The Alberta Court of King’s Bench’s decision in Colenutt v. Colenutt (2023 ABKB 562) addresses how Alberta’s tort law applies to allegations of ongoing harmful conduct within intimate relationships — including claims that could be characterized as harassment or coercive control.

The Alberta Court of King’s Bench broke new ground in Canadian tort law in Alberta Health Services v Johnston by recognizing, for the first time in Alberta, a stand-alone common law tort of harassment. This opens a civil avenue for damages where previously only non-damages remedies (e.g., restraining orders) and other torts (defamation, assault, invasion of privacy) could be pursued.

Employment contracts often attempt to limit termination notice to a fixed period. But as Alberta’s Court of Appeal confirmed in Bryant v. Parkland School Division, 2022 ABCA 220, if the language isn’t crystal clear, the employer may still owe full common law reasonable notice. This case is a powerful reminder that in Alberta, termination clauses are scrutinized carefully, and ambiguity will almost always benefit the employee.

Estate litigation in Alberta refers to legal disputes that arise after someone passes away, involving the administration, distribution, or validity of their estate. These cases are typically heard in the Surrogate Court (a division of the Alberta Court of King’s Bench), which handles matters related to wills, probate, and estates. Here’s a breakdown of what estate litigation can involve in Alberta: Common Types of Estate Litigation Will Challenges Disputes over whether a Will