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Leah Tolton KC, FEA

Corporate Commercial Lawyer at Bennett Jones Edmonton

Partner

A lack of communication is the most common—and most costly—mistake family enterprise owners make when planning for the future. Values-based conversations, proactive planning and collaborative advisory teams can prevent disaster and preserve both wealth and relationships across generations.  I spoke about the critical role of communication in successful family business transitions with Sandra Pollack in a recent Beyond Succession podcast. Sandra is a family enterprise advisor and author of "Don't Leave a Mess! How to Disaster-Proof Your Family Legacy."

QandA How to Disaster Proof the Legacy of a Family Enterprise

Q&A on How to Disaster-Proof the Legacy of a Family Enterprise

Canadian agricultural family enterprises are living legacies that anchor our local economies. From household names to community-driven farms, these businesses have deep roots in the land and the hearts of their communities.
My Bennett Jones colleague, <a rel="noopener noreferrer" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://bennettjones.com/GrahamLorelei" target="_blank">Lorelei Graham</a>, recently joined me as a guest on the <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.bennettjones.com/Podcasts-Section/Agribusiness-in-Canada-How-Family-Enterprises-in-Agriculture-Manage-Business-Growth" target="_blank">Beyond Succession</a> podcast. Lorelei practises intellectual property law with a significant focus on clients in the food and agribusiness sector. She joined me to discuss how family-owned agribusinesses grow, transition, innovate, build a lasting legacy and give back across Canada.

QandA on Managing Intergenerational Growth in Canadian Agribusiness

Q&A on Managing Intergenerational Growth in Canadian Agribusiness

In an era where digital threats are more sophisticated than ever, cybersecurity has become a pressing concern for family enterprises. These businesses are attractive targets for cyberattacks and need to balance the critical goals of protecting themselves while maintaining operational efficiency.

Q and A on Cybersecurity and Family Enterprises How to Navigate the Digital Frontier

Q&A on Cybersecurity and Family Enterprises: How to Navigate the Digital Frontier

When family relationships break down, the impact can extend well beyond personal matters, putting the future of a family enterprise at risk. I recently spoke with Patricia Hebert, a collaborative family lawyer, mediator and child advocate, to explore how collaborative family law can protect business continuity, preserve family wealth and sustain long-term legacy during separation or divorce.
Patricia is a Barrister & Solicitor and Registered Mediator at Bruyer & Mackay in Edmonton and she joined me as a guest on Bennett Jones’ Beyond Succession podcast. These are some of the highlights of our discussion.

QandA on Protecting Family Enterprises Through Collaborative Family Law

Q&A on Protecting Family Enterprises Through Collaborative Family Law

Dominique T. Hussey

Chief Executive Officer and Intellectual Property Litigator, Pharma/Biotech and Trademark Lawyer

Chief Executive Officer

Vincent M. de Grandpré

IP Lawyer | Life Sciences & Tech

Emily P. Kettel

Intellectual Property Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Partner, Trademark Agent

In Pharmascience v. Janssen Inc., the Supreme Court of Canada reaffirmed that methods of medical treatment remain unpatentable subject matter under the Patent Act because they are directed to the professional skill and judgment of healthcare practitioners. At the same time, the Court upheld the patentability of the dosing regimen claims at issue, clarifying that not all therapeutic or treatment-related claims constitute unpatentable methods of medical treatment. The decision provides important guidance on assessing patent eligibility for pharmaceutical and life sciences innovations in Canada.

Supreme Court of Canada Reaffirms that  Methods of Medical Treatment are Unpatentable

Supreme Court of Canada Confirms That Medical Professional Skill and Judgment Are Excluded From the Patent Bargain

Ethan Z. Schiff

Class Actions & Commercial Litigation Lawyer

Evana Yukanna

Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Associate

Ontario court denies a late class action opt-out request, reinforcing settlement finality and confirming prejudice can arise before court approval.

Ontario Court Reinforces Finality of Class Proceedings in Rejecting Late Opt Out Request

Ontario Court Reinforces Finality of Class Proceedings in Rejecting Late Opt-Out Request

Martin Ignasiak KC

Energy & Industrial Projects Lawyer

Head of Energy Regulatory

Tyler McDonough

Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Logan Lazurko

Energy & Regulatory Lawyer | Environmental

On June 17, 2026, the Alberta Court of Appeal unanimously dismissed an appeal by Fort McMurray 468 First Nation challenging an Alberta Energy Regulator decision that the First Nation lacked standing to request regulatory appeals of approvals issued to AdhMor Ltd. for an oilfield waste management facility near Fort McMurray. The decision in Fort McMurray 468 First Nation v Alberta Energy Regulator, 2026 ABCA 197, offers important guidance on what it takes to get in the door at the AER.

Alberta Court of Appeal Confirms Cumulative Effects are no Substitute for Evidence

No Standing Without Specifics: Alberta Court of Appeal Confirms that Cumulative Effects are no Substitute for Evidence

Wesley R. Novotny

Corporate Tax Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Wade Ritchie

Tax Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Zachary Thacker

In the April 28, 2026 Spring Economic Update, the federal government announced its intention to make permanent the C$10 million capital gains exemption available on certain sales of businesses to employee ownership trusts and worker cooperatives, which exemption was previously set to expire at the end of 2026. This amendment has now passed into law as part of Bill C-30, which received Royal Assent on June 18, 2026.

Capital Gains Exemption Made Permanent for Employee Ownership Trusts

A Major Boost for Canadian Business Succession

C$10 Million Capital Gains Exemption Made Permanent for Employee Ownership Trusts 

Curtis A. Cusinato

Vice Chair and Co-Head of M&A

Vice Chair and Co-Head of Mergers & Acquisitions

Tyler B. McAuley

Corporate Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Kevin Myson

Energy & Corporate Lawyer | M&A, Natural Resources & Transport

Canada&rsquo;s M&amp;A market remained resilient through the first half of 2026, with deal activity increasingly concentrated in large, strategically important transactions despite ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainty. This quarterly update explores the sectors driving Canadian M&amp;A, including energy, digital infrastructure and real estate, and examines how policy developments, AI-related demand and shifting investment priorities are shaping dealmaking trends. It also highlights key opportunities and considerations for investors as activity is expected to accelerate in the second half of the year.

Legacy Builders Live Webcast

From the Same Authors