John Fast

John plays a pivotal role at Blakes in the Business Crimes, Investigations & Compliance group, focusing his practice on the intricate world of white-collar crime. With extensive experience in conducting internal probes, crafting and evaluating compliance frameworks, and defending against charges and enforcement actions tied to a spectrum of issues from bribery and corruption to insider trading and environmental violations, John is a go-to expert for navigating complex legal waters.

He is renowned for his advice on adhering to anti-corruption, sanctions, and lobbying laws, having spearheaded comprehensive assessments and compliance program evaluations for some of Canada's leading enterprises. John's international scope, highlighted by on-site risk evaluations across Europe and South America, positions him as a crucial asset in global compliance and monitorship endeavors, notably with SNC-Lavalin.

John's expertise extends beyond compliance into civil litigation and dispute resolution, particularly within corporate and securities law realms. His work encompasses a broad spectrum of investigative and defensive operations, including tackling international anti-corruption cases spanning continents, navigating sanctions investigations, and unraveling complex fraud, kickback, and insider trading schemes.

His role in the compliance monitorship teams for SNC-Lavalin, both under the Probation Order and Remediation Agreement, underscores his instrumental contributions to corporate integrity and legal adherence. John's global risk assessments and compliance program enhancements across various sectors, especially in technology and mining, reflect his versatile and deep understanding of anti-corruption and sanctions challenges.

Recognized as a leading lawyer in white-collar crime and government investigations by Chambers Canada for 2023–2024, John's legal acumen is well acknowledged. His commitment to the legal profession is further demonstrated by his active membership in the Law Societies of Ontario and Alberta and his dedication to pro bono work, notably achieving significant restitution for a victim of serious fraud through diligent investigation and legal proceedings.

John's insights into the evolving landscape of sanctions and anti-corruption measures are shared through his co-authorship in Blakes Bulletins, contributing valuable knowledge to the field. With his admission to the bars of Ontario and Alberta and a distinguished academic background from the University of Saskatchewan, John's expertise spans anti-bribery and corruption, environmental enforcement, international trade, litigation, and securities disputes, making him a formidable figure in addressing business crimes and compliance issues.