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Jennifer A. Miller KC

Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) and Employment Lawyer at Bennett Jones Edmonton

Partner

Simon Foxcroft

Mining, Energy, Transportation, Construction and OH&S Lawyer at Bennett Jones Edmonton

Beth L. Jonah

Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Edmonton

Associate

In a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment in April 2025, the Government of Alberta issued a Director Order that significantly altered the legal landscape concerning work site incident scene disturbances. In essence, we have returned to the law as originally written.

Major Change in Alberta OHS Scene Disturbance Law

Major Change in Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Scene Disturbance Law

Jenna Vivian

On January 23, 2025, the New Brunswick Court of Appeal released its decision in King v R. This tragic case highlights critical lessons for employers, emphasizing the importance of leadership accountability, adherence to safety protocols and a proactive approach to managing high-risk activities. This decision arose from the drowning of 18-year-old Michael Henderson in a confined space on a construction site in Fredericton, leading to the conviction of Jason King, his supervisor, for criminal negligence causing death.

Just Released OHS Lessons for Employers from King v R 2025 NBCA 12

Just Released: OHS Lessons for Employers from King v. R., 2025 NBCA 12

On December 1, 2021, sweeping changes to Alberta's current occupational health and safety legislation will come into force. The new laws rectify many of the previous challenges that arose from ambiguous and overly prescriptive statutory provisions, but in the short term, the revisions will constitute yet more change for employers already struggling to adapt their workplace policies and procedures to the ongoing pandemic. While there are many alterations to Alberta's existing occupational health and safety legislation, this article only addresses a number of the material changes.

New Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Laws to Take Force December 1 2021

New Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Laws to Take Force December 1, 2021

Mathieu J. LaFleche

Commercial Litigation and Health Lawyer at Bennett Jones Edmonton

Bill 47: Ensuring Safety and Cutting Red Tape Act, 2020, was introduced in the Alberta Legislature on November 5, 2020, and, if passed, will come into force on September 1, 2021. Among other things, Bill 47 comprehensively overhauls occupational health and safety legislation by replacing the current Occupational Health and Safety Act with a new act.

Proposed Sweeping Changes to Albertas Occupational Health and Safety Act

Proposed Sweeping Changes to Alberta's Occupational Health and Safety Act

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

Partner 

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 

Alberta Petro-Chemical Safety Council Meeting

Authors


Bennett Jones Speaking Engagement Alberta Petro-Chemical Safety Council Meeting May 17, 2007 Authors Jennifer A. Miller KCPartner Jennifer Miller presents "Privacy Law, Workers' Compensation and Occupational Health and Safety". 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 Jennifer A. Miller KC, Partner Edmonton • 780.917.4261 • millerj@bennettjones.com