Calgary Real Estate, Wills and Estates, and Business Law Blog

Cannabis legalization is almost here. Employers are busily preparing rules to regulate cannabis use in their workplaces. Police and other employers whose duties affect public safety are finding it particularly difficult to draft policies for cannabis use that satisfy their employees and their obligations to the public.

Both Air Canada and Calgary-based WestJet Airlines now ban cannabis use for people whose jobs affect customer safety — even when they are off-duty. Alcohol use is only restricted for certain employees for 12 hours before they go on duty.

In an era of high demand and higher bids for homes, buyers who write warm personal letters to sellers often win the bidding war and buy the house they want. This is a growing trend that some realtors say ‘must’ be part of an offer if a buyer wants to have any hope of purchasing the property.

Many sellers seriously consider any personal letters they receive with offers when deciding to whom to sell their house. Most sellers care who buys their house and are happier to sell to someone who can clearly say why they love and want to buy the property. The letters have the greatest influence on sellers who have lived in their home for a long time and want to be sure the buyers will take care of it.

The forthcoming legalization of cannabis across Canada has raised many questions amongst employers and employees alike. One of the most fierce debates has been over human rights concerns with regard to random testing for the substance. People driving or operating heavy machinery, such as oil workers and bus drivers in Alberta, have been a particular source of debate.

Many people who take public transportation in the city have wondered whether drivers for Calgary Transit and Southland Transportation would be under increased scrutiny once cannabis is legalized next month. Following an extensive review of workplace policies across Calgary, it has been announced that no changes will be made to the protocol for substance testing of bus drivers. The decision is based on the finding that current protocol is adequate and that drivers are already tested for substances as needed.

Many people are familiar with leaving assets to children in a will, but what about pets? Interestingly, passing "inheritances" onto furry friends is not as unusual in wills as some might think. Considerations for Alberta estates involving pets may include naming a guardian for their animals, as well as leaving some funds to cover living expenses while they are with the new owner.

Those who can afford to do so should consider the cost of food, vet bills and other expenses for the pet should they pass away first. In some cases, they may also want to compensate the friend or family member who will adopt the pet after they pass away with a daily amount or lump sum for their efforts. Often those who have a higher net worth will leave even more to pets. As an extreme example, the five dogs owned by Oprah Winfrey have a $30-million trust fund.