Hempalta Corp. closes Qualifying Transaction

On March 19, 2024 Hempalta Corp. (TSXV: HEMP) (formerly Trail Blazing Ventures Ltd.) (the “Company“) issued a press release announcing that it had completed its previously announced “Qualifying Transaction” in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the “Transaction“). The Transaction was completed by way of a three corner amalgamation among Trail Blazing Ventures Ltd. (“TBV”), a wholly owned subsidiary of TBV and Hempalta Inc. (“Target”). Pursuant to the Transaction, among other things, TBV, a capital pool company under the policies of the TSXV, acquired all of the issued and outstanding securities of Target and completed a name change to “Hempalta Corp”. The shares of Hempalta Corp. (“Hempalta”) commenced trading on the TSXV at the market open under the ticker symbol “HEMP” on March 22, 2024.

DS Lawyers Canada LLP acted as legal advisor to Hempalta Corp. with a team consisting of Robert Verbuck, Michael Ginevsky, Adil Hirji, and Thomas Heine.

Hempalta is focused on harnessing the immense potential of hemp. Hempalta’s products are made from hemp grown sustainably in Alberta and processed using a state-of-the-art processing plant at its production facility in Calgary. Hempalta is led by passionate advocates of industrial hemp with years of experience in operations, manufacturing, marketing, consumer packaged goods and retail. The company was named one of the top 10 startups by Platform Calgary’s Launch Party and recognized as one of the 50 most investable clean technology companies by Foresight Canada.

DS Lawyers Canada LLP is pleased to have assisted Hempalta in the closing of this Transaction.

To learn more about our Securities Practice Group or to contact one of our securities lawyers, visit the links above. 


DS Lawyers recognized for excellence in the 2024 edition of the Chambers Canada Guide

DS Lawyers Canada is proud to announce that, for the first time, it has been ranked in two categories of the renowned Chambers Canada Guide 2024, published today. 

Groups from the following fields of practice won awards: 

About Chambers Canada 
The Chambers Canada Guide is internationally recognized for its high-level legal rankings. Lawyers named in the Chambers Canada Guide are selected through a thorough process of research and interviews with the firm’s clients and peers in the market. The guide recommends lawyers and law firms in over 70 areas of practice across Canada.  

About DS Lawyers  

DS Lawyers is a leading international law firm with over 400 lawyers and 24 offices on four continents. Clients rely on us to deliver innovative and effective legal services. We offer results-driven strategies to help our business clients overcome their commercial business challenges and resolve their most complex litigation issues.  

Alexandre Normandin-Lussier takes part in the Le Transatlantique accelerator program

Set up by the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie Française au Canada (CCIFC) to help Canadian and French companies do business between the two continents.

DS Lawyers, the leading international firm of French origin with offices in 24 countries across four continents, is proud to announce the participation of Alexandre Normandin-Lussier, lawyer and partner at the firm, as a trainer, mentor and jury member in the new business accelerator program launched by the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie Française au Canada (CCIFC), Le Transatlantique. This program, supported by Bpifrance, aims to support Canadian companies looking to set up and export in France, as well as French companies aspiring to set up and export in Canada, over a six-week period starting September 18, 2023.

As a recognized practitioner of business law and instigator of the Quebec-France work group at the firm, Alexandre Normandin-Lussier offers his valuable experience to companies seeking to navigate the legal and commercial complexities of both markets. As a mentor, he will share his expertise and provide strategic advice to Le Transatlantique accelerator program participants, guiding them as they grow their businesses between Canada and France.

“I’m delighted to be part of the Le Transatlantique accelerator program launched by the CCIFC,” says Alexandre Normandin-Lussier. “This program provides a unique opportunity for companies that will be part of the first selected cohort to benefit from the experience and expertise of professionals who can guide them in their international set-up and development, and I’m excited to contribute to their success as a trainer, mentor and jury member.”

