Highlights:

• Why family businesses are uniquely suited yet often reluctant to adopt AI
• The existential risks of waiting too long
• How reverse mentorship and creative coaching can bridge generational divides
• A practical “three-role framework” for implementing AI as a digital assistant, data wizard or creative coach
• Why values-driven cultures can be an ethical advantage in the age of AI

With Canada’s clean economy tax credits (like the CCUS, Clean Tech and Clean Hydrogen ITCs) in various stages of enactment and regulatory hurdles still widespread, this episode explores:

• The current status of clean economy ITCs post-election
• How Bill C-5 aims to “cut through the red tape” for nationally significant projects
• Why the Building Canada Act may only benefit a narrow subset of developers
• The constitutional challenges facing the federal Impact Assessment Act
• What business leaders and investors should watch for in the months ahead

Together, they unpack how wage and apprenticeship requirements affect eligibility for clean technology incentives, how US developers have adapted their compliance strategies and what documentation and contracting practices are becoming essential in Canada. With millions of dollars in tax credits at stake, this episode provides timely insights for clean energy developers, EPC contractors and legal and tax advisors navigating the new compliance landscape.

In this episode of Beyond Succession, host Leah Tolton is joined by Rob Hannam, CEO of Farm Health Guardian and President of Synthesis Agri-Food Network, to explore how structured strategic planning can help Canada’s family-run farm businesses move from stuck to scalable.

Rob draws on decades of experience guiding more than 50 agri-food organizations through strategy and succession challenges. Together, they unpack the early warning signs that a family enterprise may be drifting without direction and how thoughtful, collaborative planning can realign vision, foster generational dialogue and unlock long-term value.

Whether you are navigating succession, transitioning ownership or just starting to think about your legacy, this episode offers practical hard-earned wisdom for family enterprise leaders ready to move from fear to action.

Leah and Wes discuss how EOTs allow owners to

• use business profits to fund the sale of the company
• access a C$10 million capital gains deduction
• preserve company culture by transitioning ownership to employees

All while creating long-term benefits for employees and the business itself. 

If you’re advising a legacy-minded owner—or are one yourself—this episode offers practical insight into why EOTs are a compelling option for succession.

They discuss how to recognize when an informal concern becomes a legal risk, the heightened perception of bias in family enterprises and why involving external counsel can make a critical difference. From employment issues to international compliance, tune in for real-world examples and practical strategies to help protect both your enterprise and your family relationships.

In this episode of Clean Incentives, host Brendan Sigalet is joined by Bennett Jones partners David Macaulay and Jessica Kennedy to unpack the practical realities of the Clean Electricity ITC. Together, they explore what makes this credit different from other clean economy incentives, how it affects Indigenous and tax-exempt entities and the regulatory and interconnection hurdles specific to Alberta and other jurisdictions. The discussion also examines how political dynamics may impact energy investment across North America.

Together, they discuss how this non-adversarial approach empowers families to resolve disputes while preserving what matters most—from operating companies and investment portfolios to intergenerational plans and shared values. They also examine how pre- and postnuptial agreements can be used proactively to minimize conflict and protect family assets. This episode offers practical strategies for navigating family change without compromising your family enterprise’s future.

In addition, they discuss how Canada’s incentives compare to international programs—most notably the US Inflation Reduction Act—and delves into the evolving landscape of emissions trading systems and clean fuel regulations.

In this episode of Beyond Succession, host Leah Tolton is joined by Bennett Jones associate, Suzie Suliman, as they dive into the cybersecurity challenges unique to family businesses and how to mitigate risk. They discuss why family enterprises are particularly vulnerable to cyber threats, balancing cybersecurity with seamless business operations and practical steps to fortify your defenses like vendor management and incident response planning. 

Whether you are navigating leadership transitions, managing complex governance structures or handling day-to-day operations, this episode offers actionable insights to safeguard your enterprise's legacy in the digital age. 

