About Safiyya Vankalwala
Safiyya is PracticePRO Manager & Counsel at LAWPRO, overseeing the creation and delivery of practical risk-management resources and educational initiatives for Ontario lawyers. She monitors legal developments and claims trends, and collaborates with partners across the profession to promote best practices and reduce risk and claims. Her background includes 15 years in private practice, followed by work at a fintech company focused on strategic planning and legal technology development.
When not working, Safiyya can be found soccer mom-ing around the city, deep in a debate with family or friends, or unraveling a mystery -- sometimes in books, sometimes on TV, and occasionally in real life.
Safiyya Vankalwala's Posts
Amendments to Reg. 194 under the Courts of Justice Act (Rules of Civil Procedure)
Two recent changes amended Regulation 194 of R.R.O. 1990 (Rules of Civil Procedure), both of which took effect July 1, 2024. Motions for leave in Superior and Divisional Court and new cost provisions Ontario Regulation 176/24: Rules of Civil Procedure changes are summarized as follows1: provide that a motion for leave to commence a claim… Read More »
Categories: Civil LitigationVacant 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, Family Law, Real Estate, Wills & EstatesPractical 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