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Vasilis F. L. Pappas, FCIArb

International Arbitration Lawyer

Partner 

Melanie Teetaert

Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Vancouver

Partner

Geoffrey P. Stenger

Energy, Infrastructure & Construction Lawyer

The Province of British Columbia has launched a six-week consultation on the implementation of the new Construction Prompt Payment Act. Industry stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on the Act's scope, potential exemptions and timing of implementation before the consultation closes on July 7, 2026. This update outlines the government's proposed approach and key issues under consideration.

BC Government Announces it is Soliciting Feedback on Prompt Payment Legislation

Ashley M. White

Corporate & Commercial Transactions Lawyer | Power & Energy

Jason D. Roth

Construction & Infrastructure Lawyer | EPC & Project Development

Larissa D. Lees

Regulatory Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Associate

Canada and Alberta have finalized a Co-operation Agreement to streamline impact assessments and reduce duplication between federal and provincial processes. The framework advances a &ldquo;one project, one review&rdquo; approach aimed at improving efficiency, coordination and regulatory certainty for major projects.

Alberta and Canada Sign Co-operation Agreement to Reduce Assessment Duplication

The Government of Alberta has announced plans for a 120-day approval timeline for major projects, aiming to accelerate development while maintaining Indigenous consultation and environmental protections. This initiative, aligned with federal policy and recent Alberta&ndash;Canada agreements, could create more predictable regulatory processes and meaningful investment opportunities across energy, infrastructure, CCUS and critical minerals projects. Industry participants should monitor implementation closely, as details on eligible projects and procedural interaction are still forthcoming.

Major Projects on the Horizon in Alberta

Government of Alberta Announces 120-Day Major Project Approval Timeline

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

Katherine Booth

Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Vancouver

The BC Court of Appeal in Cleaver v. The Cadillac Fairview Corporation Limited upheld the refusal to certify a privacy class action, finding no basis in fact for the claim&rsquo;s central allegation. The decision reinforces the courts&rsquo; gatekeeping role at certification and the importance of evidentiary support for the core allegations underlying a proposed class proceeding.

BC Court of Appeal No basis in fact no class action

BC Court of Appeal: No Basis in Fact = No Class Action 

Michael C. Smith

Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

George W. H. Reid

International Trade, Investment and Public Procurement Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

The Government of Canada has published a new Notice concerning the rules and procedures governing the administration of the quota for imports of electric vehicles from the People's Republic of China for the second period of Quota Year 1 (September 1, 2026 to February 28, 2027). The Notice, issued by Global Affairs Canada under the Export and Import Permits Act, confirms that the second allocation period will continue to operate similar to the first allocation period.&nbsp;

Notice Concerning the Quota for Imports of Chinese Electric Vehicles

Second Allocation Period Opens September 1, 2026

Edwin G. Kroft KC

Tax Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones

Kate Kim

Andrew Young

Tax Lawyer at Bennett Jones Vancouver

Issue 43 of Bennett Jones on Tax Disputes highlights recent developments in Canadian tax litigation and dispute resolution. This edition examines the limits of the Minister's ability to advance alternative assessment arguments, clarifies who may deduct legal costs incurred in tax disputes, and explores the role of price adjustment clauses in estate freeze transactions

Bennett Jones on Tax Disputes Issue 43

Bennett Jones on Tax Disputes: August 2026

Carl Cunningham

Management-side Employment Lawyer

David Cassin

Employment Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Julia Horowitz

Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

In Wigdor v. Facebook Canada Ltd., 2026 ONCA 572, the Ontario Court of Appeal clarified that equity-based compensation, including RSUs, may constitute a term or condition of employment that must be preserved during the statutory notice period under the Employment Standards Act, 2000. The decision highlights the need for employers to carefully review RSU forfeiture provisions and saving language to ensure compliance with employment standards legislation, while confirming that the threshold for punitive damages remains high.

RSU Forfeiture Revisited Ontario Court of Appeal Provides Important Guidance for Employers

RSU Forfeiture Revisited: Ontario Court of Appeal Provides Important Guidance for Employers

Alison G. FitzGerald

Sabrina A. Bandali

International Trade, Regulatory and Investment Lawyer

Canada has introduced a new round of retaliatory tariffs on $27.6 billion worth of US goods in response to the Trump administration's 50% tariffs on Canadian exports. The measures, effective September 8, 2026, include surtaxes ranging from 15% to 50% on a wide range of products, alongside remission programs and duty relief mechanisms for affected businesses.

Western Canadian Infrastructure Project Owners Forum

From the Same Authors