The members of the firm are delighted that Alexandre Normandin-Lussier is taking part in this prestigious program, and are committed to actively supporting companies wishing to develop their transatlantic activities. Alexandre’s experience and expertise will be invaluable assets to participants, and will help to strengthen business relations between France and Canada.

About the Le Transatlantique accelerator program

The Le Transatlantique accelerator program aims to stimulate business exchanges between the two countries by providing participants with a platform to gain in-depth knowledge of the French and Canadian markets, as well as to establish fruitful partnerships. Selected companies will have access to specialized workshops, one-to-one mentoring sessions and networking opportunities, all aimed at strengthening their international presence.

About the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie Française au Canada (CCIFC):

Present in Montréal since 1886, the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie Française au Canada (CCIFC) is the leading Franco-Canadian business network, with nearly 400 companies and over 3,000 member delegates. It has a business network of over 8,000 contacts. The CCIFC’s mission is to support French and Canadian companies in their development between France and Canada, and to promote synergies and opportunities in both local business communities. The Le Transatlantique accelerator program is one of its flagship initiatives to encourage bilateral exchange.

About DS Lawyers

DS Lawyers is a leading international law firm with over 400 lawyers and 24 offices on four continents. Clients rely on us to deliver innovative and effective legal services. We offer results-driven strategies to help our business clients overcome their commercial business challenges and resolve their most complex litigation issues.  

On the Canada-France axis, DS Lawyers leads a working group chaired by Alexandre Normandin-Lussier, with the support of Angèle Di Giovanni and Juliane Fonseca, and the collaboration of several DS Lawyers members. The aim of this working group is to support French companies setting up in Quebec and/or with business objectives in North America, and/or Quebec companies setting up in France.

Four new lawyers choose DS Lawyers Canada 

DS Lawyers Canada is pleased to welcome four new lawyers to its offices in Montreal and Canada’s Capital.  

Nikoletta Marcolefas  

Nikoletta Marcolefas joins the Montreal Labour and Employment Law Group. She is a human resources enthusiast and is particularly interested in labour relations legislation, human rights issues, drafting employment contracts, and occupational health and safety.   

Ms. Marcolefas completed a bachelor’s degree in human resources management at Concordia University before studying law at the Université de Montréal and was called to the bar in 2023. Her practice will include research and drafting as well as representation in the courts.  

“The aspect that impresses me most at DS Lawyers is the team of professionals working there. I have the opportunity of working alongside lawyers that have an incredibly broad expertise across several different industries. The firm stands out due to its stellar know-how and excellence in the services it provides, which is very inspiring to be a part of.” 

Divya Patel  

Divya Patel joins the Corporate Law Group. She practices primarily in the areas of financing, commercial law, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate reorganizations. Due to her multi-jurisdictional practice, she is involved in all aspects of cross-border transactions.  

Ms. Patel also advises clients on the regulatory developments in the technology sector, since she is heavily involved in the fast-paced world of transformative technology such as blockchain, AI, and smart contracts.  

“At DS Lawyers, I am surrounded by seasoned lawyers who embody an entrepreneurial spirit and who are committed to advising their clients on various aspects of their business projects and growth across Canada and at an international level. I am proud to be joining a team whose aim is not only excellence in client service, but also in mentoring young lawyers and supporting them in their career development.” 

Canada’s Capital  

Jing (Catherine) Ou   

Jing (Catherine) Ou joins the Litigation Group. Ms. Ou is a Canadian lawyer qualified in both common law and civil law and is also an arbitrator on civil and commercial matters accredited by the Barreau du Québec. 

Ms. Ou practices primarily in the field of litigation and dispute resolution in civil, commercial, and private international law matters. With training in the legal traditions of Canada, Quebec, and China, Catherine provides professional legal services to clients of diverse backgrounds in French, English, Mandarin, and Cantonese.  

“To me, what joining DS Lawyers means, first and foremost, is joining a top-flight international team that allows me to put my strengths and skills to work for clients and provide the services they may need across multiple jurisdictions. I have the support of a generous team who apply stringent standards in the conduct of large-scale cases.” 

