Matthew Boswell, who served as commissioner of Canada's Competition Bureau from May 2018 until December 2023, has joined the international law firm Norton Rose Fulbright as a partner in its antitrust and competition practice based in Ottawa. This significant career move follows Boswell's departure from his regulatory role after completing an initial five-year term that ended in 2023, followed by an additional two-year extension.
Transition from Public Service to Private Practice
Boswell's transition to private practice represents a notable shift in his distinguished legal career. He began his professional journey with a brief period in private practice before serving as a Crown attorney during the early 2000s. Following this, he joined the Ontario Securities Commission as a senior litigator in its enforcement branch before moving to the Competition Bureau in 2011.
During his tenure as commissioner, Boswell oversaw numerous high-profile cases, including one of Canada's largest corporate mergers in history - the $26-billion takeover of Shaw Communications Inc. by Rogers Communications Inc. Although he ultimately failed to block this transaction, the two-year legal battle became the subject of a critically acclaimed theatrical production titled "Rogers v. Rogers," which debuted at Crow's Theatre in Toronto last year.
Strategic Significance for Norton Rose Fulbright
In an official press release, Norton Rose Fulbright emphasized that Boswell's appointment "underscores the firm's commitment to changing the game in how competition law is understood, navigated and applied in Canada." The firm highlighted that his unique regulatory experience will enhance their ability to support businesses with greater clarity and assurance during a period of significant legal evolution.
Jennifer Teskey, Norton Rose Fulbright's managing partner for Canada, stated: "As competition law continues to evolve, Matthew's unique experience will enhance our ability to support businesses with clarity and assurance. This marks a significant step forward - turning regulatory shifts into opportunities for strategic growth."
Boswell's Perspective on the Move
Boswell himself commented on the transition, noting: "We're at a pivotal moment for competition law in Canada. What excites me most is helping clients navigate that complexity responsibly, drawing on my experience with enforcement and modernization to translate the law into clear, forward-looking advice."
The firm indicated that Boswell will focus on partnering with Canadian and international businesses on competition law compliance, merger review strategy, and regulatory enforcement matters. His expertise is expected to be particularly valuable as Canadian competition law undergoes significant modernization and reform.
Leadership Transition at Competition Bureau
Following Boswell's departure from the Competition Bureau in December, Jeanne Pratt, the former senior deputy commissioner of the bureau's mergers and monopolistic practices branch, was appointed as acting commissioner effective December 18, 2023. Boswell had announced his intention to leave the bureau to spend more time with family before making his transition to private practice.
This career move represents a common trajectory for senior regulatory officials, bringing valuable government experience to private sector legal counsel. Boswell's extensive background in both enforcement and regulatory modernization positions him uniquely to advise businesses navigating Canada's evolving competition landscape.
