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Daron K. Naffin

Energy, Environmental & Regulatory Lawyer | Municipal & Expropriation

Partner

Tim Myers

Regulatory, Environmental, Aboriginal and Expropriation Lawyer

Thomas Machell

Regulatory Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Associate

The Alberta Energy Regulator has released new editions of Directive 071 and Manual 026, significantly expanding emergency preparedness and response requirements. This post outlines the key changes, including mandatory Emergency Management Programs, expanded scope across resource sectors, enhanced hazard analysis standards, and what approval holders should do ahead of the February 2, 2026 effective date.

Alberta Energy Regulator Announces New Editions of Directive 071 and Manual 026

On November 4, 2025, the Alberta Energy Regulator released AERH2S, an updated version of its computer model for calculating Emergency Planning Zones (EPZs) for sour gas applications. AERH2S replaces the longstanding ERCBH2S model and is available for immediate use by industry. According to AER Bulletin 2025-34, the use of AERH2S will become mandatory for all applications filed under Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules, including amendment applications, starting January 1, 2026. The continued use of ERCBH2S is permitted for updates to existing EPZs (and any EPZs established before January 1, 2026) under Directive 071: Emergency Preparedness and Response until further notice.

Alberta Energy Regulator Releases New AERH2S Model for Sour Gas Operations

In a recent decision made pursuant to section 33 of the Pipeline Act, the Alberta Energy Regulator rejected an application filed by Qualico Developments West Ltd. (Qualico) seeking orders requiring Pembina Pipeline Corporation and Plains Midstream Canada ULC to share in the cost of the work required for Qualico to construct an arterial road across two existing pipelines in connection with a residential development being pursued by Qualico in the Edmonton area.

AER Denies Developers Request to Share Pipeline Crossing Costs

AER Denies Developer's Request to Share Pipeline Crossing Costs

On December 14, 2023, Alberta's Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, Rebecca Schulz, announced the launch of two new pilot projects aimed at improving and expediting the well site reclamation process in the province.

Alberta Minister of Environment and Protected Areas Announces Launch of Partial Reclamation

Alberta Minister of Environment and Protected Areas Announces Launch of Partial Reclamation Pilot Project

Amanda C. McLachlan

Corporate & Regulatory Lawyer | Disputes, Investigations & Compliance

In Friel v. HUB International Limited, 2026 ONCA 313, the Ontario Court of Appeal upheld the enforceability of a forum selection clause designating the State of Delaware as the exclusive forum for resolving a dispute between a former employee in Ontario and his employer's Delaware-based parent entities over the exercise of vested share options. The decision provides important guidance for employers that structure equity incentive arrangements through related entities and reinforces the significance of clear contractual language delineating employment relationships from equity participation rights.

When Agreements Collide The Ontario Court of Appeal Upholds Forum Selection Provision in Friel v HUB

When Agreements Collide — The Ontario Court of Appeal Upholds Forum Selection Provision in Friel v. HUB

Edwin G. Kroft KC

Tax Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones

Andrew Young

Tax Lawyer at Bennett Jones Vancouver

The June 2026 issue of Bennett Jones on Tax Disputes provides insight into recent tax litigation developments, including the Tax Court's decision in 941624 Alberta Ltd. v. The King on the large corporation objection rules, updates from the Taxpayers' Ombudsperson, and summaries of recent tax decisions and appeal activity.

Bennett Jones on Tax Disputes Issue 42

Bennett Jones on Tax Disputes: June 2026

Keely Cameron

Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Gracie Boser

Articling Student

The Alberta Court of Appeal has clarified the nature of co-lessee liability for unpaid Crown royalties under the Mines and Minerals Act. In two companion decisions, the Court confirmed that co-lessees are jointly (not jointly and severally) liable, meaning a claim extinguished against one may impact all. The decisions also address how vesting orders and insolvency stays affect the Crown&rsquo;s ability to pursue royalty arrears.

Vesting Order Bars Claims

 However Co-Lessee Liability for Unpaid Crown Royalties May Remain

Vesting Order Bars Claims for Unpaid Crown Royalties

Jean Tessier

Commercial Transactions Lawyer

Alison G. FitzGerald

International Arbitration Lawyer

Andrew Bozzato

Corporate, M&A, Securities Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

In mid-February, the federal government launched Canada's first <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/corporate/reports-publications/industrial-strategy/security-sovereignty-prosperity.html" target="_blank" id="Defence Insdustrial Strategy | Government of Canada">Defence Industrial Strategy</a>, aiming to transform the Canadian defence industry by prioritizing Canadian suppliers and materials, investing in Canadian innovation and commercialization, and streamlining procurement.

Impacts of the Federal Defence Industrial Strategy on the Canadian MA Landscape

Impacts of the Federal Defence Industrial Strategy on the Canadian M&A Landscape

Brian P. Reid

Construction & Energy Litigation Lawyer

Kaamil Khalfan

Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Aaron Tell

Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary 

Associate 

The Alberta Court of King's Bench has clarified that the two-year trial deadline under the Prompt Payment and Construction Lien Act does not apply once a construction lien and certificate of lis pendens have been discharged from title through the posting of security. In 1951789 Alberta Ltd v Britannia Block General Partnership Inc., the Court confirmed that section 46(2) applies only where a lien and CLP remain registered against the land. The decision provides important guidance for parties involved in construction lien disputes and highlights the distinction between statutory lien remedies and delay-based applications under the Alberta Rules of Court.

Security Measures The Alberta Court of Kings Bench Clarifies

Security Measures: The Alberta Court of King's Bench Clarifies the Law of Lien Security

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CAPL Course - Preparing for an SRB Hearing

From the Same Authors