Melody Salib   

Melody Salib practises corporate law and dispute resolution with a particular interest in civil and administrative law. She articled at the SAAQ and has handled multiple cases involving compensation for bodily harm before administrative bodies. Her administrative law expertise goes beyond compensation for vehicle accidents, since she gained familiarity with labour grievances through a placement working as a registry officer at the FPSLREB. 

“I am very pleased to be joining the big DS Lawyers family, with its seasoned professionals who offer excellence in their services and provide leadership with a human touch. I am certain that the expertise I have developed in litigation, combined with the experience of the team at DS Lawyers, will serve the firm’s business clients well.”  

“We are delighted to welcome these four lawyers to our dynamic Canadian team,” said Richard Laramée, Chairman of the board of DS Lawyers Canada and managing partner of our Montreal office. “These lawyers not only contribute to building the foundation for the future growth of our firm, but also show that DS Lawyers is a prime destination for talented legal professionals seeking to grow in their careers.”  

Alexandre Normandin-Lussier admitted to the Barreau de Paris

We are proud to announce that Alexandre Normandin-Lussier, lawyer and partner, was admitted to the Barreau de Paris in April 2023.

Alexandre is a leading transactional advisor committed to helping French companies achieve their business objectives in Canada and contribute to the success of Canadian companies in France and abroad.

He is an active member of the CCI Française au Canada and launched the Quebec-France working group at the firm last January with the support of Angèle di Giovanni, lawyer and Juliane Fonseca, paralegal. Please join us in congratulating him on this second Bar.

DS Lawyers is present on four continents, 14 countries and 25 cities, with 7 offices in Canada (Montreal, Quebec, Gatineau, Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver) and four in France (Paris, Bordeaux, Lille and Lyon).

Jean-Yves Simard is recognized as a leader for his litigation expertise by Benchmark Litigation Canada

DS Lawyers Canada is pleased to announce that Jean-Yves Simard, a partner on the litigation team, has been ranked in the prestigious Benchmark Litigation Canada, 2023 edition.

Jean-Yves has over 25 years of experience in litigation, particularly in insolvency and restructuring. He has also served as Chair of the National Insolvency Law Section of the Canadian Bar Association. Jean-Yves has played a vital role in several complex litigation cases, some of which have set precedents. 

The Benchmark Litigation Canada guide covers litigation and dispute resolution in North America. It bases its rankings on an extensive research process that includes peer feedback and the results of interviews with litigants and clients. 

Congratulations to Jean-Yves for this distinction which is a testament to his talent and expertise. 

For more information on Jean-Yves Simard and our litigation practice, please visit our website.

Another lawyer chooses DS Lawyers 

DS Lawyers Canada is pleased to welcome lawyer Christian Dupuis to the Business Law Group at its Ottawa-Gatineau office.

Mr. Dupuis practices primarily commercial law, transactional law, and corporate reorganizations. He also practices in the field of civil and commercial litigation.

Over the years, Christian has developed expertise in contract negotiation, transactional law, corporate governance, and corporate regulation and compliance.

Before joining the firm, he acted as legal counsel for companies involved in various industries, including pharmacy franchises, food and petroleum wholesalers, professional sports groups, real estate development, medical and aesthetic clinics, and automotive sales businesses.

“I have always enjoyed taking on new challenges. Moving to a growing firm with a solid reputation not only makes sense for me but also offers greater benefits to my current clients, thanks in part to the global platform of DS Lawyers,” said Christian Dupuis.

“We are very pleased to have Christian join us. His broad law knowledge, coupled with the skills he acquired in private practice, will make him a great asset to our business clients. With these experiences, he has a unique understanding of our client’s issues,” said Richard Laramée, Managing Partner of the Montreal office and Chairman of DS Lawyers Canada.

