Are you planning on buying a franchise? Are you considering franchising your business? Are you a franchise owner and want to avoid potential legal disputes? 

Franchising in Ontario is an interactive seminar offered by the University of Ottawa Business Law Clinic. The seminar will cover the fundamentals of franchise ownership in Canada, and more specifically in Ontario. The objective is to present a practical overview of all steps franchise owners or potential owners should take when they choose to buy a franchise or to franchise a business. In this seminar, we will provide useful information related to franchise owners’ legal obligations while opening and maintaining a franchise in Ontario. Moreover, we will provide general information on the necessary legal steps all franchise owners should take in order to avoid running into legal problems. Subject to time and availability, we may also ask a franchise owner to present a testimonial of their experience owning and maintaining a franchise. 

Speaker Biographies: 

Arabelle Aslan is working towards the completion of her Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree at the University of Ottawa. Prior to studying law, she earned an Honours Bachelor of Social Science (B.Soc.Sc) in Political Science and Economics, also from the University of Ottawa. She currently works part-time as a Research Assistant at the Supreme Court of Canada and as a Legal Assistant for a small local firm. Her interest in business and tax law are what led her to become involved with the BLC as a Senior Caseworker. Outside of law, Arabelle plays soccer and enjoys hiking. She is fluent in English and French, and is learning Spanish (with Dalia’s help). 

Dalia Tejeda Alix holds a Licentiate in Law (LL.L) and an Honours Bachelor of Social Science in International Development and Globalization (B.Soc.Sc) from the University of Ottawa, and is currently completing her Juris Doctor (J.D.). Dalia works as a part-time Law Student in the Legal Services Unit at Employment and Social Development Canada. She has previously assisted in executing refugee sponsorship programs and has also analyzed legal policies and regulations in the fields of intellectual property and healthcare. While completing her Bachelor’s degree, Dalia participated in a field research course in Taiwan, where she contributed to the publication of a book on Taiwan’s indigenous communities. She speaks English, French and Spanish fluently. Dalia believes that access to justice and strong institutions are the key components to developing inclusive and peaceful societies. This has led her to become a Senior Caseworker at the University of Ottawa Business Law Clinic this year. 

Role of the BLC:

The University of Ottawa Business Law Clinic (BLC) is Canada’s first bilingual and bijural program dedicated to providing pro bono business-oriented legal services. The BLC assists startups, small- to medium-sized enterprises, non-profit organizations, and individuals who cannot afford a lawyer. The BLC works with experienced practitioners who supervise upper-year law students in the delivery of services in the following areas: corporate/commercial law, intellectual property, employment, basic tax, charities, and commercial arbitration. For more information, please consult the BLC’s website: https://commonlaw.uottawa.ca/business-law-clinic/.