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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

Edwin G. Kroft KC

Tax Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones

Antoine Messervier

Tax Lawyer at Bennett Jones Vancouver

Associate

Anna Lekach

Tax Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

The November 2025 issue of Bennett Jones on Tax Disputes explores major developments in Canadian tax law, including new CRA guidance on the Voluntary Disclosures Program, court decisions on settlement confidentiality and costs, and proposed reforms to the Tax Court&rsquo;s informal procedure limits. The issue also features case summaries and insights from Bennett Jones&rsquo; tax litigators on emerging trends in tax dispute resolution.

Bennett Jones on Tax Disputes Issue 39

Bennett Jones on Tax Disputes: November 2025

Benjamin K. Reingold

Intellectual Property Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Makda Yohannes

Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Stephen D. Burns

Technology Lawyer, Intellectual Property Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Partner, Trademark Agent

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into creative workflows, the use of typefaces and fonts raises complex intellectual property challenges. This article examines the distinction between typefaces and fonts, the scope of copyright, trademark and industrial design protection in Canada, and how AI tools may heighten infringement risks. It also outlines practical steps for designers and businesses to ensure compliance through proper licensing and responsible AI use.

Understanding IP Infringement Risk in Typeface Use in AI Generated Content

Understanding IP Infringement Risk in Typeface Use in AI-Generated Content

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

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

De-risking Your Family Business

From the Same Authors