The discussion delves into the latest US tariff policies, unpacking their economic and legal implications for family enterprises in Canada. From supply chain disruptions to workforce impacts and recessionary concerns, the episode highlights practical steps to mitigate these challenges. Topics include adapting contracts, market diversification and capitalizing on free trade agreements outside the US.

This insightful conversation provides valuable guidance for businesses looking to safeguard their operations and stay resilient in an evolving trade landscape.

This discussion explores the evolving landscape of clean energy policies in North America, focusing on the potential rollback of United States (US) climate incentives following the US election, and how Canada's clean energy initiatives align with—and differ from—the United States Inflation Reduction Act. 

Delve into the political forces influencing Canada's hydrogen, carbon capture, utilization and storage and renewable energy sectors. As Canada works to maintain its competitiveness with the United States, understanding these dynamics is essential for businesses navigating an uncertain energy landscape. Tune in to discover how you can prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Explore how innovation, driven by advancements in technology and automation, is revolutionizing the growth potential of family-owned agricultural enterprises, helping them scale more efficiently. Leah and Dave also discuss practical strategies for navigating the shift from operator to investor, offering valuable insights on how these businesses can attract external investment while preserving their core values.

At the heart of managing crises is a resilient business culture. Building such a foundation enables family enterprises to face both internal challenges and external pressures with confidence. A key strategy is stakeholder mapping, which provides clarity on the unique family dynamics, ownership structures and business relationships that shape long-term success. Equally vital is the balance between preserving legacy and embracing change, honouring traditions while adapting to new realities to secure the business’s future.

Preventative measures, such as regular check-ins with trusted advisors, play an invaluable role in crisis management, underscoring that proactive steps often avert more significant issues down the road. Additionally, private resolution avenues allow families to address disputes discreetly, protecting their reputation and preserving important relationships. These strategies offer family businesses a path to unity and resilience, even in challenging times.

This episode explores the resilience and adaptability that have allowed these enterprises to flourish across generations. Leah and Lorelei discuss the role of innovation, from sustainable farming practices to the integration of artificial intelligence, in shaping their future. Additionally, they tackle the challenges of succession planning within multi-generational businesses and the importance of maintaining trust, transparency and strong community ties.

Tune in to discover how these family-owned agricultural businesses continue to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

An in-depth exploration of the CCUS tax credit is provided, highlighting its profound impact on businesses venturing into carbon capture. Industry leaders share practical advice on building and optimizing CCUS projects, equipping companies to stay competitive in this rapidly evolving sector. Additionally, the discussion covers strategies for overcoming regulatory hurdles and maximizing returns through effective use of tax incentives in CCUS ventures.

Tune in to stay informed and strategically positioned in the dynamic world of sustainable development.

Tune in to this episode to gain invaluable insights on:

• the nuances of refundable clean technology ITCs and their transformative benefits for businesses;
• key legal considerations, including corporate and First Nation partnerships, essential for maximizing these incentives; and
• real-world insights from industry experts on structuring successful clean technology projects.

Disclaimer: During the episode when Brendan discusses the tax-exempt status of the First Nation, he is specifically referring to the income resulting from the project being exempt from tax, not the overall tax-exempt status of the First Nation.

Host and seasoned family enterprise lawyer Leah Tolton is joined by Ted Kouri, Founder and President of Incite, as he shares his expertise on mid-market M&A advisory services. They discuss critical steps like formulating an M&A strategy, conducting due diligence, maintaining brand identity post-acquisition and leading change management.

In this episode, we explore essential strategies for family enterprises poised for growth. Key focuses include solidifying internal foundations like brand, culture and processes, alongside defining clear growth objectives. Emphasizing the importance of effective communication, Ted and Leah look at steps to internally build trust and alignment, including the paramount role of strong governance with transparent roles and multi-generational decision-making proceedings. They explore the need for a thorough change management process—often extending 6 to 18 months—to avoid pitfalls. Lastly, they examine the importance of strategic branding decisions, whether maintaining a unified brand or differentiating between family and business entities.

Tune in to gain invaluable knowledge and practical advice for steering your family business through the dynamic waters of growth and change.

