Tommy Gelbman
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
Partner
Tommy has extensive experience in judicial review and appeals of government decision making, civil fraud, class action defense, dispute resolution, and disputes arising from M&A transactions, joint ventures and other complex commercial arrangements. He is a trusted advisor to several significant natural resource development clients in managing their potential dispute risks. Tommy regularly argues cases in jurisdictions across Canada, in provincial superior courts and the federal courts system.
He has a proven track record of understanding and advancing clients’ corporate interests with a strategic and persistent focus on achieving their objectives, whether in the courts or by way of negotiated resolution. Tommy always manages files with a view to ensuring efficient and cost-effective resolutions to disputes, often under alternative fee arrangements. He skillfully assembles integrated legal teams, often drawing from across Osler’s offices, to ensure proper resources are dedicated to the dispute.
Tommy supports Osler’s community involvement activities by sitting as a member of the firm’s Community Law Committee, regularly taking on pro bono files, and volunteering as Civil Claims Duty Counsel at the Alberta Court of the King’s Bench.
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
Partner
Tommy has extensive experience in judicial review and appeals of government decision making, civil fraud, class action defense, dispute resolution, and disputes arising from M&A transactions, joint ventures and other complex commercial arrangements. He is a trusted advisor to several significant natural resource development clients in managing their potential dispute risks. Tommy regularly argues cases in jurisdictions across Canada, in provincial superior courts and the federal courts system.
He has a proven track record of understanding and advancing clients’ corporate interests with a strategic and persistent focus on achieving their objectives, whether in the courts or by way of negotiated resolution. Tommy always manages files with a view to ensuring efficient and cost-effective resolutions to disputes, often under alternative fee arrangements. He skillfully assembles integrated legal teams, often drawing from across Osler’s offices, to ensure proper resources are dedicated to the dispute.
Tommy supports Osler’s community involvement activities by sitting as a member of the firm’s Community Law Committee, regularly taking on pro bono files, and volunteering as Civil Claims Duty Counsel at the Alberta Court of the King’s Bench.
Jennifer Shayko, CFE
Aird & Berlis LLP
Lawyer
Jennifer is a recognized leader in Canada’s legal franchise community, known for her rare blend of corporate, litigation and in-house expertise.
She is a Partner and Leader of the Aird & Berlis LLP Franchising Group, where she provides strategic, full-spectrum counsel to franchisors across industries, including food and beverage, hospitality, trucking and logistics, automotive, fashion and retail. Jennifer brings nearly a decade of in-house experience as Associate General Counsel at Recipe Unlimited Corporation, where she managed legal operations for over 20 iconic brands.
Her unique, hands-on background gives her unmatched insight into the operational realities of franchising.
She is highly regarded for her ability to guide clients through complex franchise transactions, regulatory compliance, system expansion and international growth.
Aird & Berlis LLP
Lawyer
Jennifer is a recognized leader in Canada’s legal franchise community, known for her rare blend of corporate, litigation and in-house expertise.
She is a Partner and Leader of the Aird & Berlis LLP Franchising Group, where she provides strategic, full-spectrum counsel to franchisors across industries, including food and beverage, hospitality, trucking and logistics, automotive, fashion and retail. Jennifer brings nearly a decade of in-house experience as Associate General Counsel at Recipe Unlimited Corporation, where she managed legal operations for over 20 iconic brands.
Her unique, hands-on background gives her unmatched insight into the operational realities of franchising.
She is highly regarded for her ability to guide clients through complex franchise transactions, regulatory compliance, system expansion and international growth.
Minister Andrea Khanjin
Ontario’s Minister of Red Tape Reduction
Minister of Red Tape Reduction
Member of Provincial Parliament for Barrie–Innisfil
Andrea Khanjin currently serves as Ontario’s Minister of Red Tape Reduction in Premier Doug Ford’s cabinet. Since her election in 2018 as the MPP for Barrie–Innisfil, she has been a driving force behind our government’s efforts to modernize public services, reduce regulatory burdens, and strengthen Ontario’s economic competitiveness.
As Minister, she leads our government’s ambitious red tape reduction agenda, which has eliminated over 14,000 regulatory compliance requirements since 2018 - saving Ontario families and businesses more than $1.2 billion and 1.8 million hours annually. In addition, under her guidance, Ontario now has the lowest regulatory burden per capita in the nation, with an A grade from the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses – Ontario’s highest grade to date.
Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing key government priorities, including:
• Protect Ontario by Cutting Red Tape Act (2025): A comprehensive legislative package with over 50 reforms to improve service delivery, reduce costs, and protect Ontario’s economy from external threats such as U.S. tariffs.
• Building a More Competitive Economy Act (2025): Streamlining approvals for major projects, enhancing labour mobility, and creating a centralized digital permitting system to attract investment and accelerate growth.
