Paige
Backman
Partner and Chief Privacy Officer
Paige has earned a reputation as an exceptional corporate/commercial legal advisor to both domestic and multinational entities. Her strength lies in her ability to work closely with clients to solve a broad range of legal and business issues. Gaining a thorough understanding of each client’s business, Paige cares deeply about the success of her clients, not just the individual transaction that she is involved in. Paige is known for the passion and dedication she brings to her work as well as her endeavours involving high performance sports.
Paige is Co-Leader of the firm’s Privacy & Data Security and Technology Groups and a member of the Corporate and Sports & Entertainment Groups. She practises in the area of corporate/commercial law and has extensive experience in corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, debt and equity financing, divestitures and joint ventures. Over the years, Paige has developed expertise in data protection, technology and sports-related matters and is a prominent legal practitioner in these fields. She also advises both emerging and established companies in technology matters, including structuring and negotiating technology acquisitions and transfers; joint ownership and development; licensing; consulting services; subcontract services; and reseller and distribution arrangements.
Paige counsels multinational and domestic entities on compliance with Canadian privacy laws and cyber security, including cyber terrorism, preventing and managing data breaches, obligations on breach notification and processes surrounding complaints and investigations relating to breaches.
In addition to her broader corporate and privacy practice, Paige works with Indigenous governments and organizations on large‑scale commercial agreements and privacy‑related matters. Her experience includes negotiating national housing and infrastructure agreements with the federal government, as well as advising Métis organizations on privacy compliance, including privacy agreements and policies, responses to freedom of information requests, and data governance frameworks. She brings a practical, risk‑focused approach to supporting Indigenous clients on complex commercial and regulatory matters.
One of Paige’s great personal interests is high performance sport and the sporting industry. She has represented and been an advisor for national and international, professional and amateur sports organizations. Her range of experience in high performance sport includes acquisitions, divestitures, corporate structuring, corporate governance, risk management, sponsorship and agency relationships. Paige has also advised and consulted on investigations and disciplinary proceedings relating to high performance athletes, coaches, officials and political appointees. She is committed to the integration of sport into humanity’s most critical issues, such as combating violence and racism and promoting equality.
Professional Involvement
Professional Activities
- Board of Directors, Sport for Humanity Foundation
- Interlaw, Co-Chair of the Sport, Media and Entertainment Business Unit
- Regular speaker at industry and Law Society events as well as a regularly published author and media contact for various topics
- 2023 World Technology Law Conference, Steering Committee Member
- Water Polo Canada, Director, Chair of the Governance Committee, Chair of the Business and Risk Management Committee, 2009-2013
- Canadian Fencing Federation, Board of Directors
- Maria Toorpakai Foundation, Director
- Forum on Data Governance & Ethics, Steering Committee Member
Memberships
- American Bar Association (Intellectual Property Law and Science & Technology Sections)
- Canadian Technology Law Association (CAN-TECH), Privacy Committee Member
- Canadian/Ontario Bar Association (Business Law, Information Technology and E-Commerce, and Privacy Law Sections)
- Licensing Executives Society
- Sports Lawyers Association
- Toronto Computer Lawyers' Group
Community Involvement
- Small Steps for Hope Foundation, CEO and President, 2007-2013
Teaching Engagements
- "Privacy Law Considerations within Transactions," Transaction - Planning, Decisions, Documents and Issues Course, Osgoode Hall Law School, 2004-2009.
- "Technology Transfers and Licensing - Issues to Consider" and "Privacy Laws - Overview," Internet and Information Technology Law Course, University of Victoria Law School, 2003.
"Cybersecurity: What You Need to Know," EDA's Directors Summit, May 5, 2026.
"Legal Insights on Cyber Insurance," GlassHouse Systems, September 26, 2024.
"Ethics & Cybersecurity," CPA Ontario: Strategic Leadership - Driving Growth in Volatile Times, March 19-20, 2024.
"AI Due Diligence and Ethics," Cambridge Forum on Data Governance & Ethics, November 26-28, 2023.
"Privacy and Data Breach Response: Managing the Process, Notifications and Mitigating Damages," Aird & Berlis LLP Privacy & Data Security Webinar, May 12, 2021.
