Alex is a commercial litigator. He has a broad-ranging practice with an emphasis on matters relating to securities and taxation. He advises issuers and shareholders in court proceedings involving shareholder remedies, corporate governance and corporate transactions.
Alex also acts for market participants in respect of investigations and proceedings before numerous securities regulatory authorities, and frequently acts for accountants and other professionals in both civil and professional discipline matters. Alex has an active tax litigation practice and acts for taxpayers in proceedings in the Tax Court of Canada, the Federal Court of Appeal and various provincial courts. Alex has appeared before all levels of court in Ontario, as well as superior and appellate courts in other provinces.
He has also represented clients in matters before the Ontario Securities Commission, the Financial Services Tribunal and CIRO. He has served as the chair of the Tax Litigation practice group of the Advocates’ Society, and as a member of the Securities Proceedings Advisory Committee of the Ontario Securities Commission.
Representative Work
- Fiera Foods Company
Fiera Foods in its successful appeal from a Canada Revenue Agency ITC reassessment
- Nortel Networks Corporation
Nortel Networks Corporation in its execution of global settlement and support agreement
Fiera Foods in its successful appeal from a Canada Revenue Agency ITC reassessment
Nortel Networks Corporation in its execution of global settlement and support agreement
- Charter challenge, under the equality guarantee (s. 15), of the Income Tax Act provisions barring refugee claimants and their children from the Canada Child Benefit
- Toronto-Dominion Bank in its appeal against the Canada Revenue Agency’s reassessment
- A large financial services company in respect of an ongoing, multifaceted, cross-border regulatory matter
- A large accounting firm – in respect of a series of interrelated matters arising from tax services
- A large accounting firm – in respect of a complex investigation by a professional regulatory body
Latest Insights
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Blog Dec 18, 2024
Navigating AI systems in capital markets: recent guidance from the CSA
The CSA issued a Staff Notice earlier this month providing guidance on the application of securities legislation to AI systems in capital markets.
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Blog Dec 10, 2024
Regulation by enforcement: who pays the price?
Who should bear the costs of Ontario Securities Commission enforcement proceedings is emerging as an important issue.
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Report Dec 5, 2024
Crypto evolving: embracing TradFi compliance amid regulatory uncertainty
Heading into 2025, the regulatory landscape around cryptoassets and other emerging technologies remains in flux.
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Report Dec 5, 2024
Two years of CIRO: enforcement, harmonization and what’s next
The Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization’s core priorities will be enforcement and regulatory harmonization.
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Awards and Recognition
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Recognized in Litigation – Securities
—The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory -
Recognized in Corporate and Commercial Litigation
—Best Lawyers in Canada
Media Mentions
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Media Mentions Jun 2, 2022
How the investment industry can prepare for a rise in client complaints amid the market downturn – The Globe and Mail
Alexander Cobb, a litigation partner in Osler’s Toronto office speaks to the Globe and Mail about how financial advisors can prepare for an...
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Credentials
Education
- Osgoode Hall Law School, LL.B.
Languages
- English
Professional Affiliations
- The Advocates' Society
- Canadian Bar Association