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James J. Heelan KC

Commercial/Securities Litigation, Employment and Professional Negligence Lawyer and Mediator at Bennett Jones Edmonton

Partner

Laura Inglis

Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Edmonton

Sarah J. Huot

Litigation, Professional Negligence, Health, Employment and Estate Lawyer at Bennett Jones Edmonton

Employee restrictive covenants are often a contentious issue, especially when employees leave to form (or join) competing firms. A recent Alberta Court of King’s Bench decision, People Corporation v Quinn et al. (<a rel="noopener noreferrer" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.canlii.org/en/ab/abkb/doc/2024/2024abkb711/2024abkb711.html" target="_blank">2024 ABKB 711</a>), offers valuable insights into how courts balance the enforceability of restrictive covenants, employee rights, and employer interests. This case revolves around allegations of breach of restrictive covenants and the legal intricacies involved in assessing their validity.

Legal Precedent on Restrictive Covenants in Employment Agreements A Case Study

Legal Precedent on Restrictive Covenants in Employment Agreements—A Case Study

Matt Riskin

Commercial Litigation, Health and Employment Lawyer at Bennett Jones Edmonton

Varun Kapoor

Corporate Commercial Lawyer at Bennett Jones Edmonton

Associate

When only some of the defendants to a lawsuit want to settle, Pierringer agreements can be an attractive solution. However, in a recent decision that adopted principles from Ontario jurisprudence, the Court of King's Bench of Alberta confirmed that failure to promptly disclose a Pierringer agreement can have dire consequences for the action.

Alberta Court of Kings Bench Confirms Requirement for Immediate Disclosure of Pierringer Agreements

Alberta Court of King's Bench Confirms Requirement for Immediate Disclosure of Pierringer Agreements

Denise Brunsdon

Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Partner, Trademark Agent

On September 29, 2022, the members of the Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada and of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada announced that they have approved the amalgamation of their respective self-regulatory organizations, subject to certain conditions outlined in their combination agreement.

Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada Announces Amalgamation with Investment Industry

Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada Announces Amalgamation with Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada

Amy Verhoeff

Corporate Lawyer at Bennett Jones Edmonton

James Heelan and Amy Deprato write in Alberta Heavy on Bill 37 and Alberta's new payment and lien requirements in the construction industry.

Bill 37 New Year New Payment and Lien Requirements

Bill 37: New Year, New Payment and Lien Requirements in the Alberta Construction Industry

Sara G. Parchello

Employment Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

David Cassin

Brendan J. Weiler

Employment Services Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

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

Partner 

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 

Legal Education Society of Alberta Seminar - November 1, 2010

From the Same Authors