In this episode of Beyond Succession, host Leah Tolton is joined by Sandra Pollack, author of Don’t Leave a Mess! How to Disaster-Proof Your Family Legacy. Together, they explore why silence is the most common—and most costly—mistake family enterprise owners make when planning for the future. Sandra unpacks how values-based conversations, proactive planning and collaborative advisory teams can prevent disaster and preserve both wealth and relationships across generations.

In this episode of Clean Incentives, host Brendan Sigalet speaks with Jeremy Matthies, a tax insurance specialist at CAC Specialty, about how tax insurance is becoming a critical tool for clean energy project developers and investors in Canada.

What if the best buyer for your business is already working for you? In this episode of Beyond Succession, host Leah Tolton is joined by Bennett Jones partner Wes Novotny, one of the first lawyers in Canada to advise on the adoption of an employee ownership trust (EOT). Together, they unpack how EOTs are changing how Canadian business owners think about succession.

What happens when the person at the center of a harassment complaint is also a family member? In this episode of Beyond Succession, host Leah Tolton is joined by Laura Inglis and Sabrina A. Bandali to unpack the unique challenges family enterprises face when personal and professional boundaries blur.

The Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is one of the federal government’s tools to encourage investment in clean power generation in Canada. However, for project developers and investors, accessing the credit means more than checking a few boxes—it requires navigating a complex and evolving landscape of eligibility criteria, regulatory frameworks and shifting political priorities. In this episode of Clean Incentives, host Brendan Sigalet is joined by Bennett Jones partners David Macaulay and Jessica Kennedy to unpack the practical realities of the Clean Electricity ITC.

When family relationships break down, the impact can extend well beyond personal matters, putting the future of a family enterprise at risk. In this episode of Beyond Succession, host Leah Tolton, is joined by Patricia Hebert, a collaborative family lawyer, mediator and child advocate, to explore how collaborative family law can protect business continuity, preserve family wealth and sustain long-term legacy during separation or divorce.

Is Canada’s Clean Technology Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit (CTM ITC) enough to accelerate clean technology manufacturing? In this episode of Clean Incentives, host Brendan Sigalet is joined by Michael Smith and David Wainer to unpack this tax credit and its role in driving sustainable investment across the country. They break down what the CTM ITC is, who stands to benefit and the key opportunities and challenges facing technology manufacturers and critical mineral miners in Canada.

In an era where digital threats are more sophisticated than ever, cybersecurity has become a pressing concern for family enterprises. With their interconnected structures, valuable assets, and sensitive information, these businesses are prime targets for cyberattacks. But how can family enterprises protect themselves while maintaining operational efficiency? In this episode of Beyond Succession, host Leah Tolton is joined by Bennett Jones associate Suzie Suliman as they dive into the cybersecurity challenges unique to family businesses and how to mitigate risk. They discuss why family enterprises are particularly vulnerable to cyber threats, balancing cybersecurity with seamless business operations, and practical steps to fortify your defenses like vendor management and incident response planning.

How do United States (US) tariffs and Canadian countermeasures affect Canadian businesses, and what can family enterprises do to prepare? In this timely episode of Beyond Succession, host Leah Tolton sits down with leading international trade lawyer Jessica Horwitz to explore strategies for navigating an uncertain trade environment. The discussion delves into the latest US tariff policies, unpacking their economic and legal implications for family enterprises in Canada. From supply chain disruptions to workforce impacts and recessionary concerns, the episode highlights practical steps to mitigate these challenges. Topics include adapting contracts, market diversification, and capitalizing on free trade agreements outside the US.

Explore Canada’s evolving clean energy tax credits and the political dynamics shaping their future in this episode of Clean Incentives. Host Brendan Sigalet is joined by Serge Dupont, a seasoned public policy advisor and head of Bennett Jones’ Public Policy group, and Hon. Jason Kenney, former Premier of Alberta and Senior Advisor at Bennett Jones, for an engaging conversation on the intersection of policy and clean energy investment.

