CL Talk

Misha Benjamin on AI governance and why Canadian businesses should avoid copy-paste rules

Jan 13, 2026

In this episode, managing editor Tim Wilbur speaks with Misha Benjamin, partner and co-lead of the technology and AI practice at BCF in Montreal, about why Canadian businesses are “tying themselves in knots” over AI risk while falling behind more aggressive competitors. Benjamin draws on his experience at Ubisoft, Element AI, McKinsey, and Sama to explain how one-size-fits-all AI governance, vague bans on “confidential information,” and public generative tools without enterprise safeguards are fueling shadow AI, weakening IP protection, and eroding trust. He sets out what in-house counsel and business leaders should prioritize instead: sector-specific guardrails, clear deployment terms, traceability of AI-generated output, and training that enables employees to use these systems confidently and safely.