About Safiyya Vankalwala
Safiyya is Communications Counsel at LAWPRO, focusing on risk management, including monitoring changes in the law and claim trends as well as developing and delivering practical resources to lawyers across Ontario.
Prior to joining LAWPRO, Safiyya worked at a fintech company in strategic planning and legal technology development. She spent 15 years practicing law, has an undergraduate degree in Political Science and Law & Society from York University and her LL.B. is from the University of Ottawa. Safiyya was called to the Ontario Bar in 2007.
Safiyya is co-author of a book focusing on legal considerations for entrepreneurs and has been a speaker and panelist at various educational seminars. She enjoys playing an active role in her local community.
Safiyya Vankalwala's Posts
Vacant Home Tax: Is your client buying or selling?
Several regions in Ontario have introduced or are contemplating the introduction of a vacant home/unit tax (VHT). The failure to file a declaration of occupancy status (“VHT declaration”) has led to complications for both sellers and buyers. If homeowners fail to submit the VHT declaration by the stipulated deadline, the property is presumed vacant. This… Read More »
Categories: Real EstateYour trust account is not a bank account, and you are not a banker
Your trust account is not a bank account, and you are not a banker. LAWPRO has seen instances where lawyers appear to be using their trust accounts to flow money in and out without doing any legal work. What Your Trust Account Is Not A backdoor bank account: Your trust account is not a workaround… Read More »
Categories: Law Practice ManagementCRA’s new trust reporting requirements
[Updated March 28, 2024] This year’s tax filing season may be looking different for some people and corporate entities due to new trust reporting rules. These changes, while presenting challenges, also offer legal professionals an opportunity to educate their clients. Overview Previously, trusts were only required to file a T3 Trust Income Tax and Information… Read More »
Categories: Corporate Law, Wills & Estates, Real Estate, Family LawPractical Resolutions for the New Year
You may have already set this year’s New Year’s resolutions, but it’s never too late to amend, add, or rethink what your aspirations for the upcoming months are. Setting resolutions is a good way to set targets and goals, but experts say the resolutions need to be realistic – attainable and achievable. The list of… Read More »
Categories: UncategorizedNew filing requirements under the Canadian Business Corporations Act (CBCA): Effective January 22, 2024
We have seen several changes to the Canadian Business Corporations Act (CBCA) over the last few years. The changes have been rolled out in stages, including requiring private corporations to maintain a register of Individuals with Significant Control (ISC). Prior to this change, federal companies had to maintain a shareholders register with names of its… Read More »
Categories: Corporate LawOntario Updates Rules for Real Estate Agents and Brokerages
The second phase of legislative and regulatory changes under the Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2020 (TRESA), formerly known as the Real Estate and Business Brokers Act, 2002 (REBBA), came into effect December 1, 2023. There are several changes including seller approved sharing of non-confidential information in an offer of purchase and sale, disclosure… Read More »
Categories: Real Estate