Stéphanie-Ann Morgan chooses DS Lawyers 

Montréal, le 27 février 2023 – DS Lawyers Canada is pleased to announce that Stéphanie-Ann Morgan is joining the Business Law group based out of our Montreal office.

With a primary focus on transactional law, including mergers and acquisitions, commercial real estate, and corporate financing, Stéphanie-Ann brings considerable expertise to the table. She will utilize her knowledge and skills to effectively represent a diverse range of clients, including financial institutions, government entities, landlords, and tenants in purchase and sale transactions, real estate financing, and leasing.

“The Business Law team is expanding at DS Lawyers. I was eager to join this dynamic group so I can play a proactive and sustainable role in the success of our local and national clients, “says Stephanie-Ann.

Stéphanie-Ann was called to the Bar in 2017. She holds a Licence in Civil Law (LL. L) from the University of Ottawa, where she graduated with honours and was included on the graduating Dean’s Honour List. Following this, she continued her studies in common law with the national program (J.D.) at the same university.

“This addition of Stéphanie-Ann to our Montreal office further supports our continued expansion and reinforces our ability to attract exceptional talent to our profession,” said Richard Laramée, Managing Partner in the Montreal office and Chairman of the Board of DS Lawyers Canada. “We look forward to the valuable contributions she will make to our team and our clients.”

Décarie Lawyers becomes DS Lawyers

Montreal, February 6, 2023 — Décarie Lawyers and DS Lawyers Canada has confirmed a unification agreement. This collaboration officially began on February 1, 2023. To facilitate the transition with its clients, Décarie Lawyers will practice for a certain time under the name DS Décarie Lawyers, and the eight team members — including four lawyers — will continue to offer their services at the same address.

Décarie Lawyers was founded in 2006 and offers services including litigation, business law, and labour law. The local community has recognized the firm’s success and the talents of the team, making it the multi-service firm of choice for both its clients and its employees. This unification will allow current clients of DS Décarie Lawyers to benefit from the advantages of a global firm structure while increasing the presence of DS Lawyers in the National Capital Region.

“We had reached a stage in our development where we wanted to offer a more diversified range of services to our business customers and take advantage of a national and international platform to support them in their development. The DS Lawyers firm quickly emerged as a go-to, thanks to their global network and because we share the same human and professional values,” said Sophie-Anne Décarie, founder and president of Décarie Lawyers and partner of DS Décarie Lawyers.

“Our new colleagues will actively participate in serving local business customers, as well as support our existing Ottawa team. We are very pleased that this firm of exemplary talent has decided to join the DS Lawyers Canada family,” explained Richard Laramée, Partner and Chairman of the Board of DS Lawyers Canada.

A new talent chooses DS Lawyers business law team

We welcome Alexandre Normandin-Lussier as a partner in our Montreal office

DS Lawyers is pleased to welcome to the firm Alexandre Normandin-Lussier. The arrival of this distinguished lawyer, who will be joining the Montreal office as a partner, is consistent with our expansion strategy in business law. 

His inspirational leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and high-level expertise in mergers and acquisitions, commercial law and real estate will complement the professional team already in place. He advises and supports many Canadian and foreign clients from several industries. He acts as a business advisor to clients, and approaches the mandates entrusted to him with pragmatism and agility. More specifically, within DS Lawyers, he will also assist and advise French and European corporations with their business projects, helping them to establish and grow their operations in Canada. 

“I’m glad to be joining a team of such talented colleagues who will support me in helping Quebec entrepreneurs and large Canadian and international corporations achieve their business goals. In addition to having a strategic and insightful vision of how to provide legal services, the DS Lawyers team strikes me as the perfect match for my successful career plan,” stated Mtre Normandin-Lussier. 

“Alexandre is a dedicated, versatile and committed professional and a highly skilled negotiator in any transaction. He is an enormous talent and business acumen. The business law team will put his business knowledge and skill to good use,” says Richard Laramée, managing partner at DS Lawyers in Montreal and board chair. 

