Blog

The annual return is an important part of corporate governance

April 27, 2020

Running a business here in Alberta comes with certain paperwork requirements. Corporations must keep meticulous records as part of their corporate governance, and most of those records remain internal. However, corporations are also required to file an annual return with a Corporate Registry service provider here in the province. Failing to file the annual return with the province…

Mediation: An alternative to business litigation

April 27, 2020

Part of the success Alberta companies and organizations enjoy comes from relationships with other parties. For this reason, when disputes arise, litigation may not be the best first option since it could irreparably damage the working relationship built between them. Mediation could be a better alternative that could resolve the issue and preserve the relationship. Other…

Considerations in looking to buy an existing business

April 27, 2020

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…

Organizational culture is vital to corporate governance

April 27, 2020

When starting a new business, Alberta entrepreneurs often set goals for their companies. The corporate governance decisions made during the formation process and the first weeks or months of operation set the tone for the future, especially when it comes to dealing with employees. Creating the right organization culture could help the business succeed. Creating a…

An employer’s obligation to prevent workplace violence

April 27, 2020

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.…

Business law issues: What to name a new company

April 27, 2020

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…

Professional liability: Contact a Lawyer Early When Faced with an APEGA Investigation

April 27, 2020

Alberta’s engineers and geoscientists are regulated by the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta. All members and permit holders become subject to the Engineering and Geoscience Professsions Act, its Regulations, Code of Ethics, General Regulations and applicable Practice Standards and Guidelines. APEGA is self-regulated. This means that when complaints against members arise, the…

ADR in Alberta: How negotiation, mediation, and arbitration work

April 27, 2020

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…

Employer obligations in workplace harassment and violence

April 27, 2020

Employees deserve a safe place to work. Employers are obligated under the Occupational Health and Safety Act to make that happen. The law outlines the minimum requirements for addressing workplace harassment and violence. In particular, as of 2018, employers were required to provide a “psychologically safe” environment to workers. Alberta employers need to make clear, in written…

Corinne Petersen Rejoins the Benchers Table

April 27, 2020

Kingsgate Legal is proud to announce Corinne Petersen has rejoined the Law Society Board of Directors. The Board provides strategic direction to the Law Society of Alberta focusing on governance and adjudication. We are excited to have one of our very own helping to ensure our legal profession is regulated in the public interest in…