As the situation with COVID-19 continues to unfold in Alberta and around the world, businesses are coming to grips with the reality that this situation will likely continue for longer than originally anticipated, and with much more broadly reaching effects.  We are continuing to do our best to stay abreast of the latest developments so that we can assist our clients to navigate these increasingly difficult times.

As the public health crisis in relation to COVID-19 continues to unfold, Alberta companies are facing even more difficult decisions regarding social distancing, remote work arrangements, layoffs and even terminations.

We know that your business is dealing with a lot of uncertainty and anxiety right now considering COVID-19, and its effects on your operations and employees. We are hearing from many clients who are anxiously trying to balance the safety and security of their employees with the needs of their business now and into the future.

On February 27, 2020, the Honourable Justice R. Paul Belzil released his decision in Condominium Corporation No. 042 5177 v Kuzio, 2020 ABQB 152 (“Kuzio”), which affirmed condominium corporations’ authority to prohibit condominium owners’ short-term, Airbnb-style rentals.

The Supreme Court of Canada (“SCC”) has overturned two lower court decisions in the famous “Redwater case” (Orphan Well Association v Grant Thornton Ltd. [1]). In a decision that will heavily impact the oil and gas industry, the SCC ruled oil and gas companies cannot walk away from environmental liabilities, even in the face of bankruptcy or insolvency: