Melissa Cattini and Danielle Graff to speak at Canadian Franchise Association National Convention in Ottawa
MLT Aikins lawyers Melissa Cattini and Danielle Graff will be speaking at the Canadian Franchise Association’s (CFA) 2026 National Convention in Ottawa, Ontario. The largest educational and networking event for the franchise community in Canada, the CFA National Convention runs from April 18–20 and brings together international leaders together for three days of connection, education and celebration of the franchise industry. Danielle and Melissa will be joined in attending the Convention by fellow franchise lawyer Josh Deacon.
Franchising in the Digital Age: AI, Privacy and Legal Pitfalls Ahead
On April 20, 2026, Danielle will be joining fellow panellists Clark Harrop (Partner, Dale & Lessmann LLP), Shray Mehra (COO, Ezee Assist) and Antonio Cianflone (President, Pizza Hotline) in presenting Franchising in the Digital Age: AI, Privacy and Legal Pitfalls Ahead. This hour-long conversational panel has been designed to bring together legal insight and franchisor experience alongside practical perspectives on how AI tools are being implemented across franchise systems. The panel will explore privacy compliance across federal and provincial frameworks, the use of AI in employment and marketing, cybersecurity considerations and how emerging technologies affect disclosure obligations.
Preparing for Saskatchewan’s New Franchise Legislation
On April 19, 2026, Melissa will hosting a roundtable discussion titled Preparing for Saskatchewan’s New Franchise Legislation. During the session, she will be discussing the new Saskatchewan franchise disclosure legislation and regulations that will be taking effect at the end of June. Attendees can expect to learn the steps and decisions that franchisors and brands operating in the province – or nationally – can take to ensure they stay compliant and protect their brand during and after the transition.
About Melissa
As a lead and founder of the MLT Aikins Franchise Law Practice Group, Melissa has significant experience reviewing and providing advice in connection with the development, ongoing compliance and operation of Franchise Systems, including preparation and updating of Franchise Agreements, Master Franchise Agreements, Area-Development Agreements, Sub-Franchise Agreements and Franchise Disclosure Documents as well as counseling both established and emerging franchisor, master franchisee and multi-unit franchisee clients across a broad range of industries for compliance with Manitoba’s franchise and applicable regulatory framework.
About Danielle
Danielle’s practice focuses on technology, data and commercialization. She provides assistance to a diverse client base, from small businesses to large public and private corporations. Her experience includes assisting clients with outsourcing arrangements and procurement of information technology services and software, advising clients on privacy law interpretation and compliance issues, providing support in the implementation of IT systems and programs and assisting both the developers and customers of e-commerce and cloud platforms.
Registration for the Convention is open now. Secure your seat today.
