Articles 2020

Today
Today

To Be or Not to be: Franchisee or Licensee?

  • January 17, 2024
  • Ashley Caldwell, lawyer, McKenzie Lake Lawyers

This article summarizes the outcome of plaintiff's and defendant's motions in the ongoing Ontario Superior Court of Justice case titled Tripsetter Inc. v 2161907 Alberta Ltd. 2023 ONSC. A central issue in this case is the question of whether Tripsetter was a franchisee of the defendant, and able to avail itself of remedies provided by the Arthur Wishart Act (Franchise Disclosure), 2000, S.O. 2000, c. 3, or was merely a licensee.

Franchise Law, Student Forum

The Duty of Mitigation in Franchise Disputes

  • January 17, 2024
  • Idan Erez, partner, Hoffer Adler LLP

This article examines how the mitigation doctrine applies in franchise disputes. After identifying the rationales for mitigation, consideration is given to the circumstances under which franchisees and franchisors have a duty to mitigate, and circumstances where they do not. Both franchisees and franchisors should mitigate damages resulting from a breach of the franchise agreement; however, franchisees are not under a duty to mitigate their damages after rescission of the franchise agreement.

Franchise Law, Student Forum

Top Five Privacy Developments in Canada: A Year in Review 2023

  • January 16, 2024
  • Roland Hung, Torkin Manes LLP

As another year has come to an end and we have already embarked on a new year, we take this opportunity to reflect on a number of significant changes to Canadian privacy law. From promising developments to proposed legislation to a groundbreaking investigation, there is much to review as we head into 2024. This article reviews the top five recent developments we encountered this year.

Privacy Law, Student Forum
head-shot of author Sahil Shoor

Ontario OH&S Update – Supreme Court upholds ONCA decision in R v. Greater Sudbury (City)

  • January 15, 2024
  • Sahil Shoor, partner, Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP

On November 10, 2023, the Supreme Court of Canada issued a split decision in R v. Greater Sudbury (City). This precedent-setting decision significantly expands the health and safety obligations of an “Owner” under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Construction and Infrastructure Law, Student Forum
head-shot photos of authors Jay Nathwani and John Margie

Prompt Payment Gaps in the Construction Act

  • January 15, 2024
  • Jay Nathwani, partner, Margie Strub Construction Law, and John Margie, partner, Margie Strub Construction Law

Ontario’s prompt payment system under the Construction Act has changed the way that parties to construction projects understand their payment obligations. But there are several significant gaps in the prompt payment scheme that produce significant uncertainty and risk for contractors. In this article, we discuss three such gaps.

Construction and Infrastructure Law, Student Forum
head-shot photo of author Paul Ivanoff

Adjudication: Ontario Decision a Reminder that “Rough Justice” is Not Real Justice

  • January 15, 2024
  • Paul Ivanoff, partner, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

With the introduction of prompt payment and adjudication into Ontario’s Construction Act, the pursuit of “rough justice” became a new tool in the tool-kit of project participants. In spite of its procedural and other frailties, adjudication arrived along with a legislated provision that “the determination and reasons of an adjudicator are admissible as evidence in a court.” The addition of this “admissibility” provision raises interesting questions.

Construction and Infrastructure Law, Student Forum
head-shot photos of authors Catherine Gleason-Mercier, Nicholas Reynolds and Rachel Poon

I Take it Back – Praxy Cladding Corp. v. Stone Lamina Inc. and the Withdrawal of Admissions from Pleadings and Examinations for Discovery

  • January 15, 2024
  • Catherine Gleason-Mercier, partner, Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP; Nicholas Reynolds, associate, Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP; and Rachel Poon, associate, Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP

In Praxy Cladding Corp. v. Stone Lamina Inc., the Ontario Superior Court reviewed the process for amending pleadings in proceedings under the Construction Act, and in doing so, provided important clarity as to what constitutes an admission, as well as the distinction between an admission from a pleading versus an admission arising out of an examination for discovery. The authors consider the key takeaways from this decision with respect to pleadings and conducting examinations for discovery.

Construction and Infrastructure Law, Student Forum

What’s New in Pension and Benefits – Winter 2024

  • January 09, 2024
  • Michelle Rival and Evan Shapiro, WTW and Leslie Steeves, Mercer

Recent updates in Ontario and Federal pension legislation, regulatory policy, caselaw and taxation.

Pensions and Benefits Law, Student Forum

December 2023 Case Law Summaries

  • January 09, 2024
  • Johann Annisette

On December 20th, 2023, Anna Lei and Hanna Rioseco of Borden Ladner Gervais LLP presented at the OBA Health Law Section – Case Law Update, summarizing recent important cases in the area. Both Anna and Hanna provided key takeaways from the three cases presented, which will be important to keep in mind for healthcare providers, individuals, and lawyers practicing within the field.

Health Law, Student Forum