This article undertakes a comprehensive review of the Canadian law of force majeure and its application in the energy sector. The article begins by examining the legal foundations of force majeure found in the common law, Canadian jurisprudence, and other legal regimes. It then describes the operation of a force majeure clause and analyzes how such a clause is likely to be interpreted by the courts. The authors incorporate many practical suggestions that will be useful to drafters of force majeure clauses. Published in the Alberta Law Review, Energy Law Edition, Volume 49, No.2.
Article
Force Majeure in Canadian Law
December 2011
Republication Requests
To obtain permission to republish this publication or any other publication, contact Erica Wirthlin at wirthline@bennettjones.com.
For Informational Purposes Only
This publication provides an overview of trends and legal updates for informational purposes only. For personalized legal advice, please contact the authors.
From the Same Authors
See AllBlog
The Supreme Court of Canada Affirms Mandatory Adverse Inference for Spoliation
August 5, 2026 & 1 more
Blog
Court Rules That Unquantifiable Climate Impacts Are Not Sufficient to Overturn Project Approval
August 2, 2023Michael P. Theroux KC & Timothy Ke
Latest Insights
See All Insights See AllBlog
"At Any Time" and "For Any Reason" is Here to Stay
August 25, 2026David Cassin, Carl Cunningham & Talia K. Bregman
Blog
Part II How Build Canada Homes Works: Investment Framework, Eligibility and Partnerships
August 14, 2026 & 1 more
Blog
CSA Publishes Sweeping Consultation on Modernizing the Regulation of Public Companies
August 10, 2026Kristopher R. Hanc, Christopher J. Doucet & Aidyn Bhatia
Blog
Change of Control of Commercial Tenants: Drafting, Interpretation and Practical Considerations
August 10, 2026Meg Tweedlie & Samuel Judson























