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Simon P. Crawford

Leading Commercial Real Estate Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Partner

Vanessa Kiraly

Commercial Real Estate Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Associate

In Oliva v. Dickson (2025 ONSC 6666), the Ontario Superior Court confirmed that Building Code compliance can be an implied term of an Agreement of Purchase and Sale and a basis for vendor-builder liability in negligence. Even without structural failure or express contractual representations, failing to obtain required permits may breach both contractual and tort duties. The decision is a cautionary reminder that regulatory compliance defines both legal risk and commercial expectations in real estate transactions.

No Permit Big Problems

No Permit, Big Problems: Building Code Compliance,  Implied Terms and Vendor-Builder Liability in Ontario

Dana Talucci

Corporate Commercial Practice at Bennett Jones Toronto

Hennadiy Kutsenko

Tax Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Counsel

A court decision on the sale of mixed-use property highlights the risks of failing to allocate purchase price between residential and commercial portions for HST purposes. The ruling underscores the importance of precise drafting and obtaining representations to avoid uncertainty and tax disputes.

Mixed-Use Mixed Signals Why Purchase Price Allocations Matter

Mixed-Use, Mixed Signals: Why Purchase Price Allocations Matter

Samantha Weng

Real Estate Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Once again, cottage season is upon us—and like the return of the season, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Court) has returned to the well-settled law of adverse possession, which continues to surface in modern property disputes where long-term use of a property by an adjoining owner can sometimes erode the ownership rights of the legal owner.

Lines in the Sand A Case of Adverse Possession from Cottage Country

Lines in the Sand: A Case of Adverse Possession from Cottage Country

Adam Kalbfleisch

Competition & Regulatory Lawyer | Foreign Investment

Alixe A.L. Cameron

Corporate Commercial and Real Estate Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Jane C. Helmstadter

The Competition Bureau (Bureau) has released its <a href="https://competition-bureau.canada.ca/en/how-we-foster-competition/education-and-outreach/publications/competitor-property-controls-and-competition-act">finalized property control guidelines</a> (Guidelines) outlining the Bureau's ongoing approach to enforcing competition property controls under the Competition Act (Act). These replace the preliminary guidelines published on August 7, 2024, which were subject to a public consultation process last summer/fall

Breaking Ground The Competition Bureau Weighs in with Final Property Control Guidelines

The Competition Bureau Weighs in with Final Property Control Guidelines

Ruth E. Promislow

 Data Security and Privacy, Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Caroline Poirier

Information Technology, Privacy and Data Protection Lawyer at Bennett Jones Montreal

Suzie Suliman

Commercial Transactions Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Associate, Trademark Agent

The Supreme Court of Canada will hear an appeal on whether Meta Platforms Inc. breached federal privacy law in connection with third-party data sharing. The case focuses on the meaning of valid consent and the extent of organizations&rsquo; obligations to safeguard personal information under Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). Its outcome could significantly shape how organizations manage user data and oversee third-party partners in digital ecosystems.

Privacy Goes to the Top Court

Privacy Goes to the Top Court: The Supreme Court of Canada to Hear the Facebook-OPC Case in March 2026

Andrew L. Jeanrie

Real Estate & Municipal Law Lawyer | Development & Approvals

This blog examines how shifting market conditions in Toronto and the GTA are reshaping the delivery of affordable housing, including recent changes to inclusionary zoning. It highlights key public and private sector initiatives&mdash;such as Housing Now, Toronto Builds, and innovative financing models&mdash;that are advancing new supply despite economic challenges. The piece also explores how stakeholders are adapting strategies to balance policy goals with market realities.

Affordable Housing in Challenging Times

Affordable Housing in Challenging Times: Market Update and Insights from Active Projects in Toronto and the GTA

Benjamin K. Reingold

Intellectual Property Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Makda Yohannes

Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Stephen D. Burns

Energy & Infrastructure Technology Lawyer | IT/OT & Markets

Partner, Trademark Agent

Artificial intelligence is increasingly used to generate music and curate playlists, raising new questions about copyright protection under Canadian law. This blog examines whether AI-generated songs and playlists can qualify as copyright-protected works or compilations, and how courts may assess originality and human authorship. It also outlines practical considerations for artists, platforms and organizations using AI tools in the creative process.

Copyright in Compilations AI Generated Music and Playlists Under Canadian Law

Copyright in Compilations: AI‑Generated Music and Playlists Under Canadian Law 

Emma Danaher

Associate 

As artificial intelligence tools become more autonomous, they are creating new legal risks, including the potential for AI-generated defamation. This article explores how Canadian courts may assess liability when AI agents publish harmful or false statements, and why companies deploying these tools must implement strong governance, safeguards and oversight. It also examines how existing Canadian defamation principles may apply to emerging AI technologies.

When AI Speaks for Itself How AI is Reshaping Defamation Risk

When AI Speaks for Itself: How AI is Reshaping Defamation Risk

Jehad Haymour

Tax Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Sophie Virji

Tax Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Anna Lekach

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.

Doing Business In Canada: Commercial Real Estate

From the Same Authors

No Permit, Big Problems: Building Code Compliance, Implied Terms and Vendor-Builder Liability in Ontario