Partner at Woods LLP, Eric Bédard’s practice focuses on all aspects of dispute resolution. Acting mainly as a litigator in civil, commercial, and administrative matters, he excels in dealing with complex matters that jeopardize the continuity of a business or professional practice. He has appeared before the Québec courts of first instance and appeal, as well as numerous administrative tribunals. In this capacity, he represents private and public businesses in commercial and corporate disputes, disputes regarding financial services, and disputes involving mining and gas companies. He is often called upon to advise senior employees or employers on all aspects of employment termination. His mandates have allowed Eric to get a good grasp on the decision-making process of federal, provincial and municipal governments, and on negotiating with them to de-escalate contentious situations.
His expertise also extends to domestic and international arbitration, including the homologation, annulment or enforcement of awards. He was notably part of the Trade Law Bureau’s team defending Canada’s interests against an investor’s recourse under NAFTA Chapter XI in Lone Pine v. Canada, and served as assistant to an arbitral tribunal hearing an investor-State dispute under the auspices of the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
Eric frequently represents professionals before disciplinary committees and in various contexts where professional liability may be engaged, especially respecting financial services.
Representative cases include:
- Leads an important claim against Deloitte LLP for auditor liability.
- Substantial experience in disputes in the areas of telecommunications and broadcasting, and related technology industries: network infrastructure, royalties, signal piracy, private financing.
- Represents contractors, architects and engineers, and clients in numerous cases involving complex technical issues (e.g. dam building, civil and mining engineering, construction).
- Acts for minority and majority stakeholders in private and public companies in oppression proceedings.
- Part of the team defending the interests of the consortium involved in the failed privatization of BCE Inc. (break up fee litigation).
- Part of the team representing FCA Canada (f/k/a Chrysler Canada) in connection with complex claims against Coopers & Lybrand, its former partners, insurers and other related parties, relating to Castor Holdings.
- Successfully represented parties involved in disputes over franchise or distribution agreements. Notably, had the action of a manufacturing agent against a distributor in the sports clothing industry dismissed.
Updated March 2023