In this episode, Mike Mack of X5 Management sits down with host and Bennett Jones Partner, Leah Tolton, to explore how succession dynamics create ripples across family and business relationships, influencing the enterprise's trajectory. We dive into the complex and nuanced interplay between succession planning, family ties, emotions and objectives.

Discover how thoughtful transitions and targeted coaching can both maximize leadership potential and foster family unity through organizational change.

Host Leah Tolton, a seasoned family enterprise lawyer, is joined by Erick Hamdan, Senior Advisor to Leder Holdings, Salvatore Corea, Certified Financial Planner and Principal at Sorrell Financial, and Nicole Osolinsky, Western Canada Tax Partner at KPMG. All three guests are experts in the family enterprise field and each provide a unique perspective and invaluable insights into this episode’s topic.

Tune in for a blend of wisdom, strategy and foresight that can transform the challenges of succession into opportunities for legacy-building and enduring success.

We hosted Jeff Cullen on our Beyond Succession podcast to dig deep into a subject many entrepreneurs find challenging, yet vitally important: preparing your business for an exit. Jeff is a seasoned consultant and Certified Exit Planning Advisor at Sunbelt Business Brokers with over 20 years of business experience.

From understanding business valuation methodologies and tax considerations, to planning for succession and managing liabilities, Jeff shares invaluable insights that could help you avoid common pitfalls and make your exit strategy as smooth and profitable as possible. Whether that exit is a sale to a new owner, to the existing management team, or a non-arms length transaction, each pathway presents its own unique challenges and opportunities.

This episode explores essential family enterprise governance strategies. Leah interviews succession planning expert Lynne Fisher, National Team Leader of ExitSmart at MNP. With over 15 years of experience, Lynne provides valuable perspectives on succession planning, business strategy and advising family companies.

Tune in to hear insights on strengthening governance and planning successful transitions in family enterprises, and review key topics including:

• foundational considerations for effective decision-making in family businesses;
• the impact of governance decisions across processes and categories; and
• gaining consensus on decisions within family enterprises.

In this episode, Leah is joined by Barbara Kimmitt KC, a partner in Bennett Jones' Tax group, as they discuss the intricacies of family business ownership transition planning and estate planning for entrepreneurs. They cover topics such as the differences between wills, enduring powers of attorney and advance directives, and how these documents play a crucial role in the smooth transition of family businesses. The episode also delves into the importance of having a comprehensive succession plan in place, including the use of trust structures and unanimous shareholder agreements.

In a recent KPMG Survey to Family Enterprise owners, nearly 8 in 10 business owners are developing a succession plan or expecting to transition the business to the ‘next gen’ within three years. This massive shift in family enterprise ownership means that many families will be going through tough and often difficult discussions around the future of the family business. Choosing the next torchbearer for a family enterprise is more than just a business decision; it's a blend of legacy, emotions and future vision, and the road to smooth transition can often be filled with potential pitfalls.

In this episode, Leah welcomes special guest Gregg Becker of Predictable Futures to talk about key considerations surrounding the continuity of the family enterprise. Join us as we address the unique challenges, and potential solutions, for businesses standing at this pivotal juncture.

In the world of family enterprises, planning for the future isn't just about growth and profitability, it's about legacy, continuity, and the handing over of a torch that's often been held for generations. In this episode, Leah is joined by Jay Winters, partner in the Bennett Jones Tax group, whose practice focuses on planning including corporate reorganizations and M&A, private wealth and trust and succession planning. Jay walks us through the vital tax matters that will impact your business and family and explores the essential insights into the intricate landscape of family enterprise and business continuity.

To mark this year's International Women's Day, we are proud to present a candid leadership conversation on the challenges women face in the legal field. Our five office managing partners are joined by moderator and Bennett Jones partner, Michelle Yung, as they share perspectives from their lived experiences. This discussion highlights the importance of acting purposely to create a workplace where women can thrive.

For your convenience, this conversation is also available in video format: