George R. Wray

Partner

Toronto
[email protected]
416.367.6354

George is a distinguished litigator and strategic advisor in product law, known for delivering sophisticated solutions to complex regulatory and risk management challenges. His clients—spanning sectors like automotive, life sciences and healthcare, food and beverage, natural health products, agri-business, medical devices, and emerging tech such as AI—rely on his insight to navigate high-stakes legal issues. From ensuring compliance in labeling and advertising to guiding through recalls and safety concerns, George’s nuanced understanding of the law empowers clients to launch and sustain products in the Canadian market with confidence.

A recognized thought leader, George frequently speaks on the nexus of product safety, technology, innovation, and business. His forward-thinking approach—always asking “what’s next?”—equips clients with innovative, proactive strategies to prevent and resolve critical business challenges. George’s commitment to creative, business-aligned solutions gives BLG’s clients a vital edge in today’s evolving legal landscape.

In addition to his role at BLG, George co-chairs the firm’s Indigenous Peoples Action Committee and serves as an Assistant Professor at Queen’s University Faculty of Law, where he teaches "AI and the Law." His expertise has been recognized in the 2024 edition of The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory (Litigation - Product Liability) and Lexpert Special Edition: Technology and Health Sciences.

Experience

  • Advising worldwide distributor of caffeinated beverages re regulatory requirements in Canada.
  • Advising various food companies on the development and sale of natural health products and food in Canada.
  • Advising leading fashion and clothing company regarding the regulatory requirements and sale of products in Canada.
  • Advising and leading various recalls for health and other consumer products with Health Canada.
  • Advising life science and medical device companies looking to deploy AI-enabled products in Canada (i.e. Software as a Medical Device), including dermatological tools, robotic surgical equipment and remote medical monitoring.
  • Counsel to a world leading agricultural manufacturer on autonomous equipment testing and AI utilization.
  • Defending various automotive OEMs defending claims relating to airbags, timing chains, emissions systems, seatbelts and electrical and engine failures.
  • Defending worldwide leading RV companies.
  • Defending a world leading appliance and household good manufacture in various product related claims.
  • Defending a sport wear and product company against the unauthorized sale of its products.
  • Counsel to an international tobacco manufacturer regarding the deployment of various vapour and e-cigarette products and providing strategic advice concerning warnings and labelling.
  • Defending a home products company regarding water coolers.
  • Defending engineers and architects relating to building claims, including cold storage facilities.
  • Defending municipalities in infrastructure and construction related claims.
  • Defending boiler manufacturers for claims arising from property damage and personal injury.
  • Defense of recreational vehicle manufacturer for claims arising from use of all-terrain vehicles.
  • Defending power tool manufacturers for claims arising from the use of various products and tools.
  • Defense of an international bottle manufacturer regarding wine bottles.
  • Successfully defended a work boot manufacturer against design and manufacturing claims, including a successful application before the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeal Tribunal.

Beyond our Walls

Professional Involvement

  • Member, Canadian Bar Association
  • Member, Ontario Bar Association
  • Member, American Bar Association
  • Member, International Bar Association (IBA)
  • Member, International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC)
  • Member, Defense Research Institute (DRI)
  • Member, Canadian Defense Lawyers
  • Member, The Advocates' Society

Community Involvement

  • Hockey Helps the Homeless

Awards & Recognition

  • Recognized in the 2024 edition of The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory (Litigation - Product Liability)
  • Recognized in the 2024 edition of Lexpert Special Edition: Technology and Health Sciences
  • Recognized in the 2024 edition of Lexpert Special Edition: Litigation.
  • Mildred K. Walters Academic Award, Queen’s University, 2005
  • Reuben Wells Leonard Prize in Aboriginal Law, Queen’s University, 2005
  • R.W. Leonard Prize in Immigration and Refugee Law, Queen’s University, 2005
  • Fraser Milner Casgrain Award, Queen’s University, 2005
  • J.S.D. Tory Writing Award, Queen’s University, 2005
  • George M. Hood (SC'43) Award, Queen’s University, 2005
  • Elwin and Beverly Derbyshire Academic Achievement Award, Queen’s University, 2005
  • Cassels Brock & Blackwell Award in Constitutional Law and Human Rights, Queen’s University, 2005
  • Sabbath Prize in Comparative Constitutional Law, Queen’s University, 2005
  • Chief Justice McRuer Essay Prize, Queen’s University, 2005

Bar Admission & Education

  • Ontario, 2006
  • LLM, University of Toronto, 2007
  • LLB, Queen's University, 2005
  • MA, Queen's University, 2001
  • BA (Hons.), Queen's University, 2000