Wesley R. Novotny
Partner

Outline
Overview
Client Work
Grantbook in its implementation of an employee ownership trust structure under the Income Tax Act (Canada)
The Patrick D. Bowlen Trust, as Canadian tax and corporate counsel, in its US$4.65-billion sale of the Denver Broncos NFL franchise to the Walton-Penner group.
Crocodile Gold Corp., (TSX) in its combination with Newmarket Gold Inc. (TSXV) pursuant to a court approved plan of arrangement for approximately $185 million.
Feedlot Health Management Services Ltd., in its successful appeal to the Tax Court of Canada in a case involving the interpretation of fundamental aspects of Canada's scientific research and experimental development taxation regime.
MEG Energy Corp,. in its completed initial public offering of its common shares on August 6, 2010. A total of 20,000,000 shares were issued at $35.00 per share, for aggregated gross proceeds of $700,000,000.
Recognitions & Awards
Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory
Corporate Tax
Lexpert Special Edition—Canada's Leading Finance Lawyers
Recognized as a leading Finance lawyer
Related Services
Education & Bar Admissions
Education
- McGill University, BEng, 2000, with distinction
- University of British Columbia, MASc, 2003
- Dalhousie University, LLB, 2006, dean's list
- University of Cambridge (UK), LLM, 2009, first class honours
Bar Admissions
- Ontario, 2008 (inactive)
- Alberta, 2009
Insights
Blog
C$10 Million Capital Gains Exemption Made Permanent for Employee Ownership Trusts
July 14, 2026 & 1 more
Blog
New Legislative Proposals Boost the Appeal of Employee Ownership Trusts
October 3, 2025Wesley R. Novotny, Wade Ritchie & Zachary Thacker
Article
Climate Change Initiatives: Selected Recent Changes and the Application of Existing Tax Principles to Clean Energy—Part 2
July 21, 2025Greg M. Johnson, Wesley R. Novotny & Brendan Sigalet
News, Events & Speaking Engagements
Announcement
Fifty-Three Bennett Jones Lawyers Ranked in Lexpert's Special Editions on Finance and M&A
April 15, 2026 & 47 more
In The News
Employee Ownership Trusts: A Timely Opportunity for Canadian Business Owners
February 12, 2026Wesley R. Novotny
Speaking Engagement
Wesley Novotny at the 2025 Employee Ownership Canada Conference
September 12, 2025Wesley R. Novotny & Wade Ritchie









