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Robert W. Staley

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

Vice Chair and Partner

Cheryl M. Woodin

Commercial Litigation, Product Liability & Class Actions Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Partner

Ciara J. Mackey

Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

In Sinclair v. Venezia Turismo, 2025 SCC 27, the Supreme Court of Canada clarified that jurisdiction must be assessed for each defendant individually. A plaintiff cannot rely on one defendant&rsquo;s contract or weak connecting factors to extend jurisdiction to others. The decision strengthens the principles of corporate separateness in cross-border disputes.

The SCC Clarifies Approach to Jurisdiction Against Multiple Defendants in Cross Border Disputes

Sinclair v. Venezia Turismo: The SCC Clarifies Approach to Jurisdiction Against Multiple Defendants in Cross-Border Disputes

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 

Gannon Beaulne

Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

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

Richard B. Swan

Commercial Litigation, Arbitration and Dispute Resolution Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Shaan P. Tolani

Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Associate

In September 2023, Chief Justice Morawetz of the Superior Court of Justice and Attorney General Doug Downey announced an initiative to undertake a comprehensive review of the Ontario Rules of Civil Procedure, with a view to reducing delay in the Ontario judicial system and fostering greater access to justice.

Proposed Major Overhaul of Ontario Rules of Civil Procedure

Upending the Ground Rules: Proposed Major Overhaul of the Ontario Rules of Civil Procedure

Gatlin Smeijers

Environmental Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Sander A.J.R. Grieve KC

Global Mining Finance, M&A, Exploration, Development and Extraction Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Andrew N. Disipio

Securities, Corporate Finance and Mergers & Acquisitions Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

On April 17, 2025, the Ontario government introduced Bill 5, called the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025 (Bill 5), an extensive legislative proposal aimed at accelerating resource development and reducing regulatory burdens across Ontario's key industries, including mining. Notably, Bill 5 also proposes a new discretionary authority to deny the issuance of mining leases and cancel existing claims and tenures for the purpose of protecting the "strategic national mineral supply chain".

Ontario Moves to Fast Track Mining Expand Discretion Over Tenure

Ontario Moves to Fast Track Mining, Expand Discretion Over Tenure

Sara G. Parchello

Employment Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

David Cassin

Brendan J. Weiler

Employment Services Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

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 

Lexperts 2018 Guide to U.S. Canada Cross-Border Lawyers in Canada

Authors


Bennett Jones Announcement Lexperts 2018 Guide to U.S. Canada Cross-Border Lawyers in Canada June 27, 2018 Authors Michael A. Eizenga L.S.M.Partner Sander A.J.R. Grieve KCPartner Leonard J. GriffithsPartner Patrick T. Maguire KCVice Chair and Partner Darcy D. Moch KCPartner Robert W. StaleyVice Chair and Partner Richard B. SwanPartner Twelve Bennett Jones lawyers are ranked as Most Frequently Recommended in Lexpert’s 2018 Guide to U.S./Canada Cross-Border Lawyers in Canada . Lawyers include: Stephen Bowman—Tax Mike Eizenga—Dispute Resolution Sander Grieve—Regulatory Leonard Griffiths—Dispute Resolution Randy Hughes—M&A Martin Kratz—IP & Media Pat Maguire—M&A Darcy Moch—Tax Darrel Pearson—Trade Rick Orzy—Insolvency Robert Staley—Dispute Resolution Richard Swan—Dispute Resolution 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 Michael A. Eizenga L.S.M., Partner • Co-Head of Class Actions Practice Toronto, Vancouver • 416.777.4879 • eizengam@bennettjones.com Sander A.J.R. Grieve KC, Partner Toronto • 416.777.4826 • grieves@bennettjones.com Leonard J. Griffiths, Partner • Co-Head of Environmental Practice Toronto • 416.777.7473 • griffithsl@bennettjones.com Patrick T. Maguire KC, Vice Chair and Partner Calgary • 403.298.3184 • maguirep@bennettjones.com Darcy D. Moch KC, Partner Calgary, Vancouver, Edmonton • 403.298.3390 • mochd@bennettjones.com Robert W. Staley, Vice Chair and Partner Toronto • 416.777.4857 • staleyr@bennettjones.com Richard B. Swan, Partner • Co-Head of Commercial Litigation Practice Toronto • 416.777.7479 • swanr@bennettjones.com