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Keely Cameron

Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Partner

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

Brendan Sigalet

Tax Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Associate

Greg M. Johnson

Energy Tax & Corporate Lawyer | M&A, Reorganizations & PE

Luke Morrison

Energy Project Development, M&A, and Commercial Transaction Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

The federal government released the Spring Economic Update (SEU) on April 28, 2026, with the stated purpose of advancing its goal of building a stronger, more independent and resilient Canadian economy. Of particular interest to energy and clean-technology businesses, the SEU introduces several measures aimed at accelerating investment in low-carbon infrastructure.

Spring Economic Update Expands Canadas Carbon Capture Tax Credit Regime

Spring Economic Update Expands Canada's Carbon Capture Tax Credit Regime to Include Enhanced Oil Recovery

Christine A. Viney

Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Kristos J. Iatridis

Corporate & Private Equity Lawyer | Oil Sands Projects

Captive insurance is gaining traction as organizations look for smarter, more resilient ways to finance risk. This overview explores how Alberta captives work, their benefits, and whether they may be a fit for your business.

Curious about Captives Youre Not Alone

Curious about Captives? You're Not Alone!

Chyna Brown

Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary 

In Royal Bank of Canada v Patterson Dental Canada Inc, the Alberta Court of Appeal clarified how PPSA priority rules apply where assets used in a corporate business are personally owned by a director. The Court confirmed that ownership and registration against the correct debtor are decisive in priority disputes, and provided guidance on the treatment of leases and the proper distribution of holdbacks in insolvency sales.

Alberta Court of Appeal Clarifies PPSA Priorities in Insolvency Sales

Dominique T. Hussey

Chief Executive Officer and Intellectual Property Litigator, Pharma/Biotech and Trademark Lawyer

Chief Executive Officer

Vincent M. de Grandpré

IP Lawyer | Life Sciences & Tech

Emily P. Kettel

Intellectual Property Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Partner, Trademark Agent

In Pharmascience v. Janssen Inc., the Supreme Court of Canada reaffirmed that methods of medical treatment remain unpatentable subject matter under the Patent Act because they are directed to the professional skill and judgment of healthcare practitioners. At the same time, the Court upheld the patentability of the dosing regimen claims at issue, clarifying that not all therapeutic or treatment-related claims constitute unpatentable methods of medical treatment. The decision provides important guidance on assessing patent eligibility for pharmaceutical and life sciences innovations in Canada.

Supreme Court of Canada Reaffirms that  Methods of Medical Treatment are Unpatentable

Supreme Court of Canada Confirms That Medical Professional Skill and Judgment Are Excluded From the Patent Bargain

Ethan Z. Schiff

Class Actions & Commercial Litigation Lawyer

Evana Yukanna

Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Ontario court denies a late class action opt-out request, reinforcing settlement finality and confirming prejudice can arise before court approval.

Ontario Court Reinforces Finality of Class Proceedings in Rejecting Late Opt Out Request

Ontario Court Reinforces Finality of Class Proceedings in Rejecting Late Opt-Out Request

Martin Ignasiak KC

Energy & Industrial Projects Lawyer

Head of Energy Regulatory

Tyler McDonough

Logan Lazurko

Energy & Regulatory Lawyer | Environmental

On June 17, 2026, the Alberta Court of Appeal unanimously dismissed an appeal by Fort McMurray 468 First Nation challenging an Alberta Energy Regulator decision that the First Nation lacked standing to request regulatory appeals of approvals issued to AdhMor Ltd. for an oilfield waste management facility near Fort McMurray. The decision in Fort McMurray 468 First Nation v Alberta Energy Regulator, 2026 ABCA 197, offers important guidance on what it takes to get in the door at the AER.

Alberta Court of Appeal Confirms Cumulative Effects are no Substitute for Evidence

No Standing Without Specifics: Alberta Court of Appeal Confirms that Cumulative Effects are no Substitute for Evidence

Wesley R. Novotny

Corporate Tax Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Wade Ritchie

Zachary Thacker

In the April 28, 2026 Spring Economic Update, the federal government announced its intention to make permanent the C$10 million capital gains exemption available on certain sales of businesses to employee ownership trusts and worker cooperatives, which exemption was previously set to expire at the end of 2026. This amendment has now passed into law as part of Bill C-30, which received Royal Assent on June 18, 2026.

Capital Gains Exemption Made Permanent for Employee Ownership Trusts

A Major Boost for Canadian Business Succession

C$10 Million Capital Gains Exemption Made Permanent for Employee Ownership Trusts 

Curtis A. Cusinato

Vice Chair and Co-Head of M&A

Vice Chair and Co-Head of Mergers & Acquisitions

Tyler B. McAuley

Corporate Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Kevin Myson

Energy & Corporate Lawyer | M&A, Natural Resources & Transport

Canada&rsquo;s M&amp;A market remained resilient through the first half of 2026, with deal activity increasingly concentrated in large, strategically important transactions despite ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainty. This quarterly update explores the sectors driving Canadian M&amp;A, including energy, digital infrastructure and real estate, and examines how policy developments, AI-related demand and shifting investment priorities are shaping dealmaking trends. It also highlights key opportunities and considerations for investors as activity is expected to accelerate in the second half of the year.

Restructuring and Insolvency Deals in the Oil Patch: Tips, Traps & Outlook for 2022

From the Same Authors