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Gannon Beaulne

Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Partner

Thomas Feore

Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Associate

Maisah Syed

The Court of Appeal for Ontario has certified a class action against the manufacturer of a stolen handgun used to carry out the 2018 mass shooting on Danforth Avenue in Toronto, reversing in part the motion judge’s decision below.

Court of Appeal Certifies Negligence Claim Against Gun Manufacturer for Mass Shooting

Emrys Davis

Commercial Litigation, Competition and Class Action Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Michael A. Eizenga L.S.M.

Leading Canadian Class Action Litigator at Bennett Jones Toronto

Partner 

In our 2025 edition of Looking Forward, we review notable class action developments from the past year and consider what recent trends in the law might tell us about what to expect in the years ahead.

Class Actions Looking Forward 2025

Class Actions: Looking Forward 2025

Edward W. Hulshof

Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Vancouver

The Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) has endorsed the constitutionality of British Columbia (BC) legislation empowering the province to seek recovery of opioid epidemic healthcare costs in a proposed class action brought on behalf of multiple Canadian governments.
In Sanis Health Inc v British Columbia, <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.canlii.org/en/ca/scc/doc/2024/2024scc40/2024scc40.html" target="_blank">2024 SCC 40</a>, a majority of the SCC held that constitutional territorial limits on provincial legislative competence did not prevent BC from creating a direct statutory cause of action that it can pursue in a proposed class action on behalf of the federal and other provincial governments, subject to the right to opt out of the proceeding.

Supreme Court Approves Constitutionality of Multi Crown Class Action

Supreme Court Approves Constitutionality of Multi-Crown Class Action

Katherine Booth

Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Vancouver

Emma Arnold-Fyfe

Securities-related regulatory action regarding “AI washing” has been increasing in the United States, serving as a warning of potential future developments in Canada. AI washing, as defined by the Canadian Securities Administrators (the CSA), refers to an issuer making false, misleading or exaggerated claims about its use of AI systems in its products or services to capitalize on the growing use of and investor interest in AI systems. The CSA reported that it identified disclosure and promotional campaigns that included AI washing during its most recent continuous disclosure review program. We are also seeing securities class actions alleging AI washing being filed in the United States.

It All Comes Out in the Wash Regulatory Action on AI Washing Ramps Up

It All Comes Out in the Wash: Regulatory Action on AI Washing Ramps Up

Michelle F. Yung

Real Estate Lawyer at Bennett Jones Vancouver

Vanessa Kiraly

Commercial Real Estate Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

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

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 

Simon Grant

Banking & Finance Lawyer, Fintech Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Jessica B. Horwitz

International Trade Lawyer, Customs Lawyer, Regulatory Lawyer, Anti-Corruption and Economic Sanctions Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Andrew Bozzato

Corporate, M&A, Securities Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

FINTRAC imposed a record $176.9 million penalty on cryptocurrency exchange Cryptomus for thousands of AML/KYC violations. The case underscores regulators&rsquo; increasing focus on compliance, with additional sanctions from the BCSC for operating without registration. Exchanges serving Canadian clients must ensure strict adherence to AML, KYC and securities laws to avoid similar consequences.

176 9 million fine against cryptocurrency exchange from FINTRAC demonstrates costs of non compliance

C$176.9 Million Fine Against Cryptocurrency Exchange From FINTRAC Demonstrates Costs of Non-Compliance

David J. Wahl, FCIArb

Construction Arbitration & Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Christopher Petrucci

Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Alex Payne

The Ontario Superior Court in Feldt Electric Ltd v Gorbern Mechanical Contractors held that non-compliance with an adjudicator&rsquo;s determination does not automatically invalidate a lien. The decision underscores the importance of jurisdiction and procedural fairness in construction disputes under Ontario&rsquo;s prompt payment and adjudication regime.

Four Bennett Jones Lawyers Honoured in Benchmark 40 & Under Hot List 2024

From the Same Authors