"Privacy and Data Security," e-Health 2021 Virtual Conference, May 5, 2021.
"Privacy and Data Breach Prevention: Safeguarding Your Business," Aird & Berlis LLP Privacy & Data Security Webinar, April 14, 2021.
"Data Breach Prevention and Response," CHEC, Cybersecurity and the LDC, March 12, 2021.
"Examination and Discussion of the Duty of Honesty in Contractual Performance," Aird & Berlis LLP Litigation Webinar, February 25, 2021.
"The Future of Privacy Laws in Canada," Aird & Berlis LLP Technology Webinar, September 30, 2020.
"Cybersecurity: Current Risks and Trends,” EDA Webinar Series, July 16, 2020.
“Privacy Law Panel,” Osgoode Hall Law School, October 21, 2019.
"Avoiding a Privacy Breach: How to Train Employees and Contractors," Aird & Berlis LLP Privacy Webinar, October 2017.
Paige testified in front of the House of Common on changes to Canada’s privacy law (PIPEDA). In the Report of the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics, “Towards Privacy by Design: Review of the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act,” published under the authority of the Speaker of the House of Commons, Paige’s position and arguments were included to support the genesis of some of the changes. April 2017.
"Data Breaches and How to Safeguard Your Information," Aird & Berlis LLP Technology Webinar, November 2016.
"Governance Matters," Sponsorship Week, October 2016.
"Data Breaches & Security Summit," Aird & Berlis LLP, September 2016.
"Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) – Updates Since September 2015,"
Aird & Berlis LLP Technology Webinar, September 2016.
"CASL – Have the Regulators Been Bulls or Bears?," The Law Office Management Association (TLOMA), June 2016.
"CASL Challenges Roundtable," Facilitator, OBA/CBA Professional Development Program, June 2016.
"Data Breaches and Data Insurance," Aird & Berlis LLP Privacy & Technology Webinar, May 2016.
“How Workplace Health, Safety and Privacy Clash and Converge,” Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, March 2016.
"Technology and Intellectual Property Issues for Startup Businesses: What You Want to Know and Don't Want to Know," Aird & Berlis LLP Privacy & Technology Webinar, November 2015.
"Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation Updates Since July 1, 2014," Aird & Berlis LLP Privacy & Technology Webinar, September 2015.
"Cybersecurity and Data Breaches," Aird & Berlis LLP Breakfast at Your Desk Technology Series Webinar, April 2015.
“Taking Social Media to the Next Level,” Ontario Bar Association’s TECHxpo 2.0, 2014.
"Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation," Regulatory Roundtable for Local Electricity Distribution Companies, Aird & Berlis LLP, 2014.
"CASL – World’s Toughest Anti-Spam Law – Are you Ready?" Aird & Berlis LLP 2014 Annual Municipal Group Client Conference, 2014.
"CASL Presentation," 2014 Toronto CIO Executive Leadership Summit, HMG Strategy LLC, 2014.
"Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation – Ensuring Your Firm is Ready," Toronto Lawyers Association, 2014.
"Don’t Shoot the Messenger – Canada’s New Anti-Spam Legislation & Privacy Issues in the Municipal Context," Canadian Bar Association Webinar, 2014.
"Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation," Electricity Distributors Association Communicators Council Forum, 2014.
"Canada’s Anti-Spam Presentation- Are You Ready?" Aird & Berlis LLP Webinar, 2014.
"Canada’s Anti-Spam Presentation," Aird & Berlis LLP Breakfast Seminar, 2014.
“Social Media and Mobile Privacy Issues,” Information Technology Law Spring Forum, IT CAN, 2013.
"Tort of Intrusion on Seclusion," Aird & Berlis LLP Municipal Conference, 2012.
"Contracts, Privacy and New Case Law OBA Privacy Program," Privacy Law, Ontario Bar Association, 2012.
"Mobile Computing and Privacy," Technology and E-Commerce Section, Ontario Bar Association, 2012.
"Privacy Issues for Online and Mobile Commerce Contracts," Toronto, IT. Can and the Law Society of Upper Canada's Information Technology Law Spring Forum, 2011.
"Privacy Implications of Online Tracking, Profiling, and Target Marketing," Ontario Bar Association, 2011.
