ABLawg

When is a Citizen Initiative Petition a Dead Parrot?

On May 21, 2026

In Aboriginal, Constitutional, Treaty Rights

By: Nigel Bankes

Decisions Commented On: Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation v Alberta (Chief Electoral Officer), 2026 ABKB 375 (CanLII) and Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation v Alberta (Chief Electoral Officer), 2026 ABKB 278 (CanLII).

PDF Version: When is a Citizen Initiative Petition a Dead Parrot?

In the main decision that is the subject of this post, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation v Alberta (Chief Electoral Officer), 2026 ABKB 375 (CanLII) (ACFN) Justice Shaina Leonard of the Court of King’s Bench quashed the decision of Alberta’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to issue an initiative petition to Mr. Mitch Sylvestre (the Proponent) under the Citizen Initiative Act, SA 2021, c C-13.2 (the CIA) on January 2, 2026. Sylvestre’s petition was a constitutional referendum proposal within the meaning of the CIA. The petition aimed to gather affirmative signatures for the following question: “Do you agree that the Province of Alberta should cease to be a part of Canada to become an independent state?”

Rescous and Pound-Breach: Re-Discovering Two Archaic Statutory Torts in Alberta

By Joe Sellman

On May 14, 2026

In Landlord/Tenant, Law Reform, Torts

By: Joe Sellman

Decisions Commented On: Alberta Law Reform Institute, Residential Tenancies: Distress for Rent, Final Report 122; Distress for Rent Act (England), 1689 2 Will & Mar, c 5

PDF Version: Rescous and Pound-Breach: Re-Discovering Two Archaic Statutory Torts in Alberta

If, upon hearing “pound-breach”, your mind conjures images of a dog escape reminiscent of The Great Escape or Chicken Run, you are not alone and you’re not entirely wrong.

The Next Installment in the Continuing Debate Over Pore Space Conflict in Alberta

By Nigel Bankes

On May 8, 2026

In Administrative Law, Carbon Capture and Storage, Natural Resources

By: Nigel Bankes

Decisions Commented On: (1) Request for a Regulatory Appeal by E3 Lithium Ltd. (E3), April 14, 2026; (2) Request for a Regulatory Appeal by PrairieSky Royalty Ltd. (PrairieSky), April 14, 2026; and (3) Request for Regulatory Appeal by Canpar Holdings Ltd. (Canpar), April 14, 2026

PDF Version: The Next Installment in the Continuing Debate Over Pore Space Conflict in Alberta

On July 30, 2025, the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) granted an application from Enhance Energy Inc. (Enhance) for a CO₂ sequestration scheme approval under s 39(1)(d) of the Oil and Gas Conservation Act, RSA 2000, c O-6 (OGCA) for Enhance’s Origins Project. The AER granted Enhance its approval without holding a public hearing. The approval is available here. Enhance anticipates the sequestered CO₂ will result in a 4 km plume radius, up to a maximum radius of 5.6 km.

Roommates Without Remedies: Co-Tenancy and the Limits of Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act

By Georgia Saunders-McConomy

On May 4, 2026

In Landlord/Tenant, Law Reform, Residential Tenancies Dispute Resolution Service

By: Georgia Saunders-McConomy

Report Commented On: Alberta Law Reform Institute, Residential Tenancies Act: General Issues, Issue Paper 6; and Alberta Law Reform Institute, Residential Tenancies Act, Issue Paper 7.

PDF Version: Roommates Without Remedies: Co-Tenancy and the Limits of Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act

Shared living arrangements often give rise to unique challenges, particularly disputes between tenants. Interpersonal conflicts between roommates can impact a tenant’s well-being and housing stability. Conflicts can stem from lifestyle differences, financial pressures, or disputes over shared responsibilities. These issues can become even more complicated when tenants occupy a rental unit under a single tenancy agreement.

Does the Federal Court have Jurisdiction to Review a Decision of an Insolvency Trustee?

By Jassmine Girgis

On April 28, 2026

In Bankruptcy and Insolvency, Federal Court

By: Jassmine Girgis

Case Commented On: GCMR Contracting Inc v MNP Ltd, 2026 FC 468 (CanLII)

PDF Version: Does the Federal Court have Jurisdiction to Review a Decision of an Insolvency Trustee?

In GCMR Contracting Inc v MNP Ltd, 2026 FC 468 (CanLII), the Federal Court considered whether it has jurisdiction to hear an appeal of a decision by an insolvency trustee to approve or disallow a creditor’s claims. In a short decision, the judge determined that the Federal Court did not have such jurisdiction.