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ARTICLE · 15 JULY 2024

First Court Decision Interpreting New Streamlined Trial Rules In Alberta

Field Law
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Wayne Arsenault ("Arsenault"), commenced an action against his former employer, Big Rock Brewery, alleging wrongful dismissal. Arsenault sought damages for wrongful dismissal pursuant to a written employment agreement.

CanadaEmployment and HR
Frank Molnar
Frank Molnar
Ben Civil
Ben Civil
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In January of 2024, the Alberta Rules of Court were amended to repeal the summary trial process and replace it with "streamlined trial" rules. Field Law's Frank Molnar, KC successfully represented an employer in opposing an application for a streamlined trial – the first reported decision considering the new streamlined trial rules. The Court emphasized that a streamlined trial must be necessary and proportionate, failing which, the default is a normal trial process.


Wayne Arsenault ("Arsenault"), commenced an action against his former employer, Big Rock Brewery, alleging wrongful dismissal. Arsenault sought damages for wrongful dismissal pursuant to a written employment agreement. In its Statement of Defence, Big Rock Brewery asserted it had just cause to terminate Arsenault's employment. Affidavits of records were exchanged but questioning had yet to commence. Arsenault filed an Application for a Streamlined Trial under the new streamlined trial

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