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Richard Dion

Economic Analyst and Forecasting Advisor at Bennett Jones Ottawa

Senior Business Advisor

Serge Dupont

Senior Advisor at Bennett Jones Ottawa

Senior Advisor

The global and Canadian economies are still adjusting to the shocks of COVID and war. Inflation remains elevated, and monetary conditions are restrictive. There are legacies, in particular high public and private debt.
Concurrently, the forces of demographic ageing, climate change, and digitalization are intensifying in a new fragmented world, transforming our economies, and requiring more public and private investment. These two factors—short-term adjustment and structural change—set the background for our 2024 Economic Outlook.

2024 Economic Outlook The LongTerm Is Now

2024 Economic Outlook: The Long-Term Is Now

For the last three years, governments, businesses and workers have confronted a series of shocks and disruptions that have tested their agility and resilience. The pandemic, the war in Ukraine, supply chain constraints, swings in commodity prices, and higher inflation and interest rates, have demanded swift responses and adjustment. There are aftershocks, uncertainty and risk, and still a need to adapt. Navigating turbulent times remains a key function of policy and business planning. Yet, given forces shaping the world of tomorrow, it matters even more how governments and businesses plan to invest, innovate and create the conditions for sustainable growth over the longer term. This Economic Outlook entitled Playing the Long Game reviews recent developments and short-term prospects, sets out a baseline scenario and risks to assist business planning and describes some of the context for the longer term and key tasks ahead for Canadian governments and firms.

Economic Outlook Playing the Long Game

Economic Outlook: Playing the Long Game

William S. Osler KC

Capital Markets, Securities, M&A and Corporate Governance Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Partner

Jason D. Roth

Infrastructure Development Project, Engineering, Construction and Procurement Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Enzo J. Barichello KC

Energy, Power and Commercial Transaction Lawyer at Bennett Jones Edmonton

Partner 

The Government of Alberta has launched its long-term plan for economic recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the historic fall in oil prices. <a rel="noopener noreferrer" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.alberta.ca/recovery-plan.aspx" target="_blank">Alberta’s Recovery Plan</a> is the province's strategy to invest in infrastructure, diversify the economy and create jobs. The government says Alberta’s Recovery Plan is a work in progress and details of each policy initiative will be released in the coming days and weeks.

Albertas Recovery Plan

Alberta's Recovery Plan

Another minority Parliament in Ottawa combined with the 
implications of the international financial situation will undoubtedly give rise 
to new policy directions on a range of issues. This is a critical time for 
businesses to review their government relations strategies with regard to 
economic, regulatory and other policy matters that may affect their interests, 
as well as to make their views on these matters known to government 
policy-makers. 

Federal Lobbying Act Rules for Post Election Corporate Lobbying

Federal Lobbying Act Rules for Post-Election Corporate Lobbying

Sara G. Parchello

Employment Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

David Cassin

Brendan J. Weiler

Employment Services Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Associate

Two recent Ontario Superior Court decisions&mdash;Li v Wayfair Canada Inc. and Jones v Strides Toronto&mdash;clarify that the phrase &ldquo;at any time&rdquo; in a termination clause does not automatically invalidate an employment agreement under the ESA. While both cases distinguish earlier restrictive rulings, ongoing inconsistencies, including the Chan decision, highlight the need for appellate guidance. Employers should continue to review contracts carefully to ensure ESA compliance.

Termination At Any Time A Review of Recent Developments

Termination “At Any Time”? A Review of Recent Developments from Li v Wayfair Canada Inc. and Jones v Strides Toronto

Mykala Way

Commercial Real Estate Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Jane C. Helmstadter

Real Estate Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

The Ontario Court of Appeal&rsquo;s decision in 100 Bloor Street West Corporation v. Barry&rsquo;s Bootcamp Canada Inc. underscores the risks of vague realty tax provisions in commercial leases. The case highlights how inconsistent or ambiguous calculation methods can expose both landlords and tenants to costly litigation. Clear, consistent, and fair drafting of tax allocation clauses is essential to avoid disputes and ensure predictable outcomes.

One Method Many Taxes Lease Interpretation and Realty Tax

One Method, Many Taxes: Lease Interpretation and Realty Tax Allocation in 100 Bloor Street West v. Barry’s Bootcamp

Michelle F. Yung

Real Estate Lawyer at Bennett Jones Vancouver

Vanessa Kiraly

A recent Ontario Superior Court decision underscores the importance of precise lease drafting. In Malleum Real Estate v. Donut Monster, the court held that tenant obligations began on the fixed commencement date&mdash;regardless of unfinished landlord improvements or pandemic disruptions. The ruling highlights that assumptions cannot override clear lease terms and offers practical lessons for both landlords and tenants.

When Assumptions Break Leases The Need for Clear Terms

When Assumptions Break Leases: The Need for Clear Terms

Vasilis F. L. Pappas, FCIArb

International Arbitration Lawyer at Bennett Jones Vancouver and Calgary

Melanie Teetaert

Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Vancouver

Geoffrey P. Stenger

Project Development, Energy, Infrastructure and Construction Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

On October 7, 2025, British Columbia introduced Bill 20, the Construction Prompt Payment Act. If enacted, it will overhaul payment timelines and create a fast-track adjudication process for construction disputes. The legislation is expected to significantly impact owners, contractors and subcontractors across the province.

BC Introduces Prompt Payment Legislation

B.C. Introduces Prompt Payment Legislation

Benjamin K. Reingold

Intellectual Property Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Jesse Mighton

Insolvency and Restructuring Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Nyrie Israelian

Intellectual Property at Bennett Jones Toronto

The Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy has issued new guidance on the use of AI tools by Licensed Insolvency Trustees. The guidance underscores the need for oversight, accuracy, transparency, and adherence to professional obligations as AI becomes more integrated into insolvency practice.

OSB Issues New Guidance

OSB Issues New Guidance: What Licensed Insolvency Trustees Must Know about AI Tools 

Enzo Barichello Re-Appointed Board Chair of Edmonton Global

Authors


Bennett Jones Announcement Enzo Barichello Re-Appointed Board Chair of Edmonton Global April 22, 2024 Authors Enzo J. Barichello KCPartner Enzo Barichello has been re-appointed as the Board Chair of Edmonton Global. The announcement was made during the recent Edmonton Global AGM along with the appointment of new board members. Enzo is former managing partner of Bennett Jones' Edmonton office and is a passionate advocate for economic growth and the outstanding quality of life in the region. The purpose of Edmonton Global is to radically transform and grow the economy of the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. It is a not-for-profit corporation founded by 14 municipalities that make up the region. Enzo was first selected as Board Chair in April 2022. Share by Email Social Media Download Download Subscribe Republishing Requests For permission to republish this or any other publication, contact Amrita Kochhar at kochhara@bennettjones.com. For informational purposes only This publication provides an overview of legal trends and updates for informational purposes only. For personalized legal advice, please contact the authors. Authors Enzo J. Barichello KC, Partner Edmonton • 780.917.4269 • barichelloe@bennettjones.com