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Susan Seller wrote in <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.benefitscanada.com/expertpanel_/susan-g-seller/expert-panel-risk-management-target-benefit-framework-among-themes-shaping-pension-industry-in-2024/" target="_blank">Benefits Canada</a> on the anticipated developments in pension law and governance for the upcoming year. The article highlights the focus on risk management, particularly regarding environmental, social and governance factors, cybersecurity, and investment risks. There's also attention on improving governance for defined contribution pension plans, including better communication, member engagement and investment education. She discusses the need for more robust governance and funding policies, handling missing members' entitlements, reporting cybersecurity incidents and the adoption of target-benefit frameworks to address the decline in defined benefit plan coverage.

Risk Management Target Benefit Framework Among Themes Shaping Pension Industry in 2024

Risk Management, Target-Benefit Framework Among Themes Shaping Pension Industry in 2024

Denise D. Bright

Public and Private Company Financial Transactions and Securities Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Partner 

Michael S. Shakra

Corporate Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Partner

Bill C-228, An Act to amend the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act and the Pension Benefits Standards Act, 1985 received Royal Assent on April 27, 2023 and is now law, subject to a four-year transitional period before its provisions come into effect.
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New Pension Priorities in Bankruptcy and Insolvency are Closer to Reality

New Pension Priorities in Bankruptcy and Insolvency Are Now Reality

Susan Seller writes in <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.benefitscanada.com/pensions/governance-law/expert-panel-air-canada-decision-illustrates-danger-of-relying-on-pension-plan-terms-in-wrongful-dismissal-actions/" target="_blank">Benefits Canada</a> on the potential issues caused by exclusive dependence on the terms of pension plans during wrongful dismissal proceedings. Susan outlines a recent court decision involving Air Canada—in which an employee who was dismissed after 37 years of service claimed that his pension benefits were improperly calculated—and reviews the importance of language in pension plan text as well as risk mitigation strategies that companies can adopt to prepare them to avoid and counter these kinds of claims.

Expert Panel Air Canada Decision Illustrates Danger of Relying on Pension Plan Terms

Expert Panel: Air Canada Decision Illustrates Danger of Relying on Pension Plan Terms in Wrongful Dismissal Actions

Susan Seller writes in <a rel="noopener noreferrer" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.benefitscanada.com/expertpanel_/susan-g-seller/expert-panel-an-update-on-regulatory-oversight-of-pension-risk-management/?utm_source=EmailMarketing&utm_medium=email&utm_content=benefitscanada.com&utm_campaign=Benefits-Canada-Daily-Newsletters&oft_id=114899907&oft_k=VeaHvWcr&oft_lk=EsTp3E&oft_d=638066216812900000&fpid=455439&m32_fp_id=x8bVfO&ctx=newsletter&m32_fp_ctx=DI_MASTER_Relational" target="_blank">Benefits Canada</a> on the newly developed CAPSA committee aimed at developing risk management guidelines for pension plans. Susan explores how the feedback garnered from the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions could influence the findings and initiatives brought up by this new committee.

An Update on Regulatory Oversight of Pension Risk Management

John (Jay) A. Winters

Tax Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Patrick T. Maguire KC

Leading Canadian and International Energy and Commercial Transaction Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Vice Chair and Partner

Mark S. Powell

Trading and Derivatives Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

For years, there has been significant uncertainty as to whether a particular emissions offset or carbon credit meets the definition of "emission allowance" for GST/HST purposes. If an emission offset or carbon credit is "emission allowance", then the normal GST/HST rules don't apply&mdash;rather, the seller does not charge GST/HST and the purchaser is required to self-assess it.&nbsp;

GST HST on Alberta TIER Emission Offsets and Credits

CRA States TIER Emission Offsets are also "Emission Allowances"

GST/HST on Alberta TIER Emission Offsets and Credits

Jenna Vivian

Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Edmonton

Associate

Matt Riskin

Commercial Litigation, Health and Employment Lawyer at Bennett Jones Edmonton

The Alberta Court of King&rsquo;s Bench has released a detailed and instructive decision on after-acquired cause, employee dishonesty and proportionality in termination for cause, particularly in the context of a closely held business and a senior executive role.

Alberta Court Confirms After Acquired Cause Can Justify Termination for Cause

Sobolewski v Advanced Completions Technology Services Ltd, 2026 ABKB 10

Dishonesty at the Top: Alberta Court Confirms After-Acquired Cause Can Justify Termination for Cause

James T. McClary

Private Equity and M&A Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Elizabeth K. Dylke

Corporate and Private Funds Lawyer

Haifeng Hu

Partner at Bennett Jones Vancouver

The private equity industry went in a number of different directions in 2025. Global dealmaking value picked up in the second half of the year but the number of deals decreased. PE exits declined year-over-year, boosting growth in alternative strategies to generate liquidity. Investors remain committed to PE according to Preqin's latest investor survey, despite exercising greater caution in short-term commitments. Macroeconomic conditions improved markedly as the year went on, after a turbulent and unexpected start.
In this edition of the Bennett Jones PE Briefing, we look at the full-year data on private equity activity in Canada in 2025 as well as&nbsp;how 2025 unfolded and what to look for in the coming year;&nbsp;PE exit activity and what to expect in 2026; and&nbsp;trends in GP-stakes investing.

The Q4 2025 PE Briefing

2026 Outlook: Key PE Trends Set to Shape the Year Ahead

George W. H. Reid

International Trade, Investment and Public Procurement 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

Sabrina A. Bandali

International Trade, Regulatory and Investment Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

For several years, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has sought to limit the ability of non-resident importers to self-assess duties, surtaxes and other taxes on imported goods based on their acquisition costs. In pursuit of this aim, the CBSA launched a third consultation in December 2025 that anticipates a fundamental reshaping of Canada's customs valuation framework through amendments to the&nbsp;Valuation for Duty Regulations, (SOR/86-792) (VFD Regulations).&nbsp;The deadline for stakeholders to make submissions to the 2025 VFD Consultation is January 23, 2025.

CBSA Pushes Customs Valuation Reform

Third Time's a Charm - CBSA Pushes Customs Valuation Reform

Martin Ignasiak KC

Regulatory Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Jessica Kennedy

Larissa D. Lees

Alberta has enacted Bills 8 and 12 to establish a new regulatory and levy framework for data centre development in the province. The changes are intended to support growing AI-driven demand while protecting grid reliability, electricity affordability and long-term system sustainability.

6th Annual Essential Course on Pensions

From the Same Authors