“It is one thing to promote concepts such as ‘One Project, One Process’, but another to implement those changes effectively. What is needed is consistent, coordinated action that turns intent into results.”
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Could you begin by explaining the rebrand to Momentum Law and how it has shaped the firm’s direction over the past year?
It was important that our new name reflect who we are now and the direction we are taking as a firm. It represents our evolution as a partnership and the approach of our team, which is to work in support of the evolution, development, and goals of our clients. The response from clients and partners has been very encouraging.
How has the broader business environment affected your work?
The uncertainty in the global and regional economic climate, particularly influenced by developments south of the border, has made decision-makers more cautious. For much of the year, investors were reluctant to commit capital, not necessarily because they had withdrawn from the market, but because volatility created hesitation. Over the past few months, we have seen that uncertainty settle into acceptance of a new normal. People may not be happy about all the underlying causes of their investment anxiety, but they are learning to operate within this environment. Investment is beginning to flow into resource development again, and confidence is gradually returning as the shape of longer-term market conditions becomes clearer.
Have you seen any practical effects of the provincial government’s initiatives?
The rhetoric and policy statements we have heard from governments are encouraging. Results will depend on action. It is one thing to promote concepts such as ‘One Project, One Process’, but another to implement those changes effectively. What is needed is consistent, coordinated action that turns intent into results.
What has been the industry’s response to the proposed NI 43-101 updates?
What I have seen is that the proposed revisions to NI 43-101 were not well received by many geologists and other qualified persons. There is concern that the changes may increase the regulatory burden rather than reduce it. While Canadian securities commissions presented the updates as streamlining measures, those in the field perceive them as increasing the work of compliance without adding material benefit for investors. I hope that the Commissions will take all the feedback to heart and reconsider their approach.
What is your assessment of the current legal environment for financings and capital raising in Canada?
Canada remains one of the most efficient and practical jurisdictions for raising capital. The regulatory framework is clear and supported by responsive institutions such as the TSX and the CSE. Legal and accounting costs are lower than in competing markets. The recent addition of the ‘Listed Issuer Financing Exemption’ has been particularly beneficial for smaller and mid-sized companies, as it allows them to raise capital more easily and with lower costs. Compared with competitor jurisdictions such as the US, the Canadian environment is less complex, and the compliance burden is less costly and more adapted to the realities resource exploration and development, making it an attractive destination.
Many firms in Ontario have expanded their mining practices recently. What distinguishes Momentum Law from larger firms in this space?
We understand that exploration companies often need to reinvent themselves, pivot strategically, or find innovative ways to fund their projects. We have helped clients do exactly that for nearly 20 years. This consistency and adaptability are what set us apart.
Looking ahead, what are your priorities for Momentum Law, and what key regulatory or market changes are you watching closely?
One area of focus is monitoring the revisions to NI 43-101 and participating actively in the ongoing discussions surrounding them. We are committed to staying engaged and ensuring that our clients understand and prepare for the eventual outcomes. We are also watching the possible reduction of reporting cycles for listed companies, which would represent a significant improvement in efficiency and a rightsizing of financial reporting for project-oriented companies. We will continue helping clients leverage new capital-raising exemptions and other regulatory tools to attract investment from both domestic and international sources. Many of our clients operate projects outside of Canada, so facilitating international capital flows remains an important part of our practice. In that vein, we are watching regulatory and market developments in other jurisdictions, looking for opportunities for our clients.
Could you begin by explaining the rebrand to Momentum Law and how it has shaped the firm’s direction over the past year?
It was important that our new name reflect who we are now and the direction we are taking as a firm. It represents our evolution as a partnership and the approach of our team, which is to work in support of the evolution, development, and goals of our clients. The response from clients and partners has been very encouraging.
How has the broader business environment affected your work?
The uncertainty in the global and regional economic climate, particularly influenced by developments south of the border, has made decision-makers more cautious. For much of the year, investors were reluctant to commit capital, not necessarily because they had withdrawn from the market, but because volatility created hesitation. Over the past few months, we have seen that uncertainty settle into acceptance of a new normal. People may not be happy about all the underlying causes of their investment anxiety, but they are learning to operate within this environment. Investment is beginning to flow into resource development again, and confidence is gradually returning as the shape of longer-term market conditions becomes clearer.
Have you seen any practical effects of the provincial government’s initiatives?
The rhetoric and policy statements we have heard from governments are encouraging. Results will depend on action. It is one thing to promote concepts such as ‘One Project, One Process’, but another to implement those changes effectively. What is needed is consistent, coordinated action that turns intent into results.
What has been the industry’s response to the proposed NI 43-101 updates?
What I have seen is that the proposed revisions to NI 43-101 were not well received by many geologists and other qualified persons. There is concern that the changes may increase the regulatory burden rather than reduce it. While Canadian securities commissions presented the updates as streamlining measures, those in the field perceive them as increasing the work of compliance without adding material benefit for investors. I hope that the Commissions will take all the feedback to heart and reconsider their approach.
What is your assessment of the current legal environment for financings and capital raising in Canada?
Canada remains one of the most efficient and practical jurisdictions for raising capital. The regulatory framework is clear and supported by responsive institutions such as the TSX and the CSE. Legal and accounting costs are lower than in competing markets. The recent addition of the ‘Listed Issuer Financing Exemption’ has been particularly beneficial for smaller and mid-sized companies, as it allows them to raise capital more easily and with lower costs. Compared with competitor jurisdictions such as the US, the Canadian environment is less complex, and the compliance burden is less costly and more adapted to the realities resource exploration and development, making it an attractive destination.
Many firms in Ontario have expanded their mining practices recently. What distinguishes Momentum Law from larger firms in this space?
We understand that exploration companies often need to reinvent themselves, pivot strategically, or find innovative ways to fund their projects. We have helped clients do exactly that for nearly 20 years. This consistency and adaptability are what set us apart.
Looking ahead, what are your priorities for Momentum Law, and what key regulatory or market changes are you watching closely?
One area of focus is monitoring the revisions to NI 43-101 and participating actively in the ongoing discussions surrounding them. We are committed to staying engaged and ensuring that our clients understand and prepare for the eventual outcomes. We are also watching the possible reduction of reporting cycles for listed companies, which would represent a significant improvement in efficiency and a rightsizing of financial reporting for project-oriented companies. We will continue helping clients leverage new capital-raising exemptions and other regulatory tools to attract investment from both domestic and international sources. Many of our clients operate projects outside of Canada, so facilitating international capital flows remains an important part of our practice. In that vein, we are watching regulatory and market developments in other jurisdictions, looking for opportunities for our clients.