“Full Disclosure: Working with Brands Online,” ShesConnected Conference, 2010.
“Licensing IP/Software and Insolvency on the Horizon,” Aird & Berlis LLP Seminar: Issues for a New Technology Era, 2009.
“Licensing Technology – Terms That Can Bite You,” Aird & Berlis LLP Seminar: Knowledge is Power – Essential Information for Municipalities, 2009.
"What Every Business Should Know," Aird & Berlis LLP Technology Law Seminar, Moderator, 2009.
“Securing Personal Information in Mergers and Acquisitions,” Canadian Institute, Privacy Compliance Conference, 2008.
"International Business Transactions and Privacy," Chicago, Interlaw Americas Regional Meeting, 2008.
"Municipalities and Privacy," Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario Annual Meeting, 2006.
"Privacy Laws – Hot Issues for Business Lawyers and Litigators," Ontario Bar Association Institute Annual CLE Conference, 2005.
"New Developments in Privacy Laws," Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers, Annual General Meeting, 2005.
"Privacy Laws in the Transportation Industry," Trucking Industry, National Conference, 2004.
"Privacy Laws and Entrepreneurs," Women Entrepreneurs of Canada, 2004.
"Privacy Law and Retail Industry," Food and Consumer Products of Canada, 2004.
"Privacy Issues and Tax/Accounting," Accountants of Ontario, 2003.
"Electronic Contracting and Privacy," Ontario Association of Architects, 2003.
"Artificial Intelligence in M&A Transactions: Ensuring Data Security and Compliance," Aird & Berlis LLP, Privacy Law Bulletin, April 14, 2026.
"Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy: Opportunities for Businesses and Showcasing Canada’s Talents," Aird & Berlis LLP, February 19, 2026.
"Biometric Information and Privacy Considerations: Guidance for Federal Institutions," Aird & Berlis LLP, Privacy Law Bulletin, January 29, 2026.
"Biometric Information and Privacy Considerations: Guidance for Canadian Businesses," Aird & Berlis LLP, Privacy Law Bulletin, December 2, 2025.
"Canada’s AI Compute Strategy: Opportunities for Canadian Businesses – What Businesses Need to Know About the Government’s New Infrastructure and Access Initiatives," Aird & Berlis LLP, The Spotlight, July 9, 2025.
"Bill 194 to Reform Cybersecurity and Privacy Rights in Ontario’s Public Service," Aird & Berlis LLP, July 29, 2024.
"Canada Is Protecting Its Critical Infrastructure: What Does This Mean for Your Business’s Cybersecurity?" Aird & Berlis LLP, June 11, 2024.
"The Taxation of Ransom Payments In Canada and the United States," Tax Notes International, April 11, 2022.
“Rogers Media Inc. Agrees to Pay $200,000 for Alleged Violations of Canada's Anti-Spam Law,” Aird & Berlis LLP, Privacy Newsflash, November 2015.
"European Court Strikes Down Data Sharing Safe Harbour Between the United States and the EU: What’s the Impact for Canada," Aird & Berlis LLP, Privacy Law Bulletin, October 2015.
"$1.1 Million Penalty Issued for Violation of Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation," Aird & Berlis LLP, Privacy Law Bulletin, March 2015.
"Data Breaches – From Accidents to State Sponsored Attacks: Vulnerabilities and Strategic Plans," Aird & Berlis LLP Privacy Law Bulletin, March 2015.
“CASL 2015 - A Time for Real Direction,” Aird & Berlis LLP, Privacy Law Bulletin, February 2015.
“CASL Update: CRTC Corporate Compliance Programs Guidelines,” Aird & Berlis LLP, Privacy Law Bulletin, July 2014.
“Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation Coming Into Force July 1, 2014,” Aird & Berlis LLP, Privacy Law Bulletin, December 2013.
“Supreme Court of Canada Strikes Down Privacy Law,” Co-Author, Aird & Berlis LLP, Privacy Law Bulletin, November 2013.
“Intrusion on Seclusion New Tort for Ontario,” Aird & Berlis LLP, Privacy Law Bulletin, January 2012.
“Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation Where Are We Now?,” Aird & Berlis LLP, Technology Law Bulletin, September 2011.
