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Daniel (Dan) R. Chubb

Corporate Commercial Lawyer at Bennett Jones Edmonton

Partner

Joan Bilsland

Knowledge Management Research Lawyer at Bennett Jones

Knowledge Management Research Lawyer

Luke Stretch

Commercial Real Estate Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Associate

Canadian courts generally treat real estate deposits as forfeitable upon a purchaser&rsquo;s default, distinct from unenforceable penalty clauses. However, under the Redstone factors, courts may grant relief from forfeiture where a deposit is grossly disproportionate to the vendor&rsquo;s damages or where retaining it would be unconscionable in the circumstances.

When A Deposit Becomes A Penalty

When a Deposit Becomes a Penalty: Relief From Forfeiture in Real Estate Transactions

Stephen D. Burns

Energy & Infrastructure Technology Lawyer | IT/OT & Markets

Partner, Trademark Agent

J. Sébastien A. Gittens

Technology Lawyer & Trademark Agent

Scott H. D. Bower KC

Corporate, Commercial, Securities and Energy Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Partner 

Canadian courts and law societies, alike, are faced with an ever-evolving challenge: straddling the line between recognizing the potential benefits of emergent generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), while balancing the associated risks of using this technology. Principle to these associated risks is the ability of GenAI to "hallucinate" (i.e., generate incorrect information).

Unchartered Territories Canadian Courts and Law Societies Grapple with the Use of Generative

Unchartered Territories: Canadian Courts and Law Societies Grapple with the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools

Julia E. Schatz

Commercial & Regulatory Lawyer | Environmental & Agribusiness

The ability to extend a limitation period for an environmental claim is subject to considerable judicial discretion, the Court of Appeal of Alberta recently held in <a rel="noopener noreferrer" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.canlii.org/en/ab/abca/doc/2024/2024abca60/2024abca60.html" target="_blank">Paramount Resources Ltd v Grey Owl Engineering Ltd, 2024 ABCA 60</a>. Section 218 of Alberta's Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, RSA 2000, c E-12 gives a judge discretion to extend a limitation period "where the basis for the proceeding is an alleged adverse effect resulting from the alleged release of a substance into the environment".  However, no extension was granted in the case of a claim for remediation costs against other alleged contributors to a pipeline spill.

Extending Discretion Balancing the Limitations Act and Environmental Remediation Claims

Extending Discretion: Balancing the Limitations Act and Environmental Remediation Claims

Russell J. Kruger

Research Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Counsel

Separate corporate personality is not a loophole or technicality, but is an essential principle of corporate law, the Alberta Court of Appeal recently reiterated in <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://canlii.ca/t/jzbmj" target="_blank">Condominium Corporation No. 0828219 v Carrington Holdings Ltd., 2023 ABCA 222</a> [Carrington] and <a href="https://canlii.ca/t/jzf2t" target="_self">Swanby v Tru-Square Homes Ltd, 2023 ABCA 224</a> [Swanby]. Together, Carrington and Swanby highlight the powerful impact of separate corporate personality on shareholder liability for the actions of their corporations.

Separate Corporate Personality Remains Alive and Well in Alberta

Serge Dupont

Senior Advisor at Bennett Jones Ottawa

Senior Advisor

Policy and business leaders in 2026 are confronting disruptive global forces that pose daunting economic and financial risks while also transforming markets and creating avenues for growth over the next years.

Economic Outlook Mid Year 2026

A Changing World: New Risks, New Opportunities

2026 Mid-Year Economic Outlook

Alison G. FitzGerald

International Arbitration Lawyer at Bennett Jones Ottawa

Nasra Moumin

Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Global trade policy is rapidly reshaping the regulatory and commercial landscape for life sciences companies. This update explores how evolving US tariff measures, national security reviews, CUSMA renewal uncertainty and expanding export controls are affecting pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers operating across borders. The authors also examine Canada&rsquo;s response and the growing compliance, supply chain and market access challenges facing the sector in 2026 and beyond.

The Impact of Global Trade on the Life Sciences Sector

Vincent M. de Grandpré

IP Lawyer | Life Sciences & Tech

Melissa M. Dimilta

Intellectual Property Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

As part of a deeply interconnected global sector, the life sciences industry in Canada is undergoing significant change alongside broad macroeconomic and geopolitical shifts.&nbsp;The Bennett Jones Life Sciences team looks at the top issues and developments affecting the industry in 2026.

2026 Life Sciences outlook

Legal and Market Trends to Watch This Year

Life Sciences Outlook 2026

Emily P. Kettel

Cross-border collaborations are central to the life sciences industry, but they can also raise complex questions about patent infringement liability in Canada. This update examines the Federal Court&rsquo;s recent decision in Adeia Guides Inc v Videotron Ltd and its implications for companies involved in the development, supply and commercialization of patented products and services. The authors explore how Canadian law approaches common design infringement, experimental use exemptions and the potential liability of foreign partners whose activities contribute to products ultimately sold in Canada.

Life Sciences Collaborations and the Risk of Joint Patent Infringement

Aaron E. Sonshine

Corporate Finance, Mergers and Acquisitions and Corporate Governance Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

The life sciences sector is experiencing a renewed wave of M&amp;A activity driven by patent expiries, expanding investor appetite and growing demand for innovative therapies and technologies. Drawing on insights shared at the Bloom Burton &amp; Co. Healthcare Investor Conference, this update explores the key trends shaping dealmaking in Canada and globally, including increased competition for assets, rising private transactions and growing investment in emerging markets such as China. The author also examines why current market conditions point to continued momentum across the sector in the second half of 2026.

Alberta's Limitation Laws

From the Same Authors