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Jehad Haymour

Tax Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Partner

Julia Qian Wang

Tax Lawyer at Bennett Jones Montreal

Anna Lekach

Tax Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Associate

Canada&rsquo;s updated transfer pricing rules, effective for tax years beginning after November 4, 2025, introduce a formal framework based on &ldquo;economically relevant characteristics,&rdquo; increasing scrutiny of cross-border intra-group transactions. Life sciences MNEs face heightened audit activity, including functional interviews and expanded information requests, making robust contemporaneous documentation and proactive audit readiness essential. Early engagement of transfer pricing and dispute specialists can help mitigate reassessment risk and ensure defensible positions.

Transfer Pricing Rules in Canada Considerations for the Life Sciences Industry

Considerations for the Life Sciences Industry

Transfer Pricing Rules in Canada

Sophie Virji

The Tax Court of Canada&rsquo;s decision in ExxonMobil Canada Resources Company v. The King highlights the risks of imprecise language in internal corporate communications during CRA audits. The case demonstrates how seemingly innocuous statements can be misconstrued and relied upon to support reassessment positions. It underscores the importance of careful, deliberate drafting to mitigate audit risk and avoid unintended interpretations.

The Issue with Misconstrued Internal Statements

Learnings from ExxonMobil Canada Resources Company v. The King

The Tax Court of Canada allowed ExxonMobil Canada Resources Company&rsquo;s appeal in a significant transfer pricing dispute concerning the deductibility of feasibility study costs related to a proposed Alaska-to-North America natural gas pipeline project. The Court found that the costs were incurred for the purpose of earning income and rejected the Minister&rsquo;s transfer pricing adjustments and Part XIII tax assessment. The decision provides important guidance on transfer pricing analysis, the application of the OECD Guidelines and the evidentiary role of expert testimony in tax disputes.

ExxonMobil Wins in Tax Court in Transfer Pricing Dispute

Jared A. Mackey

Corporate Tax Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Wade Ritchie

The <a href="https://www.budget.canada.ca/2023/home-accueil-en.html">2023 Canadian Federal Budget</a>, released March 28, 2023 (Budget 2023), proposes significant amendments to expand the application of Canada's general anti-avoidance rule. The government has invited the public to submit written comments on the proposed amendments by May 31, 2023.

Budget 2023 Proposes Significant Amendments to Canadas General Anti Avoidance Rule

Budget 2023 Proposes Significant Amendments to Canada's General Anti-Avoidance Rule

Ethan Z. Schiff

Class Actions & Commercial Litigation Lawyer

Evana Yukanna

Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

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

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.

Canadas Q2 2026 MA Landscape

Sustained Momentum Driven by Energy Investment and AI-Related Demand

Canada's Q2 2026 M&A Landscape

Jessica Kennedy

Regulatory Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Larissa D. Lees

On June 9, 2026, the Government of Alberta enacted the Data Centre Regulation, AR 117/2026 under the Electric Utilities Act, codifying the province&rsquo;s &ldquo;bring your own generation&rdquo; policy and providing the legal foundation for the Alberta Electric System Operator&rsquo;s grid connection process for large data centres.&nbsp;

Albertas BYOG Framework

Alberta's BYOG Framework: What Data Centre and Generation Proponents Need to Know

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Daishowa-Marubeni: A Tree Fell in the Forest and the SCC Caught it!

From the Same Authors