About DS Lawyers  

We are a full-service law firm offering a broad range of business and legal solutions to our local, Canadian, and international clientele. We offer a personalized approach and integrated services in business, tax, litigation, commercial real estate and employment law across our 24 locations, including Québec City, Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver.  

Our clients are at the heart of our initiatives. We dedicate ourselves to providing practical solutions to their most complex challenges and realities. Our collaborative structure allows us to help corporations looking to cross borders or that need legal support for international business ventures.

DS Lawyers Canada promotes two lawyers to partner 

DS Lawyers Canada is proud to announce the appointment of Gabriel Nadeau-Roberge (Business Law – Montréal) and Alex Parken (Business Law – Calgary) as partners, effective since January 1, 2023. 

 This promotion is the result of their exemplary work and unconditional commitment to our clients and members of our organization. It’s also part of the firm’s ongoing succession planning. These two promising lawyers have proven to be excellent ambassadors for the firm’s values of excellence, leadership, and collaboration. 

About our two new partners 

Gabriel’s practice focuses on business and corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, commercial and real estate law, while Alex advises on mergers and acquisitions, corporate financing, and securities law.  

“Gabriel and Alex are two accomplished, up-and-coming professionals whom we happily welcome as partners at this start to the year. Their cutting-edge knowledge, keen business sense, and dedication to delivering the highest quality and standards guarantee our clients will receive sound and appropriate advice in all circumstances”, said Richard Laramée, Chairman of the Board. 

“I am delighted to take this important next step and join the Business Law Group in Montréal as a partner. I am proud to be part of the firm’s succession plans and to contribute to the growth of an organization that puts the needs of its clients first and continues to build its relationship as a business partner and collaborator with them”, said Gabriel Nadeau-Roberge. 

“I am grateful to be named a partner of DS Lawyers. It is a privilege to be recognized in this way, and I am committed to continuing to work hard and contribute to the success of the firm” says Alex Parken. 

Learn more about Gabriel Nadeau-Roberge and Alex Parken.  

About DS Lawyers Canada 

We are a full-service law firm offering a broad range of business and legal solutions to our local, Canadian, and international clientele. We offer a personalized approach and integrated services in business, tax, litigation, commercial real estate, and employment law across our 24 locations, including Québec City, Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver.    

Our clients are at the heart of our initiatives. We dedicate ourselves to providing practical solutions to their most complex challenges and realities. Our collaborative structure allows us to help companies looking to cross borders or that need legal support for international business ventures.  

DS Lawyers Chairman of the Canadian Board Awarded Platinum Jubilee Medal 

Richard Laramée, the managing partner of DS Lawyers in Montreal and chair of the Canadian board, has been awarded the Platinum Jubilee Medallion, commemorating Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II’s 70th anniversary of her ascension to the Throne.  

A specialist in business law, Richard Laramée is a trusted reference for local and international businesses. He assists business leaders in promoting the growth and expansion of their organizations.  

This award honours Mr. Laramée’s contributions to the community through his work with the Charles-Bruneau Foundation, which he helped found with Pierre Bruneau in 1990 and which he has chaired for over 20 years. The Foundation has since raised $100 million in research funding to support the development of projects in the field of pediatric hematology and oncology.   

“I am truly touched and deeply grateful to receive the Platinum Jubilee Medal. There are so many deserving recipients. It has been a privilege to be part of such an inspiring and results-oriented foundation. I am touched every time I hear that we have collectively helped children recover from cancer through the various activities we have organized over the years. However, there is still a lot of work to be done and I hope to continue in my mission for many more years.” 

About Richard Laramée 

Apart from his connection to the Charles-Bruneau Foundation, Richard Laramée is the managing partner of DS Lawyers in Montreal and chair of the Canadian board. He specializes in business law and represents public and private corporations, both in Canada and abroad. His areas of practice include the manufacturing industry, entertainment, real estate, retail, and modern technologies. 

He provides expert advice regarding the structure and management of businesses, as well as in reorganization and M&A related matters. 

