Commercial Litigation Department

October 17, 2022

Osborne has defended leading pharmaceutical, banking, and technology enterprises based in Canada, the U.S., and Asia in high-stakes litigation.

Publications

Canada’s New Wage-Fixing and No-Poach Offence

December 01, 2023

Michael Osborne contributed an article to the Concurrences No-Poach Agreements – Closing the Enforcement Gap publication, discussing wage-fixing and no-poach agreements, which are now prohibited and considered a criminal offense in Canada.

Bill C-56: The Good, the Bad, and the Useless of the Federal Affordability Legislation

October 06, 2023

Michael Osborne contributed an article to The Globe and Mail discussing a new bill, C-56, which contains amendments to the Competition Act to make groceries affordable again.

The Long Arm of Canadian Price-Fixing Law? Canadian Jurisdiction Over Foreign Price-Fixing Conspiracies

September 29, 2023

Michael Osborne authored the chapter “The Long Arm of Canadian Price-Fixing Law? Canadian Jurisdiction Over Foreign Price-Fixing Conspiracies” in the Transnational and Cross-Border Criminal Law Canadian Perspectives, published by Irwin Law.

Back to the Future: Modernizing Canada’s Monopolization Law

September 28, 2023

Michael Osborne contributed the article “Back to the Future: Modernizing Canada’s Monopolization Law” to the Canadian Competition Law Review.

Regulation of Foreign Investment in Canada

July 06, 2023

Michael Osborne contributed a Practice Note to Thomson Reuters Practical Law, discussing the legal regime governing foreign investment companies and industries in Canada.

Canada Cartels 2023 [Chambers Global Practice Guide]

June 22, 2023

Michael Osborne and Samuel Bogetti contributed the Canada chapter to the Chambers Cartels 2023 Guide.

No Action for Theft of Personal Information Without Loss [Alert]

April 12, 2023

The Alberta Court of Appeal held that theft of personal information does not entitle the victim to damages; proof of loss or harm is required.

The Turning of the Tide? Price-Fixing Class Actions in the Canadian Courts

February 27, 2023

Michael Osborne contributed an article to Lloyd’s List Intelligence Competition Law Insight, discussing the potential change for a more balanced, less plaintiff-friendly approach to the certification process for price-fixing class actions.

Getting Ready for Canada’s Upcoming Ban on Wage-Fixing & No-Poach Agreements [Alert]

February 17, 2023

Wage-fixing and no-poach agreements will be illegal and subject to criminal penalties in Canada as of June 23, 2023.

Opinion: Industry Committee Has No Business in Rogers-Shaw Merger Review [Financial Post]

January 24, 2023

Michael Osborne contributed an article to Financial Post discussing the new hearings held by the House of Commons Standing Committee in the Rogers Communications and Shaw Communications merger.

Canada Proposes Sweeping National Security Updates to Investment Canada Act [Alert]

January 23, 2023

Foreign investors in Canadian businesses are set to face tougher national security review provisions under the Investment Canada Act.

Canada Gets Tough on Chinese Investors [Alert]

January 23, 2023

New policies and changes to Investment Canada Act to block Chinese control of critical minerals supply chains.

Competition Bureau Is Likely to Lose Its Appeal in Rogers-Shaw Takeover

January 23, 2023

Michael Osborne contributed an article to The Globe and Mail discussing the Competition Bureau’s appeal in the Rogers-Shaw Communications merger.

Commissioner’s Appeal of Rogers-Shaw Decision Likely to Fail [Alert]

January 17, 2023

The Commissioner’s appeal is scheduled to be heard on January 24, 2023. Read our prediction on the outcome of this appeal.

Rogers-Shaw-Videotron Deal will Increase Competition, Tribunal Finds [Alert]

January 17, 2023

The Commissioner of Competition had applied for a full block of the Rogers-Shaw-Videotron deal. The Tribunal rejected every allegation made by the Commissioner.

Guide for Internal Investigations of White Collar Crime

December 19, 2022

Michael Osborne contributed three sections, Multi-Jurisdictional Investigations, Employee Witnesses and Upjohn Warning, and Data Protection and Privacy, and provided edits to the Canadian Bar Association’s “Guide for Internal Investigations of White Collar-Crime.”

Technicality Likely Won’t Decide Rogers-Shaw-Quebecor Case [Financial Post]

November 14, 2022

Michael Osborne contributed an article to The Financial Post discussing the Commissioner of Competition’s challenge to the Rogers Shaw acquisition.

Industry Sectors

Education

  • Dalhousie University, LL.B., 1996
  • University of Toronto, M.A., 1991
  • University of Saskatchewan, B.A., high honors, 1988

Awards & Honors

Best Lawyers in Canada, Competition/Antitrust Law

Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory (Competition)

Chambers Canada (Competition/Antitrust)

Chambers Global (Competition – Litigation)

Lexpert Special Edition, Litigation

Martindale Hubbell, AV Peer Review Rated

Who's Who Legal: Canada (Competition)

  • Ontario

Honourable John Sopinka, Supreme Court of Canada

American Bar Association, Section of Antitrust Law, Vice Chair, Books & Treatises Committee

Association des juristes d'expression francaise de l'Ontario 

Canadian Bar Association, Competition Law Section and Anti-Corruption Team

Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Fellow

Litigation Counsel of America, Fellow

Order of St. John, Canada, Member

Ontario Bar Association

The Advocate's Society

Toronto Commercial Arbitration Society (TCAS)

International Centre for Dispute Resolution Canada, Arbitrator