George R. Wray

Partner

Toronto
[email protected]
416.367.6354

An experienced litigator in all aspects of products law, George brings deep understanding of risk and regulatory concerns for designers, manufacturers, importers and distributors of products across various industry sectors. From automobiles, food, natural health products, beverage and agri-business to medical devices and emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, BLG's clients trust George's practical approach to handle the most complex and challenging of cases. His enviable record of success and business-oriented approach to helping clients navigate risks relating to their products goes beyond litigation and involves strategic advice regarding the sale of products into Canada, including product warnings, labelling, distribution, advertising as well as safety issues and recalls.

A recognized thought-leader and speaker on topics at the intersection of product development and safety, technology, innovation, business and law, George's curiosity and expertise gives BLG's clients an edge. His "what's next" approach to the law and risk management provides his clients with creative forward-thinking advice helping them to avoid and solve the small and big problems facing their business.

George is co-chair of BLG's Indigenous Peoples Action Committee.

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 & Recognitions

  • 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
  • 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