Risk Management & Claims Prevention
Federal limitation periods extended
The federal government has passed legislation suspending federal limitation periods from March 13, 2020 to September 13, 2020, or any earlier day fixed by order of the Governor in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister of Justice. The Time Limits and Other Periods Act (COVID-19) was introduced as a Schedule to An Act… Read More »
Categories: Limitations ClaimsFirm websites being impersonated by fraudsters
LAWPRO has heard from a number of Ontario lawyers that their firm websites have been copied by fraudsters to further their schemes, such as the “inheritance from a long-lost relative” scam or immigration scams overseas. While we have seen these impersonation scams for over a year now, there seems to be another spike lately, perhaps… Read More »
Categories: Fraud PreventionOntario Suspension of Limitation Periods and Procedural Deadlines Extended to September 11, 2020
On March 20, 2020, the provincial government, through the Lieutenant Governor in Council, made O. Reg. 73/20 under s. 7.1 of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) suspending limitation periods and procedural time periods. The suspension is retroactive to March 16, 2020. On June 5th, the provincial government made a further order continuing… