GST Rebates in Alberta on New Homes
There has been a lot of discussion around recent legislative changes to the GST treatment of new housing, which have materially altered the landscape for first-time home buyers. Much of the current discussion focuses on the availability of significant rebates, with a common assumption that buyers will receive a substantial payment after closing. There is... Read More
Debt Collection in Calgary: How to Recover What You’re Owed (Without Wasting Time or Money)
If you’re searching for a debt collection lawyer in Calgary or wondering how to recover unpaid invoices, you’re not alone. Unpaid debts are one of the most common reasons individuals and businesses in Alberta turn to civil litigation. The good news? There are effective, strategic ways to collect what you’re owed, without immediately jumping into... Read More
Canadian Non-Residency Withholding Requirements
When a seller is a non-resident of Canada for tax purposes, one issue immediately comes into play that can significantly impact closing: a mandatory withholding requirement. A portion of the purchase price must be withheld unless the seller provides a clearance certificate from the Canada Revenue Agency, and if that step is missed, the buyer... Read More
Alberta Title Insurance
Property Fraud and Title Insurance: How Calgary Homeowners Can Protect Themselves Property fraud is a growing concern for homeowners in Alberta and across Canada. It can happen quietly, without warning, and often is not discovered until significant financial and legal damage has already occurred. Fortunately, there are steps homeowners can take to reduce their risk—and... Read More
Is the “Best Interests of the Cat” an Actual Legal Test? Alberta Court says no.
While the “best interests” concept may have a foothold in British Columbia where pets are involved, the recent Alberta decision rendered in Singh v Smith, 2025 ABKB 715 says that it does not have a foothold here in Alberta. The “best interests” test is used for parenting of children after parents’ separation, not pets. A... Read More
Host Liability for Calgary Stampede Parties – Social, Commercial and Employer Liability
With the Calgary Stampede fast approaching, it is time for corporations, employers and individuals to ensure that they fully understand their responsibilities and liabilities as hosts. There are three types of hosts we will examine in this blog. Casual or Social hosts such as hosts of house parties, are subject to the least stringent responsibilities,... Read More
Top 5 Reasons to get a Severance Package Reviewed by an Employment Lawyer
1. Did the company only offer the minimum termination pay under the Employment Standards Code? Most employees are owed common law notice rather than just the minimum legislated amounts under the Employment Standards Code. This is assessed by looking at a variety of factors such as length of service, age, title, etc. Even if your... Read More
In Loving Memory – Stacey Amber Thomas
The West Legal Family has lost a beautiful soul. Stacey Amber Thomas passed away peacefully on December 24th after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Stacey was first and foremost a loving and caring mother to three beautiful daughters, Tina, Shelby, and Jodi. She inspired her children throughout her lifetime with her work ethic... Read More
Employer Obligations on Alberta Election Day May 29, 2023
Election Day is fast approaching! On Monday, May 29th, Albertans go to the polls. The Election Act in Alberta requires employers in Alberta to provide employees with time off to vote, as follows: Electors should have three consecutive, non-work hours to vote during one of the days of advance voting or on Election Day. If... Read More
Top 5 Reasons Why You Need a Will
1. You Decide Who Your Assets Go To A Will allows you to decide who you want, and who you don’t want, to include as a beneficiary to receive your assets on your death. Without a Will, your assets will be distributed according to Alberta’s legislative framework, which may include individuals whom you do not... Read More