Law360 Canada ( January 7, 2025, 10:55 AM EST) -- Appeal by appellant from stay of British Columbia proceeding in relation to its civil claim against respondents. The appeal concerned the interpretation and enforcement of a forum selection clause in a 2015 property purchase agreement (agreement) between the appellant and respondents. The appellant purchased industrial properties from the respondents and later commenced proceedings in British Columbia, alleging that fraudulent misrepresentations induced the agreement. The agreement contained a clause stating that the parties were to submit to Alberta courts' jurisdiction for all purposes arising from the agreement. The respondents argued that the clause granted Alberta exclusive jurisdiction, while the appellant maintained it merely reflected non-exclusive submission to Alberta's jurisdiction, not precluding claims elsewhere. The respondents applied for a stay of the British Columbia proceedings, asserting Alberta had exclusive jurisdiction or was the more appropriate forum. The judge determined the clause was valid, enforceable, and assigned exclusive jurisdiction to Alberta, granting the stay. On appeal, the appellant argued that the judge erred in interpreting the clause as conferring exclusive jurisdiction on Alberta....