McInnes Cooper

Join us on Thursday, May 28 at Parkland Riverview for an evening focused on planning ahead with confidence. Presented by Rebekah Earle, CPA, CA, CFP® of Scotia Wealth Management and our own Melanie Caissie, TEP, this session will cover key considerations including the cost of aging, wills and powers of attorney, probate, and retirement income planning. Learn more and register here: https://lnkd.in/eEgBEEG2

Canada is entering a pivotal decade for defence and security. In partnership with RBC, McInnes Cooper is hosting a forward-looking discussion on the future of Canada’s defence industry. The Honourable Peter MacKay, alongside John Stackhouse and Thomas Ashcroft, will share perspectives on the evolving policy landscape, capital investment trends, and the industrial capacity needed to support long-term growth. Register now to be part of the conversation: https://lnkd.in/ehP5nNiT

This week, we brought our lawyers together for our firm-wide retreat in St. John’s. Our retreat creates space to step back from our day-to-day work, reconnect as colleagues, and spend time together. From shared sessions to time spent connecting outside the agenda, it was a great chance to strengthen relationships and reflect on what we've accomplished, and what we are building as we move forward. Together, we achieve more.

Ottawa is proposing to rewrite the major projects playbook to make planning, review and permitting more integrated and time bound. For project proponents, this is the latest in a series of federal moves signaling a continued push to build more and build faster. Our recent article, by Melanie Gillis, Lucia Westin-Eastaugh and Michael Simms, reviews the May 8 announcement, and places it in the context of broader reforms, and highlights key takeaways for proponents. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eDwKf-GW

Please join us in congratulating Doug Skinner on his appointment as Chair of the Board of McInnes Cooper, effective May 13, 2026. Doug is widely recognized for his leadership and his work in commercial arbitration and business dispute resolution. In this role, he will help guide the firm’s governance and strategic priorities as we advance Aspire, our five-year strategic plan. Thank you to outgoing Chair Jack Graham, KC for his leadership and service, and congratulations again to Doug on this well-deserved appointment. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e6G8dSbS

Legislative changes in New Brunswick continue to move forward with Bill 26 now through third reading. The bill proposes a new Long-Term Illness and Injury Leave, broadening job-protected leave for employees and introducing new compliance considerations for employers. Read lawyer Chris Pelkey’s article for a closer look at what’s ahead: https://lnkd.in/eZBrVEXV

We’re hiring a Change Management Specialist! This is a great opportunity for a project and change professional who enjoys collaborating with stakeholders, bringing structure to complex work, and delivering strong results. In this role, you’ll help guide teams through change and support initiatives across the firm. Learn more about the position: https://lnkd.in/ex2xpkFR Flexible work options are available across Atlantic Canada, with a range of ways to build your career with us. Explore our other roles: https://lnkd.in/e-cSpW7H

McInnes Cooper has been named Regional Law Firm of the Year in Atlantic Canada at the 2026 Lexpert Canadian Law Awards! This reflects the strength of our team and the relationships we’ve built with our clients. We’re grateful for the continued trust of our clients and the contributions of our colleagues across the firm. We also thank Lexpert for this recognition. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gdD-yG4w

The latest Competition Act amendments change how environmental claims are assessed, but they still require careful support. For major project proponents, the message is straightforward: support what you say and say it consistently. We’ve outlined the key updates and practical considerations. If you’re working through how these changes apply to your project, we can help. Read the full article by Melanie Gillis and Chelsea Greenham: https://lnkd.in/e3fdgM22

May’s Make Change Champion is Fredericton Associate Shanna St-Pierre-Power! Since joining the firm as a summer student in 2023, Shanna has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service, environmental stewardship, and advancing inclusion. Now Chair of our Fredericton CSR Committee, she continues to lead initiatives that support local organizations, women and children, environmental restoration, and Indigenous reconciliation. Through both her leadership and hands‑on involvement, Shanna helps turn our values into meaningful action. Thank you, Shanna, for the positive and lasting impact you help create across our firm and our communities.