"Biometric Identification and Privacy Concerns: A Canadian Perspective," Co-Author with Corrine Kennedy, World Data Protection Report, October 2009 and Canadian Privacy Law Review, March 2010.
"Export Control Laws: A Labyrinth of Surprising Reach," The Transportation Lawyer, October 2009.
"Responding to Privacy Breaches in the Health Sector," Canadian Privacy Law Review, February/March 2009.
"Privacy Breach Notifications in the Health Sector," Aird & Berlis LLP Procurement, Privacy & Healthcare Technology Newsletter, November 2008.
"Commercialization of Intellectual Property in Hospitals," Aird & Berlis LLP Procurement, Privacy and Healthcare Technology Newsletter, May 2008.
"Canadian Privacy Legislation and the Cross-Border Transfer of Personal Information," Co-Author, Telehealth Law, July 2008.
"Software Licensing Considerations in the Healthcare Sector," Aird & Berlis LLP, Procurement, Privacy and Technology Newsletter, February 2008.
"Handling of Patient Information Under PHIPA," Aird & Berlis LLP, Procurement, Privacy & Healthcare Technology Newsletter, February 2008.
"Licensing Technology: Who Can Use It and Who Can't? Terms of Licensing Agreement May Limit Sharing," Co-Author, Canadian Corporate Counsel, January/February 2008.
"Industry Canada's Response to Proposed PIPEDA Amendments," Co-Author, Privacy & Data Security Law Journal, January 2008 and Aird & Berlis LLP, Technology & Privacy Law Newsletter, November 2007.
"Privacy and Health Care," Aird & Berlis LLP, Privacy and Health Care Newsletter, November 2007.
"Privacy Breach – New Federal Guidelines," Aird & Berlis LLP, Technology & Privacy Law Newsletter, October 2007.
"Outsourcing and Licensing," Canadian Corporate Counsel, September/October 2007.
"Proposed Amendments to Canada's Privacy Legislation," Co-Author, Aird & Berlis LLP, Privacy Law Newsflash, September 2007.
"Intellectual Property as Loan Collateral – Some Considerations for the Borrower," Co-Author, Canadian Corporate Counsel, June 2007.
"Foreign Laws Impact Canadian Businesses Under PIPEDA," Canadian Corporate Counsel, May 2007.
"Consumer Protection Legislation and Internet Agreements," Co-Author, Canadian Corporate Counsel, March/April 2007.
"Technology Licences – Casualties of Insolvency?" Co-Author, Canadian Corporate Counsel, January/February 2007.
"Purchasing IT Assets and Working with Outside Counsel," Canadian Corporate Counsel, December 2006.
"Using US Precedent Technology Agreements in Canada," Canadian Corporate Counsel, November 2006.
"Canadian Privacy Laws and International Transactions," Canadian Corporate Counsel, July/August 2006.
"Licensing Sophisticated Software – Strategic considerations surrounding negotiating enterprise-critical software and the resulting contractual terms," Co-Author, Canadian Corporate Counsel, June 2006.
"Director's Liability and Privacy Laws," Canadian Corporate Counsel, May 30, 2006.
"Licensing Municipal Software: Who Can Use It and Who Can't? Terms of Licensing Agreement May Limit Sharing," Municipal Interface, National Professional Journal of MISA/ASIM Canada, May 2006.
"Core or Not Core – The Impact of Private Sector Privacy Laws on Municipalities," Co-Author, Aird & Berlis LLP, Municipal Privacy Law Briefings, February 2006.
"Many Issues Can Arise to Complicate Licensing and Procuring of Software," Co-Author, Municipal Interface, National Professional Journal of MISA/ASIM Canada, January 2006.
"Technology Licensing and Procurement: Some Do's and Don'ts – Part 2," Co-Author, Municipal Interface, National Professional Journal of MISA/ASIM Canada, December 2005.
"Technology Licensing and Procurement: Some Do's and Don'ts – Part 1," Co-Author, Municipal Interface, National Professional Journal of MISA/ASIM Canada, November 2005.
"Privacy Laws and Commercial Leasing Transactions," Co-Author, Aird & Berlis LLP, Privacy Law Newsletter, October 2005 and Aird & Berlis LLP Real Estate Law Newsletter, October 2005.