Receiving Spousal Support from a US resident and the Associated Tax Consequences
While it is common knowledge that there are tax consequences in relation to spousal support in Canada, i.e. taxable to the recipient and tax deductible to the payor, there is some ambiguity when it comes to the tax treatment of spousal support when the recipient is Canadian but the payor is a resident of the […]
When History Lies Beneath: What Ontario Homeowners Can Learn from a Kamloops Archaeological Discovery
Introduction: Lessons from a Recent BC Incident In January 2026, a routine landscaping project in Kamloops, British Columbia, became a cautionary tale for property owners nationwide. While expanding a garden, a homeowner unearthed two human skulls and other remains. This discovery immediately halted all work and triggered a complex, emotionally charged process involving police, local […]
Are You Considering Opening a Franchise?
Franchises are an attractive business model in Canada, and with good reason: franchisees can start their own business with the added comfort of working within a proven operating system and utilizing the goodwill of a recognized brand. Franchisors are required, by law, to provide potential franchisees with a comprehensive package of disclosure documents prior to […]
Top 10 Questions Franchisors and Franchisees Should Ask at a Franchise Show
Entering into a franchise relationship is a major business decision for both franchisors and franchisees, carrying long-term implications for everyone involved. Each party brings its own objectives, expectations, and responsibilities, making it essential that these are clearly understood and aligned before any agreement is finalized. Both franchisors and franchisees benefit from approaching the relationship as […]
Case Spotlight: When a Cottage Bequest Creates Unexpected Consequences — Haddock v. Haddock (2025 ONSC 6287)
Cottages often carry decades of memories—but they also carry big estate planning risks, especially as property values skyrocket. A recent Ontario decision, Haddock v. Haddock, shows how a well-meaning gift can turn into a major dispute. In 2012, a mother left her cottage to one of her three adult children. Her will said the appraised […]
PFAS Drinking Water Contamination Stigma and Residential Property Value Loss: What Real Estate Professionals Should Know
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” are persistent synthetic compounds used in a variety of products, including firefighting foams, non-stick cookware, and water-resistant textiles. In Canada, PFAS contamination of drinking water is often linked to the historical use of firefighting foams during training exercises at airports and military bases. These activities […]
When Can a Court Set Commercial Rent? Lessons from Gallant v Johnson
The 2025 Ontario Court of Appeal decision of Gallant v Johnson (2025 ONCA 419) demonstrates the limitations of the Court to fix for the parties a rate of rent for a renewal term as part of a commercial tenancy. Background This case arises from a commercial lease entered into between the parties regarding a commercial […]
ESA Updates 2026: The New Rules Reshaping Ontario Workplaces
As of January 1, 2026, new changes to the Ontario Employment Standards Act, 2000 (the “ESA”) have come into effect. These changes arise from the Working for Workers Four Act, the Working for Workers Five Act, the Working for Workers Seven Act, and Ontario Regulation 467/24 (Rules and Exemptions re Job Postings). This post provides […]
Balancing Enforcement and Fairness: Default Hearings in Ontario Family Law
In Ontario (Director, Family Responsibility Office) v. Petersoo, 2025 ONCJ 569, Justice Stanley Sherr delivers a compelling and instructive decision on the enforcement of child support arrears under the Family Responsibility and Support Arrears Enforcement Act. The court ordered a payor to pay $85,382 in child support arrears and ongoing payments, with imprisonment imposed for […]