Delve into the unique challenges and opportunities of Canada's family-owned agricultural businesses in this compelling episode of Beyond Succession. Host Leah Tolton sits down with Dave Smardon, President and CEO of Bioenterprise Canada, to explore why patient capital is critical for growth in an industry where 92 percent of farms are family-run. Together, they discuss the extended timelines required for successful expansion in agriculture and how this differs from other sectors. They also examine the shifting investment landscape, highlighting how Canadian agribusinesses secure capital compared to their European counterparts and the changes needed to foster growth.

Explore the intricacies of crisis management in family enterprises, where resilience, conflict mitigation and legacy protection are essential to navigating turbulent times. Crises, whether internal conflicts, unforeseen events or leadership disputes, can disrupt critical processes like succession planning and decision-making, challenging both the stability of the business and the harmony within the family. In this episode, host Leah Tolton is joined by Bennett Jones partner James Heelan to share insights on guiding family businesses through these critical moments.

In this episode of Clean Incentives, host Brendan Sigalet unpacks the opportunities and challenges of Canada's Clean Hydrogen Tax Credit with Bennett Jones partners Geoff Stenger and Yannick Beaudion. Together, they explore how this tax incentive can fuel major clean energy projects, the critical role of investment tax credits in securing financing, and key strategies businesses need to succeed when tapping into these incentives.

In this episode of Beyond Succession, host Leah Tolton is joined by Partner and Head of the Agribusiness Industry Team at Bennett Jones, Lorelei Graham, as they delve into the rich legacy and promising future of Canadian agricultural family enterprises. From household names like McCain and Weston to the community-driven farms that anchor our local economies, these businesses are living legacies with deep roots in the land and the hearts of their communities.

In this episode, hosts Brendan Sigalet and Derrick Osborne are joined by fellow Bennett Jones lawyers Shawn Munro, Luke Morrison and Sharon Singh, as they offer invaluable insights into the successful development and deployment of carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) projects. Together, they unpack the complexities of the CCUS tax credit, revealing how this crucial incentive can significantly reduce industrial emissions while fueling sustainable growth across Canada.

In the inaugural episode of Clean Incentives, hosts Brendan Sigalet and Derrick Osborne, alongside special guests Ashley White and Jason Roth, delve into the myriad of tax incentives available for businesses in Canada, with a focus on the newly enacted Bill C-59. This legislation introduces the Clean Economy Investment Tax Credits, aiming to provide $93 billion in federal incentives by 2034-2035. These incentives are designed to attract investment, foster Canadian innovation, create jobs and propel Canada's economy toward achieving net zero by 2050.

The choppy waters of mergers and acquisitions can sink family-owned businesses if not done carefully. In this episode, we wade into the challenging process of M&A for family enterprises looking to continue their legacy. We are joined by Ted Kouri, Founder and President of Incite, as he shares his expertise on mid-market M&A advisory services. We discuss critical steps like formulating an M&A strategy, conducting due diligence, maintaining brand identity post-acquisition and leading change management.

In this episode, Mike Mack of X5 Management sits down with host and Bennett Jones Partner, Leah Tolton, to explore how succession dynamics create ripples across family and business relationships, influencing the enterprise's trajectory. We dive into the complex and nuanced interplay between succession planning, family ties, emotions and objectives.

In this Beyond Succession podcast episode, we look at the tools available to help family successors be effective board members or managers, as well as how families can best deal with gaps to ensure a smooth transition to avoid any potential conflict. Tune in for a blend of wisdom, strategy and foresight that can transform the challenges of succession into opportunities for legacy-building and enduring success.

We hosted Jeff Cullen on our Beyond Succession podcast to dig deep into a subject many entrepreneurs find challenging, yet vitally important: preparing your business for an exit. Jeff is a seasoned consultant and Certified Exit Planning Advisor at Sunbelt Business Brokers with over 20 years of business experience. From understanding business valuation methodologies and tax considerations, to planning for succession and managing liabilities, Jeff shares invaluable insights that could help you avoid common pitfalls and make your exit strategy as smooth and profitable as possible.