Resources, Articles, & Advocacy
Legislative Update | November 07, 2025
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of November 3
Ontario Fall Economic Statement: The Ontario government tabled their Fall Economic Statement on Thursday providing updates on their plan to "Protect Ontario". The projected deficit is down by $1.1 billion compared to the projections in the 2025 budget, while the unemployment rate is expected to rise by 1%, to 7.8%. The government still plans to balance the books by 2027-28.
Article | November 04, 2025
Enhancing your In-House Legal Practice by Leveraging Technology: It isn’t all about AI
In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has dominated the news and is frequently used as an umbrella term encompassing a wide array of technologies, many of which predate modern AI. In its true sense, AI refers to systems that are designed to mimic human intelligence, including learning, comprehension and problem solving. However, not all technologies currently being promoted under the AI designation meet this definition. While AI is expected to have sweeping and transformative effects across numerous professions, including the legal sector - it is important to remember that all types of technologies can create opportunities and risks. Within this context, in-house counsel are increasingly adopting new technological solutions to streamline their workflows and enhance efficiency to add value to their organizations. From contract management to governance, incorporating technology into daily practice is reshaping how in-house legal teams operate within the business. This article highlights several practical ways in-house counsel can leverage technologies apart from AI to optimize their functions.
Article | October 31, 2025
A Mediator's Journey: Jay Rudolph's Three Decades of Building Bridges
To open this newsletter season, we are delighted to feature an inspiring conversation with Jay Rudolph, the recipient of the 2025 OBA Award of Excellence in ADR. Jay’s work and reputation in the field of mediation have long earned him the respect of colleagues, clients, and peers across the profession. I had the honour of sitting down with Jay to talk about his practice, his aspirations, and moments of reflection that reveal both nostalgia and gratitude. Our discussion offered a window into the thoughtful and grounded approach that has defined his career and the deep sense of purpose that continues to guide his work.
Article | October 28, 2025
Saved by Absurdity: Contractual vs Statutory Limitation Periods in Standard Form Contracts
The Ontario Court of Appeal decision in Ontario (Transportation) v. J & P Leveque Bros. Haulage Ltd., 2025 ONCA 573, provides critical guidance on the interpretation of dispute resolution provisions in standard form government construction contracts and the limitation periods pertaining to same.
Article | October 28, 2025
Another Ontario CCAA Order Stays Claims Against Performance Bonds
On July 14, 2025, we discussed Justice Steele’s order in the Earth Boring et al. CCAA proceeding which stayed claims against performance bonds. The concerns raised by the authors with this type of stay provision appearing in future CCAA orders have been proven to be well-founded.
Article | October 28, 2025
Tolling Agreements in Construction Contracts – A Practical Solution
This article explores including tolling agreements directly within one’s construction contract, obviating the need to commence an action prematurely to avoid losing their claim due to the Limitations Act.
Article | October 28, 2025
Recovery Schedules and Acceleration: Two Case Studies
When schedule delays impact important contract milestones beyond key deadlines, a recovery schedule may be the only chance a project has to achieve those milestones. This article explores lessons learned from two projects that were significantly delayed and used recovery schedules to achieve project success, and discusses guidelines from the AACE Recommended Practice 54R-07, “Recovery Scheduling – As Applied in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction.”