• 2025 Burden Reduction Report: Showcasing reforms such as ending sick note requirements, removing Highway 407 East tolls, and expanding access to legal aid and transit for veterans.
Minister Khanjin previously served as:
• Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks (2023–2025)
• Deputy Government House Leader (2020–2024)
• Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Environment and Intergovernmental Affairs
She is recognized for her results-driven approach and her commitment to making government more responsive, transparent, and efficient. Her work reflects our government’s core mission: ensuring that government that works better for people and smarter for business.
Ontario’s Minister of Red Tape Reduction
Minister of Red Tape Reduction
Member of Provincial Parliament for Barrie–Innisfil
Andrea Khanjin currently serves as Ontario’s Minister of Red Tape Reduction in Premier Doug Ford’s cabinet. Since her election in 2018 as the MPP for Barrie–Innisfil, she has been a driving force behind our government’s efforts to modernize public services, reduce regulatory burdens, and strengthen Ontario’s economic competitiveness.
As Minister, she leads our government’s ambitious red tape reduction agenda, which has eliminated over 14,000 regulatory compliance requirements since 2018 - saving Ontario families and businesses more than $1.2 billion and 1.8 million hours annually. In addition, under her guidance, Ontario now has the lowest regulatory burden per capita in the nation, with an A grade from the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses – Ontario’s highest grade to date.
Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing key government priorities, including:
• Protect Ontario by Cutting Red Tape Act (2025): A comprehensive legislative package with over 50 reforms to improve service delivery, reduce costs, and protect Ontario’s economy from external threats such as U.S. tariffs.
• Building a More Competitive Economy Act (2025): Streamlining approvals for major projects, enhancing labour mobility, and creating a centralized digital permitting system to attract investment and accelerate growth.
• 2025 Burden Reduction Report: Showcasing reforms such as ending sick note requirements, removing Highway 407 East tolls, and expanding access to legal aid and transit for veterans.
Minister Khanjin previously served as:
• Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks (2023–2025)
• Deputy Government House Leader (2020–2024)
• Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Environment and Intergovernmental Affairs
She is recognized for her results-driven approach and her commitment to making government more responsive, transparent, and efficient. Her work reflects our government’s core mission: ensuring that government that works better for people and smarter for business.
Cailin White
Boston Pizza International Inc.
Director of National Development
Cailin has been involved in the franchising industry for more than 25 years, having begun her career in Operations and Training, before moving into Business Development where she has spent the last 15 years. Today she leads the Franchising team at Boston Pizza International as the Director of National Development.
Cailin has a passion for people and the hospitality industry and is actively involved in the Franchising community through the Canadian Franchise Association where she currently serves as a member of the board of directors.
Boston Pizza International Inc.
Director of National Development
Cailin has been involved in the franchising industry for more than 25 years, having begun her career in Operations and Training, before moving into Business Development where she has spent the last 15 years. Today she leads the Franchising team at Boston Pizza International as the Director of National Development.
Cailin has a passion for people and the hospitality industry and is actively involved in the Franchising community through the Canadian Franchise Association where she currently serves as a member of the board of directors.
Kirk Allen, CFE
Reshift Media Inc.
COO
Kirk Allen, past member of the CFA Board of Directors and COO and Co-Founder of Reshift Media, a digital marketing agency based in Toronto. Reshift specializes in Website Development, SEO, SEM, Social Media as well as new Franchisee Acquisition. Reshift has also developed proprietary software specifically designed to help multi-location businesses manage all of their organic and paid social media.
Connect with Kirk on LinkedIn
Reshift Media Inc.
COO
Kirk Allen, past member of the CFA Board of Directors and COO and Co-Founder of Reshift Media, a digital marketing agency based in Toronto. Reshift specializes in Website Development, SEO, SEM, Social Media as well as new Franchisee Acquisition. Reshift has also developed proprietary software specifically designed to help multi-location businesses manage all of their organic and paid social media.
Connect with Kirk on LinkedIn
Darrell Jarvis
Fasken
Partner
Darrell Jarvis’s business law practice is focused on franchising and distribution.
Darrell has extensive experience advising franchisors with respect to disclosure documents, franchise agreements, default enforcement, insolvent franchisees and the purchase and sale of franchised businesses. He has extensive experience with respect to non-traditional franchises in highway facilities, hospital and educational institutions. Darrell has advised on the co-branding of franchised businesses and in the acquisition and divestiture of franchise systems. Darrell also represents one of Canada’s most sophisticated dealer associations.
Darrell advises manufacturers and distributors with respect to supply and distribution arrangements, co-manufacturing agreements, warehousing agreements and disputes.
Darrell is recognized for his expertise in franchising in Lexpert, Who’s Who Legal, Best Lawyers, and Chambers.
