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Michael S. Shakra

Corporate Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Partner

Zachary Thacker

Tax Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Associate

<p><span>Bill C-228, <em>An Act to amend the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act and the Pension Benefits Standards Act, 1985</em> received Royal Assent on April 27, 2023 and is now law, subject to a four-year transitional period before its provisions come into effect.</span></p>
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New Pension Priorities in Bankruptcy and Insolvency are Closer to Reality

New Pension Priorities in Bankruptcy and Insolvency Are Now Reality

On April 28, 2022, the federal government introduced <em>Budget Implementation Act, 2022, No. 1 </em>(Bill C-19) for first reading, to implement certain aspects of the federal government's 2022 Budget. Included in Bill C-19 is a proposed amendment to the <em>Pension Benefits Standards Act, 1985</em> (PBSA) which, if adopted, would make governance policies mandatory for all federally regulated registered pension plans (Federally Regulated Plans). It expands on previously proposed legislation, introduced in 2021, that would have made governance policies a requirement solely for Federally Regulated Plans that are negotiated contribution plans.

Governance Policies to be Required for All Federally Regulated Pension Plans

Hennadiy Kutsenko

Tax Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Counsel

On February 4, 2022, the Canadian federal government released <a rel="noopener noreferrer" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://fin.canada.ca/drleg-apl/2022/ita-lir-0222-1-eng.html" target="_blank">draft legislation</a> to implement a variety of proposed tax measures, which are discussed in a number of separate articles by Bennett Jones. In this article, we discuss certain of the measures that, if adopted as proposed, would implement the federal government's 2021 Federal Budget commitment to provide greater flexibility and simplify the making and reporting of contribution errors affecting defined contribution (DC) pension plans.

Fixing Contribution Errors for Defined Contribution Pension Plans

What You Need to Know About Draft Amendments to the Federal Income Tax Act and Regulations

Jesslyn G. Maurier

Technology, Media and Entertainment, Corporate Commercial and Corporate Governance Lawyer at Bennett Jones

Bennett Jones recently hosted a two-part webinar series on ESG and institutional investors. The first session looked at their role in ESG, private markets and investment, how risks and opportunities are being assessed in the boardroom, ESG performance in the energy industry and some predictions on what is ahead. The second session looked at ESG and pension plan administration with a focus on the issues at the interface of ESG and the duties of pension fiduciaries, as well as some predictions on what is ahead.

ESG and Institutional Investors Part Two

ESG and Institutional Investors: Part Two

John D. van Gent

Commercial Real Estate Finance Lawyer | Lending & Credit

Quinn Rozwadowski

Articling Student at Bennett Jones in Toronto

Articling Student

This article examines a common misconception in mortgage lending: the perceived need for guarantees from beneficial owners and general partners. It explains why such guarantees are typically unenforceable due to fundamental principles of agency and guarantee law. The piece also outlines clearer, more effective approaches to structuring mortgage loan relationships.

Would The Real Guarantor Please Stand Up

Andrew N. Disipio

Mining & Corporate Finance Lawyer | M&A, Equity & Debt Deals

Geoffrey P. Stenger

Energy, Infrastructure & Construction Lawyer | Bennett Jones Calgary

Partner 

Alexis Fol

Project Development, Energy and Infrastructure Lawyer at Bennett Jones Montreal

Canada&rsquo;s M&amp;A market entered 2026 with moderated activity but sustained underlying strength, as dealmakers adopted a more selective and strategic approach. Large transactions drove a significant share of total value, with energy, mining and infrastructure leading activity. As regulatory clarity improves and investor confidence builds, the market is well positioned for increased dealmaking through the remainder of the year.

Canadas Q1 2026 MA Landscape

Large Transactions and Sector Concentration Shape Early-2026 Dealmaking

Canada's Q1 2026 M&A Landscape

Artem N. Barsukov FCIArb

International Arbitration Lawyer

Edward W. Hulshof

Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Vancouver

Paige Lutz

Articling Student at Bennett Jones Vancouver

The Alberta Court of Appeal clarified that broadly worded arbitration clauses can extend to statutory claims, including those under the Tort-Feasors Act. Overturning the uncertainty created by Orica, the Court confirmed that parties will be held to their agreement to arbitrate, even where claims arise by operation of law. The decision reinforces commercial certainty and helps avoid parallel proceedings and inconsistent outcomes.

Alberta Court of Appeal Provides Antidote to Consternation on Scope of Arbitration Clauses

Anu Nijhawan

M&A, Corporate Financing and International Tax Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Lead Director and Partner

Talia K. Bregman

Management-side Employment Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Recent guidance from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development provides important clarity on when cross-border remote work arrangements may give rise to a permanent establishment under international tax treaties. The analysis focuses on key indicators such as the duration of remote work and whether there is a commercial reason for an employee&rsquo;s presence in a jurisdiction. The article also outlines practical steps employers can take to mitigate tax risk and manage a globally distributed workforce.

Remote Work Without Borders But Not Necessarily Without Tax Consequences

Remote Work Without Borders—But Not Necessarily Without Tax Consequences: OECD Guidance for a Post-Pandemic World

Ethan Z. Schiff

Class Actions & Commercial Litigation Lawyer

Pavan Pasha

Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

In <em>Cervantes v. Pizza Nova Take Out Ltd.</em>, the Ontario Divisional Court clarified that civil conspiracy claims must allege an agreement or common design among defendants. The Court held that compliance with a franchisor&rsquo;s requirements alone does not constitute conspiracy. This decision reinforces the need for precise pleadings and upholds the principle of corporate separateness in class action claims.

No Agreement No Conspiracy Ontario Court Affirms Civil Conspiracy Requires a Pleaded Agreement

No Agreement, No Conspiracy: Ontario Court Affirms Civil Conspiracy Requires a Pleaded Agreement

Bennett Jones in AmLaw Daily

From the Same Authors