About DS Lawyers 

We are a full-service law firm offering an extensive range of business and legal solutions to our local, Canadian, and international clients. We offer a personalized approach and integrated services in the areas of business, tax, litigation, commercial real estate, and employment law across our 24 locations, including Quebec City, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver. 

Because our clients are at the heart of our initiatives, we provide practical solutions to our clients’ most complex challenges and realities. Thanks to our collaborative structure, we also assist companies looking to expand across borders or need legal support for international business ventures. 

An additional lawyer joins the ranks of our Corporate Law team in Montréal

DS Lawyers is pleased to announce that Xiao Wen Zhang has successfully completed her articling term at our Montréal office in 2022 and has been called to the Quebec Bar. She has accepted to join the corporate law team.   

Xiao’s practice focuses primarily on transactional law, mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, and commercial and real estate law. 

“I’m very happy to be part of the DS Lawyers team. Its personalized, client-focused approach is what drew me to the firm. I’m excited to help the Montréal group build relationships with new clients locally and internationally, as I am actively involved with the Chinese community as well’’.

While at university, Xiao Wen completed a clerkship with a judge of the Court of Québec. She also worked on many cases for the Mile End Legal Clinic. She developed an interest in business law through her internships at a local law firm and a legal start-up company. Outside of work and study, Xiao is involved in the Montreal Chinese community as a member of the legal committee of YCPA (Young Chinese Professional Association). She is also a mentor for commerce students from Marianopolis College.

“We’re thrilled to have Xiao Wen as part of our team at DS Lawyers. Her resourcefulness and thorough understanding of corporate law, particularly in the transactional sector, along with her understanding of the business reality of the Chinese community, will benefit our clients immediately”, says Richard Laramée, managing partner of DS Lawyers in Montreal and Chair of the Board of DS Lawyers Canada. 

About DS Lawyers  

We are a full-service law firm offering a broad range of business and legal solutions to our local, Canadian, and international clientele. We offer a personalized approach and integrated services in business, tax, litigation, commercial real estate, and employment law across our 24 locations, including Québec City, Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver.  

Our clients are at the heart of our initiatives. We dedicate ourselves to providing practical solutions to their most complex challenges and realities. Our collaborative structure allows us to help companies looking to cross borders or that need legal support for international business ventures. 

Our Labour and Employment Law team is Growing Again 

We are pleased to welcome Sissi Querido, an associate, in our Montreal office as a member of our Labour and Employment Law team. She will assist and support the team in its mission of excellence.

A dynamic individual with a positive, can-do attitude, Sissi brings her labour law and civil & commercial litigation experience to a highly skilled team of professionals. She is well-versed in all aspects of labour and employment law, particularly in the interpretation and application of collective agreements, occupational health and safety, psychological harassment, the protection of personal information, pay equity, employment insurance, and human rights.

“I am pleased to be part of this team. Not only am I joining a professional team focused on excellence, but also great mentors who will help me grow in my career.”

The Labour and Employment Law team, led by lawyer and partner Josee Pilon, says Sissi is a welcome addition.

“Sissi is a dynamic, professional and team-oriented lawyer. She is a pleasure to work with and knows how to meet and exceed client expectations. She’ll fit right in.”

Before joining DS Lawyers, Sissi was articling at a boutique labour law firm. While studying law, she was involved with the Racial Profiling Committee of the St-Michel Legal Clinic in Montreal and the Law and Sports Committee at the University of Montreal.

About DS Lawyers

We are a full-service law firm offering a broad range of business and legal solutions to our local, Canadian, and international clientele. We offer a personalized approach and integrated services in business, tax, litigation, commercial real estate and employment law across our 24 locations, including Québec City, Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver.

Our clients are at the heart of our initiatives. We dedicate ourselves to providing practical solutions to their most complex challenges and realities. Our collaborative structure allows us to help companies looking to cross borders or that need legal support for international business ventures.

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