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Emrys Davis

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

Partner

Michael A. Eizenga L.S.M.

Leading Canadian Class Action Litigator at Bennett Jones Toronto

Partner 

Gannon Beaulne

Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

In our 2025 edition of Looking Forward, we review notable class action developments from the past year and consider what recent trends in the law might tell us about what to expect in the years ahead.

Class Actions Looking Forward 2025

Class Actions: Looking Forward 2025

Michael Eizenga speaks to Law.com about the resolution of a decades-long Canadian class action dispute, culminating in a C$32.5 billion agreement with the tobacco industry.

Tobacco Industry Settles for C325 Billion in Landmark Canadian Class Action

Tobacco Industry Settles for C$32.5 Billion in Landmark Canadian Class Action

Cheryl M. Woodin

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

Pascale Dionne-Bourassa

Civil and Commercial Litigator, Construction Law Lawyer at Bennett Jones (Québec) LLP

Montréal Managing Partner

In our 2024 edition of Looking Forward, we review notable class action developments from the past year and consider what recent trends in the law might tell us about what to expect in the years ahead.

Class Actions Looking Forward 2024

Class Actions: Looking Forward 2024

William A. Bortolin

Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Associate

Mehak Kawatra

Michael Eizenga L.S.M., William Bortolin and Mehak Kawatra co-author the second chapter of the 2023 edition of the <a rel="noopener noreferrer" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://store.thomsonreuters.ca/en-ca/products/annual-review-of-civil-litigation---2023-42979724" target="_blank">Annual Review of Civil Litigation</a>. Their chapter, titled "Proportionality in Pleadings Motions: Applying The Hyrniak Culture Shift to the Assessment of Novel Claims," discusses the impact of the Supreme Court of Canada's decision in Hryniak v. Mauldin on civil litigation, particularly regarding the proportionality principle.

Annual Review of Civil Litigation 2023

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

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 

Recent Developments in Quebec, Canada and the U.S.

From the Same Authors