Brian Facey

Brian, a Partner at Blakes and former Chair of the Competition, Antitrust & Foreign Investment group, is recognized for leading one of Canada's most esteemed competition law practices. His expertise is not just nationally acknowledged but has also earned the practice the title of Competition Regional Firm of the Year – Americas by Global Competition Review.

Renowned for his unparalleled skill in competition law, Brian's reputation precedes him. Clients and peers alike describe him as Canada's premier competition lawyer, a status affirmed by his global recognition among top antitrust practitioners. His adeptness as a strong advocate combined with his exceptional client relationship skills makes him a distinguished leader in the field.

With over a quarter-century of experience, Brian has advised on a plethora of regulatory matters. His portfolio includes strategic merger transactions spanning multiple jurisdictions, criminal cartel cases, dominance matters, class actions, and issues related to distribution and advertising under the Competition Act. He's represented clients across various judicial levels in Canada, including the Supreme Court, showcasing his extensive expertise in both the Competition Act and the Investment Canada Act.

Before joining Blakes, Brian sharpened his teeth in competition, antitrust, and foreign investment law at another full-service firm in Toronto. His deep understanding of these areas is further evidenced by his significant contributions as co-author of The Investment Canada Act: Commentary and Annotation.

Beyond his practice, Brian has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of competition law in Canada. As a past chair of the Canadian Bar Association's National Competition Law Section and an adjunct law professor, his influence extends to legal education and policy. His writings are highly regarded, cited by Canada's highest courts, including the Supreme Court.

Brian's recent public domain transactions underscore his ability to handle high-profile and complex cases, from Secure Energy Services Inc.'s merger with Tervita Corporation to Intact Financial Corporation's multibillion-dollar acquisitions. His strategic counsel has facilitated significant industry shifts, underlining his mastery in navigating Canada's competition landscape.

Acknowledged by every major lawyer-ranking publication, Brian's accolades include Best Lawyers' "Lawyer of the Year" for Competition/Antitrust Law and consistent Band 1 rankings in Chambers Canada and Chambers Global. His influence and expertise have been recognized by Who's Who Legal in multiple categories, underscoring his exceptional judgment and pragmatic approach.

Brian's leadership extends to his role on the Blakes Executive Committee and as Chair of Strategic Business Initiatives, further demonstrating his commitment to advancing the practice of competition law in Canada and beyond.

In addition to his professional achievements, Brian's contributions to legal scholarship and policy have had a lasting impact on the competition law landscape. His co-authorship of leading treatises and active participation in legislative discussions highlight his dedication to the field.

Brian's education, including an LLM in Antitrust Economics and Law from Georgetown University, provides a solid foundation for his distinguished career. His practices span a broad spectrum of competition-related areas, affirming his status as a leading authority in competition and antitrust law in Canada and globally.