Archive for April 2020
ADR in Alberta: How negotiation, mediation, and arbitration work
There are many alternatives to going to court to resolve legal conflicts. Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) can be faster and cheaper than litigation for individuals and organizations. There are four methods of resolving disputes: Negotiation Mediation Arbitration Court Litigation. Parties can use individual methods or combine them as needed. For example, negotiation and mediation are often…
Read MoreAlberta’s Whistleblower Protection Reach Expands To Investment World
In Alberta, public sector employees and political staff are afforded certain protections when it comes to disclosing unlawful matters or issues that may be harmful to the public interest. In the interest of promoting a culture where openness, honesty, and accountability are prioritized, the legislation helps ensure confidentiality, a transparent process, and a strict set…
Read MoreAn employer’s obligation to prevent workplace violence
Alberta employers are required to provide their employees with a violence-free workplace. Admittedly, it can be difficult to know when a particular person could commit a violent act against an employee. Even so, understanding what constitutes violence and certain situations in which it may occur, an employer can help prevent it from happening within the company.…
Read MoreAre electronic signatures binding in Alberta?
In Alberta, electronic signatures are governed by the Electronic Transactions Act (Alberta). Unless a document is one of those documents specifically excluded from the ETA, documents can be signed electronically in Alberta. Those documents excluded from the ETA are: wills and codicils; trusts created by wills or codicils; enduring powers of attorney under the Powers…
Read MoreAre your business’s harassment investigations above reproach?
Employers have an obligation to provide a work environment that is free of bullying, harassment, discrimination and other inappropriate workplace behavior. To protect your company, you need to make sure that your workplace investigations are timely, fair and impartial. The first line of defense begins with your policies and procedures. Outlining behaviors that your company…
Read MoreAvoiding claims of harassment at office holiday parties
After recent events that led to the #metoo movement, employers may be feeling unsure of how to proceed when it comes to holiday parties. Because only a small percentage of employees are responsible for the inappropriate and predatory behaviour, some Alberta business owners and managers feel it would be unfair to eliminate holiday parties altogether.…
Read MoreBusiness law allows flexibility in choosing a structure
Entrepreneurs here in Alberta and across the country have several decisions to make as they get ready to open their doors. One of the most essential is the type of business structure under which they will operate. Fortunately, business law allows flexibility in this area since a company can change its structure when necessary. For example,…
Read MoreBusiness law issues: What to name a new company
In Alberta, choosing a name for a new company is an important part of the incorporation process. The name needs to draw customers in and be memorable. There are also considerations involving domain name selection. There are a few legal reasons why an entrepreneur cannot simply choose a name and go with it. Names must meet…
Read MoreBusiness law matters: Negotiating a commercial lease
For those looking to rent commercial property in Alberta, getting a good deal could make the difference in growing a successful business. Rent payments often require a large chunk of a business’s budget, and working toward receiving the best possible deal is paramount. When it comes to business law matters, negotiating a commercial lease is not just a…
Read MoreConsiderations in looking to buy an existing business
Whether an Alberta entrepreneur is starting out or continuing to grow, figuring out which way to turn can take some thought. For some, buying an existing business could be the best answer. Before making such a decision and an offer to the seller, it would be wise to look at every aspect of this choice. A…
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