Former head of Competition Bureau Matthew Boswell joins law firm Norton Rose Fulbright as partner

Matthew Boswell began his law career with a brief stint in private practice before cutting his teeth as a Crown attorney through the early 2000s, then later joining the Competition Bureau in 2011. Photo by TONY CALDWELL/PostmediaArticle contentMatthew Boswell, who served as commissioner of Canada’s Competition Bureau from May 2018 until late last year, has joined law firm Norton Rose Fulbright as a partner in its antitrust and competition practice in Ottawa.Sign In or Create an AccountEmail AddressContinueor View more offersArticle contentBoswell left his role as commissioner of competition on Dec. 17, after completing an initial five-year term, ending in 2023, followed by an additional two-year term.Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.We apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Play VideoArticle contentArticle contentIn a press release, Norton Rose Fulbright said Boswell joining the firm “underscores the firm’s commitment to changing the game in how competition law is understood, navigated and applied in Canada.”Article contentPosthasteBreaking business news, incisive views, must-reads and market signals. 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Browse here.Article content“We’re at a pivotal moment for competition law in Canada,” Boswell said in the release. “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.”Article contentThe firm said his move to private practice “marks a transition” to partner with Canadian and international businesses on competition law compliance, merger review strategy and regulatory enforcement matters.Article content“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,” said Norton Rose Fulbright’s managing partner for Canada, Jennifer Teskey.Article contentBoswell began his law career with a brief stint in private practice before cutting his teeth as a Crown attorney through the early 2000s. He then moved to the Ontario Securities Commission, working as a senior litigator in its enforcement branch.Article contentArticle contentHe joined the Competition Bureau in 2011 and spent over seven years as commissioner, overseeing anti-monopoly cases including one of Canada’s largest corporate mergers in history, Rogers Communications Inc.’s $26-billion takeover of Shaw Communications Inc., a deal he ultimately failed to block.Article contentRead More Terence Corcoran: The new Rogers v. Rogers play gets a BS rating Matthew Lau: Canada needs more competition, less competition regulation Article contentThe two-year battle, which was decided by the Competition Tribunal, became the subject of an acclaimed one-man play, Rogers v. Rogers, written by Michael Healey and loosely based on a book of the same name. The fictionalized, satirical account starred actor Tom Rooney as Boswell, the determined bureaucrat taking on the corporate titan against the backdrop of a family succession fight. It made its debut at Crow’s Theatre in Toronto last year.Article contentAfter Boswell announced he was leaving the Competition Bureau in December to spend some time with family, Jeanne Pratt, the former senior deputy commissioner of the bureau’s mergers and monopolistic practices branch, was named acting commissioner as of Dec. 18.Article content• Email: dpaglinawan@postmedia.comArticle contentTrending Trump administration loses push to delay tariff refund fight Economy As East-West pipeline divide persists, Atlantic Canada's energy isolation is only getting worse Oil & Gas Saudis pulled deeper into Middle East war after refinery attack Energy Shocks can force Bank of Canada to hike rates even when economy weak, says deputy Economy Garry Marr: Bad news, Gen Z — The Freedom 55 guy is still working in his 60s and you will be, too Retirement Share this article in your social networkCommentsYou must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.Create an AccountSign in Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. Trump administration loses push to delay tariff refund fight Economy As East-West pipeline divide persists, Atlantic Canada's energy isolation is only getting worse Oil & Gas Saudis pulled deeper into Middle East war after refinery attack Energy Shocks can force Bank of Canada to hike rates even when economy weak, says deputy Economy Garry Marr: Bad news, Gen Z — The Freedom 55 guy is still working in his 60s and you will be, too Retirement