Justice Sharma Reminds Litigants and Legal Professionals of What Is Appropriate in Support of a Family Law Motion – Dupont-Goode v. Ashmeade, 2024 ONSC 7092
In the recent judgment issued on December 17th, 2024, Justice Sharma of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice provides the legal profession with significant guidance regarding the practice standards for family law motions. As a response to the “frequency with which improper motion materials are filed in family proceedings”, Justice Sharma makes a concerted effort […]
Recent Decisions on Termination Clauses in Employment Contracts: Dufault v The Corporation of the Township of Ignace, 2024 ONSC 1029 and Dufault v Ignace (Township), 2024 ONCA 915
In cases involving terminations of employment, a very common issue is the amount of pay an employee is owed by their former employer after they’ve lost their job. The crux of many wrongful dismissal claims involves whether or not a termination clause in an employment contract is valid and enforceable, and the courts are often […]
Re-Thinking Power of Attorney Litigation: A New Approach to Protecting Vulnerable Individuals
Power of Attorney (“POA”) litigation has become a growing concern in legal and family circles as individuals face the complexities of aging, illness, and the management of their affairs. While a POA is a powerful tool to help protect those who may no longer be able to make decisions for themselves, it can also lead […]
Digging Deeper into Ontario’s Proposed Soil Regulation Amendments
On October 18, 2024, the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (the “MECP”) proposed further amendments to Ontario Regulation 406/19 – On-Site and Excess Soil Management (the “Excess Soil Regulation”) and the Rules for Soil Management and Excess Soil Quality Standards (the “Soil Rules”) under the Environmental Protection Act (the “EPA”), aiming to streamline […]
Internet Agreements with Ontario Consumers: Consumer Protection Act Considerations for Businesses
In today’s fast-paced world, businesses strive to simplify and expedite their processes. It is now commonplace to see businesses asking their customers to enter into an internet agreement for the purchase of goods or services. However, not all businesses are aware of the requirements set out in Ontario’s Consumer Protection Act, 2002 (the “Act”), which, […]
Working for Workers Five Act, 2024: Amendments to Key Employment Legislation
On October 28th, 2024, Ontario Bill 190, the Working for Workers Five Act, 2024, received royal assent. This latest legislative move builds on the strong foundation laid by its four predecessors, aiming to create a more inclusive, supportive, and dynamic environment for workers across the province. In particular, the legislative changes have a prominent impact […]
Canada’s PFAS Reporting Deadline is January 29, 2025 – Is Your Business Ready?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are under increased regulatory scrutiny in Canada due to their potential environmental and health risks. On July 27, 2024, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) released its PFAS Reporting Guidance Manual in response to a Section 71 Notice under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA). This Notice requires businesses across […]
Planning for Costs Associated with Home Purchase Transactions
Finances are an important part of home buying. When looking to buy a home, a home purchaser will consider the funds that they have available to apply to a down payment; and will consider future ownership costs, like regular mortgage payments, regular insurance and utilities payments, annual property tax payments, etc. To avoid unpleasant surprises, […]
Recent Developments in Real Estate
Local: Ottawa City Council Approves New Development Charges Earlier this year, the Ottawa City Council approved new development charges, an increase of about 11-12% from previous charges. The result is that inside the Greenbelt, single and semi-detached houses now face development charges of $55,678 per unit. Outside the greenbelt, new charges will be $63,337 for […]