Grant N. Stapon, KC, brings over four decades of distinguished legal practice to his independent firm.

As the former Partner and Co-Head of Commercial Litigation at Bennett Jones LLP, Grant has established himself as one of Western Canada's premier commercial litigators, handling matters with enterprise values reaching US$50 billion.

A Legacy of Leadership Throughout his career, Grant has served as trusted counsel to major corporations including EnCana Corporation (US$50 billion enterprise value), Cenovus Energy Inc., Gibson Energy Inc., Sears Canada Inc., and Shoppers Drug Mart. His unique position as co-senior counsel to the Calgary Police Service for over 35 years—advising seven Chiefs of Police—demonstrates the depth of trust institutions place in his judgment and expertise.

Landmark Transactions and Cases Grant's practice encompasses transformational corporate matters, including EnCana Corporation's division into two independent publicly traded companies. His litigation experience spans multi-million-dollar arbitrations, complex estate disputes, environmental matters, and precedent-setting commercial cases. Notable representations include successful resolution of a multi-million-dollar expedited arbitration involving a significant recreational resort property in British Columbia, and achieving favorable outcomes in complex oil and gas disputes.

Courtroom Excellence Grant's litigation prowess is evidenced by over 100 reported decisions from various courts and tribunals across Canada. He has appeared before courts in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Newfoundland, handling matters of provincial and national significance. His expertise in alternative dispute resolution has earned him repeated recognition as one of Canada's leading ADR lawyers.

Education & Credentials

• King's Counsel (KC) - Appointed in recognition of exceptional legal service

• LLB, University of Manitoba (1978)

• Called to the Alberta Bar (1980)

• 40+ Years of Active Practice

Professional Recognition & Industry Leadership

Grant's expertise is recognized through his appointments to several corporate boards and his frequent speaking engagements on legal matters. He regularly contributes thought leadership through published articles and blog posts, including his recent analysis "Court Considers Unreasonably Withholding Consent under CAPL Operating Procedure in Precedent-Setting Decision."

Awards & Recognition:

• Best Lawyers in Canada - Alternative Dispute Resolution Law

• LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell - BV Distinguished Peer Review Rating

• The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory - Repeatedly Recommended, Litigation - Corporate Commercial

• Benchmark Litigation: Canada - Recognized as a Litigation Star

• Lexpert Special Edition: Technology and Health - Leading Canadian lawyer recognition

Community Commitment Grant is an active member of various community and charitable organizations, reflecting his commitment to service beyond the practice of law. His board service and community involvement demonstrate the leadership qualities that have made him a trusted advisor to institutions and executives throughout his career.

EXPERIENCE & RESULTS

Select Major Representations

Transformational Corporate Transactions

EnCana Corporation Division - Represented EnCana Corporation, with an enterprise value of approximately US$50 billion, in its division into two independent publicly traded companies: the new EnCana Corporation (unconventional natural gas) and Cenovus Energy Inc. (integrated oil company).

High-Stakes Commercial Litigation

IFP Technologies $60 Million Lawsuit - Represented IFP Technologies (Canada) Inc. in a $60-million lawsuit against predecessors to Ovintiv Canada ULC and Cenovus Energy regarding alleged improper development of the Eyehill Creek oil field and failure to observe contractual rights.

Multi-Million Dollar Resort Arbitration - Successfully represented client in a multi-million-dollar expedited arbitration involving a significant recreational resort property in British Columbia, addressing construction delay claims and First Nations issues.

Complex Estate Litigation

Phillips v. Phillips Estate Dispute - Represented Personal Representatives of the Estate in a complex contest over ownership of estate shares, legal costs, and enforcement measures, with successful resolution through Alberta Court of Appeal proceedings.

Environmental & Energy Matters

Apache Canada Working Interest Dispute - Represented Apache Canada Ltd. in complex litigation involving multiple working interest owners and a freehold mineral lessor.

Paramount Resources Arbitration - Successfully resolved arbitration between Paramount Resources Limited and Elizabeth Metis Settlement regarding land access and lease payments under the Metis Settlement Act.

Specialized Corporate Matters

Banff Television Festival Restructuring - Guided The Banff Television Festival Foundation through critical restructuring, incorporating a new foundation and obtaining court-ordered transfer of assets to ensure the continuation of this 25-year Alberta institution.

ICE Anton Pillar Warrant - Successfully obtained Anton Pillar private search warrant for ICE, resulting in prosecution, conviction, and deportation of a U.S. immigration officer.

Corporate Counsel Relationships

Long-term General Counsel Services:

• Calgary Police Service (co-senior counsel, 35+ years)

• Sears Canada Inc. (general Alberta litigation counsel)

• Shoppers Drug Mart (general Alberta litigation counsel)

• Gibson Energy Inc. (general litigation counsel)

• Visions Electronics (general litigation counsel)

• CFCN/CTV affiliate (general litigation counsel)

• Renfrew Thompson Insurance Limited (general litigation counsel)

Notable Achievements

Landmark Environmental Cases

Grant has been at the forefront of Alberta's most significant environmental litigation, representing clients in cases that have shaped environmental law and regulatory practice in the province, including successful judicial review of Alberta Environment decisions.

Institutional Trust

As co-senior counsel to the Calgary Police Service for over 35 years, Grant has provided strategic legal guidance through changing leadership, advising seven Chiefs of Police and maintaining relationships with several after their retirement.

Judicial Recognition

With over 100 reported decisions, Grant's arguments and strategies have been documented in legal precedent, contributing to the development of commercial and environmental law in Canada.

Cross-Jurisdictional Practice

Grant's practice extends across Western and Central Canada, with appearances in multiple provinces demonstrating his expertise in interprovincial legal matters.

PRACTICE AREAS

Core Practice Areas

Commercial Litigation

Comprehensive representation in complex business disputes, including contract disputes, shareholder matters, and corporate governance issues. Grant's experience spans from small business conflicts to multi-million dollar corporate litigation.

Environmental Law

Grant has served as defense counsel in many of Alberta's largest environmental cases, including:

• Little Buffalo Kemp spill

• Red Deer River Gleniffer Lake spill

• Seal Condensate spill

• OBED dam failure

• Medicine Hat/Suffield migratory birds case

Energy & Oil & Gas Litigation

Specialized expertise in energy sector disputes, regulatory matters, and environmental compliance issues affecting oil and gas companies.

Securities Litigation

Representation in securities disputes, regulatory investigations, and compliance matters for public and private companies.

Employment & Labour Law

Comprehensive employment law practice including wrongful dismissal, employment standards, and workplace investigations.

Insurance Litigation

Extensive experience representing insurance companies in coverage disputes, bad faith claims, and regulatory matters.

Intellectual Property Litigation

Protecting and enforcing intellectual property rights through strategic litigation and dispute resolution.

Wills & Estates Litigation

Complex estate disputes, will challenges, and trust litigation for high-net-worth individuals and families.

Media Law

Representing media organizations in defamation, privacy, and freedom of expression matters.

Additional Services

Corporate Governance

Advisory services to public company boards on governance best practices, compliance, and risk management.

Arbitration & Alternative Dispute Resolution

Efficient resolution of commercial disputes through mediation and arbitration proceedings.

Regulatory Compliance

Guidance on regulatory requirements and representation in proceedings before administrative tribunals.