Darrell is the General Counsel of the CFA and past Chair of the CFA Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee. He is a member of the CFA Board of Directors. Darrell is a member of the Ontario Bar Association Franchise Law Section Executive and chaired the Executive in 2019/2020. He is a frequent speaker at CFA events and the annual OBA Franchise Law Conference.
Fasken
Partner
Darrell Jarvis’s business law practice is focused on franchising and distribution.
Darrell has extensive experience advising franchisors with respect to disclosure documents, franchise agreements, default enforcement, insolvent franchisees and the purchase and sale of franchised businesses. He has extensive experience with respect to non-traditional franchises in highway facilities, hospital and educational institutions. Darrell has advised on the co-branding of franchised businesses and in the acquisition and divestiture of franchise systems. Darrell also represents one of Canada’s most sophisticated dealer associations.
Darrell advises manufacturers and distributors with respect to supply and distribution arrangements, co-manufacturing agreements, warehousing agreements and disputes.
Darrell is recognized for his expertise in franchising in Lexpert, Who’s Who Legal, Best Lawyers, and Chambers.
Darrell is the General Counsel of the CFA and past Chair of the CFA Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee. He is a member of the CFA Board of Directors. Darrell is a member of the Ontario Bar Association Franchise Law Section Executive and chaired the Executive in 2019/2020. He is a frequent speaker at CFA events and the annual OBA Franchise Law Conference.
Scott Munnoch
Temple Scott Associates
Partner
Scott Munnoch brings to TSA’s clients his unique experience at the highest levels of government, event management and communications.
Starting his career in corporate public affairs, Scott transitioned into government and worked closely with many Canadian leaders, both federally and provincially. Scott served as Executive Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tour Director for the Prime Minister of Canada and a Senior Advisor to the Premier of Ontario.
Scott’s deep knowledge of Government and political processes, and his extensive network across Canada, have served client interests at the federal, provincial and municipal levels.
Scott also plays a lead role in TSA event management, where his experience includes senior organizing positions with international summits and tours, including the G-7. In 1997, Scott was named a Member of the Royal Victorian Order (M.V.O.) by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for his work on the Royal Tours to Canada.
Scott is well known for getting the job done under any circumstances. He is a team player with a proven track record.
Scott is a graduate of both Queen’s University and the University of Windsor where he also played varsity football.
He served as President of the Albany Club of Toronto from 2014-2016.
Temple Scott Associates
Partner
Scott Munnoch brings to TSA’s clients his unique experience at the highest levels of government, event management and communications.
Starting his career in corporate public affairs, Scott transitioned into government and worked closely with many Canadian leaders, both federally and provincially. Scott served as Executive Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tour Director for the Prime Minister of Canada and a Senior Advisor to the Premier of Ontario.
Scott’s deep knowledge of Government and political processes, and his extensive network across Canada, have served client interests at the federal, provincial and municipal levels.
Scott also plays a lead role in TSA event management, where his experience includes senior organizing positions with international summits and tours, including the G-7. In 1997, Scott was named a Member of the Royal Victorian Order (M.V.O.) by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for his work on the Royal Tours to Canada.
Scott is well known for getting the job done under any circumstances. He is a team player with a proven track record.
Scott is a graduate of both Queen’s University and the University of Windsor where he also played varsity football.
He served as President of the Albany Club of Toronto from 2014-2016.
Peter Viitre, CFE
Sotos LLP
Partner
Peter is a partner at Sotos LLP, a full-service boutique law firm. He is the head of the corporate and commercial department and oversees all merger and acquisition transactions, primarily the purchase and sale of franchise systems including those with a cross-border component.
Peter provides advice on all aspects of franchising, from the preparation of legal documents to regulatory compliance, to helping franchisors manage the franchise relationship, to the commercial aspects of dispute resolution and termination. He also counsels business owners and investors, including private equity firms, on non-franchise purchase and sale transactions and has played a leading role in deals of varying size and complexity involving companies in various industries, on both national and international levels.
Over his career spanning almost 30 years, Peter has advised clients in a wide range of industries including automotive, restaurant, food and beverage, property services, shipping, gasoline, financial advisory and business services.
Sotos LLP
Partner
Peter is a partner at Sotos LLP, a full-service boutique law firm. He is the head of the corporate and commercial department and oversees all merger and acquisition transactions, primarily the purchase and sale of franchise systems including those with a cross-border component.
Peter provides advice on all aspects of franchising, from the preparation of legal documents to regulatory compliance, to helping franchisors manage the franchise relationship, to the commercial aspects of dispute resolution and termination. He also counsels business owners and investors, including private equity firms, on non-franchise purchase and sale transactions and has played a leading role in deals of varying size and complexity involving companies in various industries, on both national and international levels.
Over his career spanning almost 30 years, Peter has advised clients in a wide range of industries including automotive, restaurant, food and beverage, property services, shipping, gasoline, financial advisory and business services.
