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Simon P. Crawford

Leading Commercial Real Estate Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Partner

Samantha Weng

Real Estate Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Associate

Once again, cottage season is upon us—and like the return of the season, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Court) has returned to the well-settled law of adverse possession, which continues to surface in modern property disputes where long-term use of a property by an adjoining owner can sometimes erode the ownership rights of the legal owner.

Lines in the Sand A Case of Adverse Possession from Cottage Country

Lines in the Sand: A Case of Adverse Possession from Cottage Country

Adam Kalbfleisch

Competition, Foreign Investment Review and Regulatory Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Alixe A.L. Cameron

Corporate Commercial and Real Estate Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Jane C. Helmstadter

The Competition Bureau (Bureau) has released its <a href="https://competition-bureau.canada.ca/en/how-we-foster-competition/education-and-outreach/publications/competitor-property-controls-and-competition-act">finalized property control guidelines</a> (Guidelines) outlining the Bureau's ongoing approach to enforcing competition property controls under the Competition Act (Act). These replace the preliminary guidelines published on August 7, 2024, which were subject to a public consultation process last summer/fall

Breaking Ground The Competition Bureau Weighs in with Final Property Control Guidelines

The Competition Bureau Weighs in with Final Property Control Guidelines

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

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

Lisa Kakoske

Corporate and Securities Lawyer

Samantha Chenatte

Associate at Bennett Jones Vancouver

Globally, women represent nearly half of the agricultural workforce, yet they still face systemic barriers that prevent them from accessing, using and contributing to innovations in agricultural technology (Agritech), which is poised to transform agricultural systems across the world.

Gender Inclusivity Driving Growth in Agritech Industry

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

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.

Twenty-three Bennett Jones Lawyers in Leading 500 in Canada

Authors


Bennett Jones Announcement Twenty-three Bennett Jones Lawyers in Leading 500 in Canada December 13, 2019 Authors Melanie L. AitkenManaging Principal, Bennett Jones (US) LLP Simon P. CrawfordPartner Michael A. Eizenga L.S.M.Partner Sander A.J.R. Grieve KCPartner Leonard J. GriffithsPartner Dominique T. HusseyChief Executive Officer Edwin G. Kroft KCPartner Patrick T. Maguire KCVice Chair and Partner Darcy D. Moch KCPartner Shawn M. MunroPartner Richard B. SwanPartner Cheryl M. WoodinPartner Blair C. Yorke-Slader KCVice Chair and Partner Twenty-three Bennett Jones lawyers are recognized in The 2020 Lexpert/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada. The Lexpert/ALM 500 Directory profiles the most frequently recommended lawyers across Canada, identified through an extensive, annual peer survey. It is produced in collaboration with American Lawyer Media. Share by Email Social Media Download Download Subscribe Republishing Requests For permission to republish this or any other publication, contact Peter Zvanitajs at ZvanitajsP@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 Melanie L. Aitken, Managing Principal, Bennett Jones (US) LLP • Head of Competition, Antitrust & Foreign Investment Practice New York - United States • 416.777.4855 • aitkenm@bennettjones.com Simon P. Crawford, Partner • Head of Real Estate Industry Team Toronto • 416.777.4815 • crawfords@bennettjones.com 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 Dominique T. Hussey, Chief Executive Officer • Co-Head of Innovation, Technology & Branding Practice Toronto • 416.777.6230 • husseyd@bennettjones.com Edwin G. Kroft KC, Partner • Chair, Tax Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice Vancouver, Toronto • 604.891.5335 • krofte@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 Shawn M. Munro, Partner Calgary • 403.298.3481 • munros@bennettjones.com Richard B. Swan, Partner • Co-Head of Commercial Litigation Practice Toronto • 416.777.7479 • swanr@bennettjones.com Cheryl M. Woodin, Partner • Co-Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department Toronto • 416.777.6550 • woodinc@bennettjones.com Blair C. Yorke-Slader KC, Vice Chair and Partner Calgary • 403.298.3291 • yorkesladerb@bennettjones.com