Areas of Law
Notice: Amendments to Rules of Civil Procedure (O. Reg. 50/25)
The following notice was sent out by the Operational Support Branch, Court Services Division of the Ministry of the Attorney General on May 5, 2025. On May 5, 2025, Ontario Regulation 50/25 was filed to amend the Rules of Civil Procedure, R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194. This regulation makes various changes across two key areas: the… Read More »
Categories: Civil LitigationIgnoring the LRO: A Cautionary Tale for Real Estate Lawyers
In this real-world example, both the vendor’s and purchaser’s lawyers were advised by the Land Registry Office (LRO) that the legal description of the property did not meet registration requirements. The LRO warned that if the issue was not fixed, both the transfer and the mortgage would be withdrawn. Despite the clear warning, neither lawyer… Read More »
Categories: Real EstateSeparated but Not Divorced: Key Considerations for Wills
Amendments to the Succession Law Reform Act in 2021 (specifically to section 17 and 43.1) mean that, as of January 1, 2025, spouses who have been living separately and apart due to a breakdown in marriage for three years will be treated the same as divorced spouses. In practical terms: Gifts left to the separated… Read More »
Categories: Wills & EstatesDigital Platform Workers’ Rights Act will come into force July 1, 2025
The Digital Platform Workers’ Rights Act, 2022 will come into force on July 1, 2025, and will apply to digital platform workers and operators in Ontario, regardless of their employment status under the Employment Standards Act. The Act establishes a range of obligations for operators and guarantees new rights for workers who perform digital platform… Read More »
Categories: Announcements, Employment lawNotice: Amendments to Rules of the Small Claims Court (O. Reg. 3/25)
On January 13, 2025, Ontario Regulation 3/25 was filed to amend the Rules of the Small Claims Court, O. Reg. 258/98. This regulation makes various changes across seven key areas as well as other related amendments. Specifically, O. Reg. 3/25 amends or creates 23 rules and five forms to: introduce a statement of primary… Read More »
Categories: Civil LitigationNotice to the Public and Profession for Criminal Proceedings
1. Updates to the Consolidated Provincial Practice Direction for Criminal Proceedings at the Superior Court of Justice Effective January 6, 2025 As of January 6, 2025, Consolidated Provincial Practice Directions for Criminal Proceedings at the Superior Court of Justice will be updated with the following notable changes: a) Case Center files will now be opened… Read More »
Categories: Criminal LawVacant Home Tax program expands to new regions
Hamilton, Windsor, and Sault Ste. Marie have implemented a Vacant Home Tax (VHT), joining Toronto and Ottawa in introducing this levy on vacant residential properties. Lawyers should be familiar with the rules when advising on real estate transactions and are encouraged to review our guidance on this issue.
Categories: Real EstateNavigating NOSIs and PPSA: A practical approach for lawyers
Real estate lawyers’ due diligence requirements have changed since the Ontario ban on filing a notice of security interest (NOSI) on financed or leased consumer goods/fixtures in Ontario. This article provides guidance on avoiding unsatisfied clients and understanding secured party claims against a seller’s goods and fixtures registered under the PPSA.
Categories: Real Estate