Blog

Business law allows flexibility in choosing a structure

April 27, 2020

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,…

When it comes to business law, numerous choices are required

April 27, 2020

Starting a small company here in Alberta comes with mixed emotions. Excitement, trepidation and more can make the decision-making process challenging if done alone. Choosing an entity structure is an important part of the process, but it is only one choice entrepreneurs need to consider as they work to make their visions come to life.…

Minimizing retaliation in harassment investigations

April 27, 2020

Alberta businesses who have employees must prepare to deal with personalities that do not get along. Claims of discrimination, bullying and harassment could crop up at any time and business owners need to make sure that they have appropriate policies and procedures to deal with them. It is not enough to have protocols for discrimination…

Protecting trade secrets is different from protecting other IP

April 27, 2020

Protecting intellectual property should remain a priority for Alberta businesses as long as the company and/or the IP exists. This means keeping up on protection methods for these items such as patents, copyrights and more. However, when it comes to trade secrets, the protection process can be more complex. The primary reason for that complexity…

Are your business’s harassment investigations above reproach?

April 27, 2020

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…

Avoiding claims of harassment at office holiday parties

April 27, 2020

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.…

Business law matters: Negotiating a commercial lease

April 27, 2020

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…

Is Canada Home To The Next Silicon Valley?

April 27, 2020

Just say the words ‘Silicon Valley’ and images of tech campuses, startups, and Teslas come to mind. With publications touting Canada as the next technological hub, it’s easy to get caught up in the hype. So, are we headed in the same direction as our Californian friends? According to one industry insider, it may not…

Are electronic signatures binding in Alberta?

April 27, 2020

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…

Alberta’s Whistleblower Protection Reach Expands To Investment World

April 27, 2020

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…