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Samuel Judson

Commercial Real Estate Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Associate

Craig R. R. Garbe

Commercial Real Estate Lawyer | Funds, REITs & JV Deals

Partner

Rights of first refusal (ROFRs) can significantly affect Canadian commercial real estate transactions, particularly when properties are sold as part of a portfolio. This blog reviews limited Canadian case law addressing when ROFRs are triggered in portfolio sales and the challenges they create for vendors and purchasers. It also outlines practical structuring strategies to help navigate these complex transactions.

Rights of First Refusal in Canadian Commercial Real Estate

Rights of First Refusal in Canadian Commercial Real Estate: Navigating Portfolio ROFRs

Shahrose Javed

Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

With the global downturn in certain asset class valuations, hotels are experiencing something of a renaissance and have re-emerged as a preferred asset class. As the industry booms and demand increases, hotel operators are looking to establish new locations, and CRE (commercial real estate) owners are providing (or, frequently, repurposing) land and buildings to serve that need. But for both owners and operators alike, the key to unlocking value in this asset class comes in correctly determining and drafting an efficient and effective operating structure—one that incentivizes performance, rewards success and compensates each party for input. More often than not, that structure takes the form of a hotel management agreement. In this article we take a close look at these agreements—what are they, what are they not and what might they become.

The Hotel Management Agreement What Why and How

The Hotel Management Agreement: What, Why and How?

Andrew L. Jeanrie

Real Estate & Municipal Law Lawyer | Development & Approvals

Valuing a commercial asset is a tricky business. Often, in the eyes of a purchaser, an asset's value is tied in part to the likelihood of future events—a significant customer order, a change in purchasing patterns, a government approval, etc. So, it is only natural that, where a vendor and purchaser cannot reach agreement on an asset's price, the parties would agree to connect that price (or some of it) to the occurrence of those future events.

Real Estate Earnouts The Risks and Rewards of Density Bonuses

(Real) Estate Earnouts: The Risks and Rewards of Density Bonuses

Dana Talucci

Corporate Commercial Practice at Bennett Jones Toronto

Jane C. Helmstadter

Real Estate Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

We all take real property purchase agreements seriously. We read only the title and we know that a transaction is likely to occur, perhaps a significant one. We can also reasonably expect that there will be a property, a price, a timeline, probably some representations and warranties, and perhaps conditions to be satisfied. But an "option" to purchase a property? Well, that just doesn't sound quite as important now does it? After all, if something is optional it might not even be needed, or it might never exist. It certainly doesn't seem to warrant as much attention as an agreement to purchase—so perhaps no great amount of attention should be paid to it?

But Its Just An Option Option Risks And The Tale Of Horn v Xylem

But It's "Just" An Option! Option Risks And The Tale Of Horn v. Xylem

Christine Plante

Employment Lawyer | HR Legal Counsel

Sara G. Parchello

Employment Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Tami Oguntona

Articling Student at Bennett Jones in Calgary 

Articling Student 

Bill C-31 proposes significant amendments to the Canada Labour Code that would prohibit most post-employment non-compete clauses and potentially other employment-related restrictions in federally regulated workplaces. While the legislation has not yet been enacted, employers should begin assessing the potential impact of the proposed changes, including the limited exemptions available for certain business transactions and senior executive roles.

Restricting Covenants in Federal Workplaces

Proposed Updates to Canada Labour Code Expected To Prohibit Post-Employment Restrictive Covenants

Ruth E. Promislow

Privacy, Cybersecurity & AI Lawyer

Caroline Poirier

IT, Privacy & Data Protection Lawyer

Suzie Suliman

Commercial Transactions Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Associate, Trademark Agent

The 2025 GPEN Sweep highlights growing global scrutiny of how digital platforms handle children&rsquo;s personal information, revealing increased data collection alongside limited safeguards. While improvements have been made in areas such as account deletion, significant gaps remain in effective age assurance, transparency, and protective design. The findings signal that regulators are likely to intensify guidance and enforcement efforts to better protect children&rsquo;s privacy online.

Global Privacy Sweep Highlights Growing Expectations for Childrens Privacy Online

Global Privacy Sweep Highlights Growing Expectations for Children's Privacy Online

Nina Butz

Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Jackson Spencer

Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Vancouver

This article highlights recent decisions demonstrating courts&rsquo; strict approach to certifying privacy class actions in Canada. It shows how failures to establish an identifiable class, viable claims, or compensable harm can be fatal at certification. The rulings reaffirm courts&rsquo; gatekeeping role and signal continued challenges for plaintiffs advancing privacy-based claims.

Courts show Continued Commitment to Closely Scrutinizing Proposed Privacy Class Actions

Recent Decisions Reinforce Certification Challenges

Courts Continue Close Scrutiny of Privacy Class Actions

Emrys Davis

Competition & Antitrust Litigation Lawyer

Ana Nizharadze

Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

This article examines the growing wave of drip pricing class actions following recent amendments to the Competition Act. It analyzes key Federal Court decisions that clarify how courts assess &ldquo;unattainable prices,&rdquo; fixed and obligatory fees, and damages at the certification stage. With several appeals and new cases underway, these rulings offer early guidance on how disclosure obligations may evolve in 2026 and beyond.

From First Price to Final Cost Drip Pricing Cases on the Rise

"Drip Pricing" Cases on the Rise

From First Price to Final Cost

Lukas VanDusen

Competition & Antitrust Lawyer | Foreign Investment

This article reviews the Competition Tribunal&rsquo;s first decision interpreting the new public interest standing provisions under the Competition Act. It establishes a three-part test for leave and emphasizes the need for a strong evidentiary record, including a viable litigation plan and demonstrated capacity to pursue complex claims. The decision underscores the Tribunal&rsquo;s gatekeeping role while providing guidance for future applicants and respondents.

Craig Garbe at LSO's 18th Annual Real Estate Law Summit

From the Same Authors