Areas of Law
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 EstateCentral East Region: May and November Trial Sittings
As per the Notice to the Profession, dated February 20, 2024, the May and November 2024 civil trial sittings have been eliminated. The sittings in 2025 will also be eliminated. In their place, Central East region will run a Civil Blitz starting September 9, 2024, which will run for 5 weeks. Another Civil Blitz will… Read More »
Categories: Civil LitigationAdministrative dismissals will resume May 13, 2024
Today, February 28, 2024, the Ministry of the Attorney General of Ontario has informed the public and the profession that administrative dismissals of Superior Court civil actions that have not been set down for trial within 5 years, or have been struck off a trial list and have not been restored within 2 years of… Read More »
Categories: Civil LitigationCRA’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 & EstatesGovernment announces two-year extension to ban on foreign ownership of Canadian housing
The federal government has announced that it is extending the non-Canadian purchase prohibition for another two years to January 1, 2027. See more details here.
Categories: Real EstateNew 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 EstateNotice of fees increase for real estate transactions
As of November 6, 2023, the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery is increasing the fees of certain land registration services, which are adjusted annually by an amount equal to 50 per cent of the Consumer Price Index. The most common fee, for the registration or deposit of an instrument or plan in electronic… Read More »
Categories: Real Estate