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E. Bruce Mellett KC

Energy, Insurance, Professional Liability and Construction Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Partner 

Blair C. Yorke-Slader KC

Leading Corporate, Commercial and Energy Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Vice Chair and Partner

Canada's reputation as a politically and financially stable supplier of energy has made it both a highly desirable source of supply and an increasingly frequent investment target. The substantial commercial activity which these attributes have produced has resulted in various forms of energy related litigation, including operatorship issues, title and land concerns, competition and foreign investment challenges and accounting disagreements. It has also produced a number of litigation counsel, particularly in western Canada, who have developed considerable expertise in energy related litigation and in the workings of the energy industry. Blair C. Yorke-Slader, QC and E. Bruce Mellett, published in Legal Media Group's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.benchmarklitigation.com/" title="Benchmark Canada 2012">Benchmark Canada 2012</a>.

Energy Litigation in Canada

A pithy review of several recent appellate decisions reflecting the
balancing of societal interests, and the judicial exploration for
fairness and the true intention of the parties, in the face of
apparently plain contractual language. Originally presented at the
2010 Legal Education Society of Alberta 43rd Annual Refresher
Course (Business Law).

Freedom of Contract Revisited

An entertaining and informative history of Ponzi schemes and of extraordinary relief available to victims. Originally presented at the 2010 Legal Education Society of Alberta/Canadian Bar Association Alberta Law Conference.

Ponzi Schemes and Other Really Bad Investments

Ponzi Schemes (and Other Really Bad Investments) - and What to Do About Them

A review of principles of effective oral appellate advocacy for
practitioners. Blair Yorke-Slader and Jolaine Antonio, originally prepared for the April 2007 Legal
Education Society of Alberta (LESA) Appellate Advocacy seminar.

How to Sway the Undecided and Feel Good About It

Oral Argument - How to Sway the Undecided and Feel Good About It

Sara G. Parchello

Employment Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Partner

David Cassin

Brendan J. Weiler

Employment Services Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Associate

Two recent Ontario Superior Court decisions&mdash;Li v Wayfair Canada Inc. and Jones v Strides Toronto&mdash;clarify that the phrase &ldquo;at any time&rdquo; in a termination clause does not automatically invalidate an employment agreement under the ESA. While both cases distinguish earlier restrictive rulings, ongoing inconsistencies, including the Chan decision, highlight the need for appellate guidance. Employers should continue to review contracts carefully to ensure ESA compliance.

Termination At Any Time A Review of Recent Developments

Termination “At Any Time”? A Review of Recent Developments from Li v Wayfair Canada Inc. and Jones v Strides Toronto

Mykala Way

Commercial Real Estate Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Jane C. Helmstadter

Real Estate Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

The Ontario Court of Appeal&rsquo;s decision in 100 Bloor Street West Corporation v. Barry&rsquo;s Bootcamp Canada Inc. underscores the risks of vague realty tax provisions in commercial leases. The case highlights how inconsistent or ambiguous calculation methods can expose both landlords and tenants to costly litigation. Clear, consistent, and fair drafting of tax allocation clauses is essential to avoid disputes and ensure predictable outcomes.

One Method Many Taxes Lease Interpretation and Realty Tax

One Method, Many Taxes: Lease Interpretation and Realty Tax Allocation in 100 Bloor Street West v. Barry’s Bootcamp

Michelle F. Yung

Real Estate Lawyer at Bennett Jones Vancouver

Vanessa Kiraly

A recent Ontario Superior Court decision underscores the importance of precise lease drafting. In Malleum Real Estate v. Donut Monster, the court held that tenant obligations began on the fixed commencement date&mdash;regardless of unfinished landlord improvements or pandemic disruptions. The ruling highlights that assumptions cannot override clear lease terms and offers practical lessons for both landlords and tenants.

When Assumptions Break Leases The Need for Clear Terms

When Assumptions Break Leases: The Need for Clear Terms

Vasilis F. L. Pappas, FCIArb

International Arbitration Lawyer at Bennett Jones Vancouver and Calgary

Melanie Teetaert

Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Vancouver

Geoffrey P. Stenger

Project Development, Energy, Infrastructure and Construction Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

On October 7, 2025, British Columbia introduced Bill 20, the Construction Prompt Payment Act. If enacted, it will overhaul payment timelines and create a fast-track adjudication process for construction disputes. The legislation is expected to significantly impact owners, contractors and subcontractors across the province.

BC Introduces Prompt Payment Legislation

B.C. Introduces Prompt Payment Legislation

Benjamin K. Reingold

Intellectual Property Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Jesse Mighton

Insolvency and Restructuring Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Nyrie Israelian

Intellectual Property at Bennett Jones Toronto

The Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy has issued new guidance on the use of AI tools by Licensed Insolvency Trustees. The guidance underscores the need for oversight, accuracy, transparency, and adherence to professional obligations as AI becomes more integrated into insolvency practice.

OSB Issues New Guidance

OSB Issues New Guidance: What Licensed Insolvency Trustees Must Know about AI Tools 

Blair Yorke-Slader Quoted in the Calgary Herald on Half-billion Dollar Lawsuit

From the Same Authors