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Leah Tolton KC, FEA

Corporate Commercial Lawyer at Bennett Jones Edmonton

Partner

A lack of communication is the most common—and most costly—mistake family enterprise owners make when planning for the future. Values-based conversations, proactive planning and collaborative advisory teams can prevent disaster and preserve both wealth and relationships across generations.  I spoke about the critical role of communication in successful family business transitions with Sandra Pollack in a recent Beyond Succession podcast. Sandra is a family enterprise advisor and author of "Don't Leave a Mess! How to Disaster-Proof Your Family Legacy."

QandA How to Disaster Proof the Legacy of a Family Enterprise

Q&A on How to Disaster-Proof the Legacy of a Family Enterprise

Canadian agricultural family enterprises are living legacies that anchor our local economies. From household names to community-driven farms, these businesses have deep roots in the land and the hearts of their communities.
My Bennett Jones colleague, <a rel="noopener noreferrer" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://bennettjones.com/GrahamLorelei" target="_blank">Lorelei Graham</a>, recently joined me as a guest on the <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.bennettjones.com/Podcasts-Section/Agribusiness-in-Canada-How-Family-Enterprises-in-Agriculture-Manage-Business-Growth" target="_blank">Beyond Succession</a> podcast. Lorelei practises intellectual property law with a significant focus on clients in the food and agribusiness sector. She joined me to discuss how family-owned agribusinesses grow, transition, innovate, build a lasting legacy and give back across Canada.

QandA on Managing Intergenerational Growth in Canadian Agribusiness

Q&A on Managing Intergenerational Growth in Canadian Agribusiness

In an era where digital threats are more sophisticated than ever, cybersecurity has become a pressing concern for family enterprises. These businesses are attractive targets for cyberattacks and need to balance the critical goals of protecting themselves while maintaining operational efficiency.

Q and A on Cybersecurity and Family Enterprises How to Navigate the Digital Frontier

Q&A on Cybersecurity and Family Enterprises: How to Navigate the Digital Frontier

When family relationships break down, the impact can extend well beyond personal matters, putting the future of a family enterprise at risk. I recently spoke with Patricia Hebert, a collaborative family lawyer, mediator and child advocate, to explore how collaborative family law can protect business continuity, preserve family wealth and sustain long-term legacy during separation or divorce.
Patricia is a Barrister & Solicitor and Registered Mediator at Bruyer & Mackay in Edmonton and she joined me as a guest on Bennett Jones’ Beyond Succession podcast. These are some of the highlights of our discussion.

QandA on Protecting Family Enterprises Through Collaborative Family Law

Q&A on Protecting Family Enterprises Through Collaborative Family Law

Christine A. Viney

Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Margaret (Meg) Bennett

Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Associate

Kaamil Khalfan

The Supreme Court of Canada&rsquo;s decision in Emond v Trillium Mutual Insurance Co clarifies how insurance policies are interpreted when endorsements enhancing coverage conflict with policy exclusions. The Court confirmed that a guaranteed rebuilding cost endorsement does not extend coverage to costs expressly excluded, highlighting potential gaps for homeowners and the importance of reviewing policies holistically.

Emond Rebuilding Dreams or Interpreting Realities The Supreme Court Weighs In

Emond: Rebuilding Dreams or Interpreting Realities? The Supreme Court Weighs In

William S. Osler KC

Capital Markets, Securities, M&A and Corporate Governance Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Mia Bacic

Corporate and Securities Lawyer at Bennett Jones Vancouver

Tinashe Muzah

Articling Student at Bennett Jones in Calgary 

Articling Student

The CSA has finalized amendments and ongoing initiatives to modernize continuous disclosure for investment funds, aimed at streamlining requirements, reducing regulatory burden, and improving investor clarity.

CSA Continues Work to Modernize Continuous Disclosure for Investment Funds

Sarah E. Gilbert

Regulatory, Environmental and Health and Safety Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Julia E. Schatz

Commercial Litigation, Agribusiness, Arbitration, Real Estate, Construction and Environmental Litigation at Bennett Jones Toronto

Partner 

Gatlin Smeijers

Environmental Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

On December 31, 2025, the Federal Government published the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2025 under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. When they come into effect on June 30, 2026, the 2025 Regulations will repeal and replace the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012. The Federal Government published a proposed version of the 2025 Regulations in 2022 for public consultation.

Federal Government Publishes Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations

Federal Government Publishes Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2025

Drew C. Broughton

Corporate Commercial and M&A Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Audrix Arce

Articling Student 

Recent changes to the Commissioner of Lobbying&rsquo;s interpretation of the federal Lobbying Act significantly lower the threshold for mandatory lobbyist registration. As of January 2026, organizations may be required to register if employees collectively spend as little as eight hours lobbying within a four-week period, including preparation and written communications. This update has important compliance implications for corporations and other organizations engaging with federal public office holders.

Expanded Federal Lobbyist Registration Requirements

Melanie L. Aitken

Global Antitrust and Competition Law and Litigation Advisor at Bennett Jones Washington

Managing Principal, Bennett Jones (US) LLP

Cheryl M. Woodin

Commercial Litigation, Product Liability & Class Actions Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Emrys Davis

Commercial Litigation, Competition and Class Action Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

In Martin v. Alphabet, the Competition Tribunal issued its first decision interpreting the new public-interest pathway for private access under section 103.1(7) of the Competition Act. While affirming an intention to broaden access, the Tribunal articulated a flexible but rigorous three-part framework that places real weight on evidence, genuine interest and the applicant&rsquo;s capacity to prosecute complex competition cases. The decision underscores that public interest alone is insufficient without a coherent, Canada-focused evidentiary record and a credible litigation plan.

Martin v Alphabet Tribunal

Martin v. Alphabet: Tribunal Sets the Public Interest Leave Framework—Evidence and Capacity Now the Gatekeepers

De-risking Your Family Business

From the Same Authors