Who Must Sign the Franchise Disclosure Document on Behalf of a Corporate Franchisor?

In Ontario, under the Arthur Wishart Act (Franchise Disclosure), 2000 (the “Arthur Wishart Act”), franchisors are required to provide prospective franchisees a disclosure document, which must include a certificate, certifying that the disclosure document: (a) contains no untrue information, representations or statements; and (b) includes every material fact, financial statement, statement and other information required […]

5:00 PM Means 5:00 PM: Strict Enforcement of “Time is of the Essence” Clauses

The 2025 Ontario Court of Appeal decision of Correa v. Valstar Homes (Oakville Sixth Line) Inc. (2025 ONCA 156), demonstrates that “time is of the essence” clauses will be strictly interpreted in real estate transactions in Ontario, even when a delay is as short as nine minutes. Background In 2020, the Purchasers entered into an […]

Tort Claims in Family Court – Part 2

Damages for Tort Claims Related to Domestic Violence In a previous blog post, we reviewed the types of tort claims that may be raised in family court by survivors of domestic violence. Once liability for the torts of assault, battery, or intentional infliction of emotional distress is established in family court, a judge must determine […]

Tort Claims in Family Court – Part 1

Including Tort Claims in a Family Court Proceeding Parties heading to family court over a separation or divorce may not be aware that they can include claims for damages arising from assault, battery, or intentional infliction of emotional distress in the family court proceeding itself. There is a growing body of cases where tort claims […]

Navigating Estate Administration in Ontario: What Families Need to Know

Losing a loved one is never easy. Beyond the emotional toll, there are also legal and financial responsibilities after someone passes away, which can be complex and time consuming. Understanding what estate administration involves, and how to prepare for it, can make the process more manageable and less stressful. What Your Family Is Responsible For […]

Deal or No Deal? When Settlement Agreements Are Binding Without a Signature

In the world of employment law, reaching a settlement can often feel like the finish line. But what happens if one side agrees to a settlement, and then changes their mind before signing the formal paperwork? A recent decision from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Stribling v Starbucks Coffee Canada Inc., 2026 ONSC 1030, sheds […]

A Conversation Worth Having: Estate Planning with Aging Parents

Having a conversation with aging parents about estate planning can feel uncomfortable, but it’s important to start the conversation, not only to put documents in place, but to understand your parent’s wishes and help ensure they are respected when it matters most. Start the Conversation Early Timing is critical. These discussions should begin before a […]

Environmental Class Action Legal First: Punitive Damages Certified Against Federal Government for Delay in PFAS “Forever Chemical” Drinking Water Contamination Disclosure

The Ontario Superior Court of Justice decision in Egan v. National Research Council of Canada, 2026 ONSC 1429, is a landmark in Canadian environmental class action law.  For the first time, punitive damages have been certified as a common issue against the federal government in a PFAS (“forever chemical”) drinking water contamination class action, based […]

Getting it Right the First Time: Why the Remedy of Rectification Isn’t a Safety Net

Rectification is a long-standing recognized equitable remedy that the Court may grant as a means of correcting errors in the recording of terms in written legal documents. In granting rectification, the Court may rectify or change the terms of a written legal document to reflect the actual agreement of the parties and to correct errors. […]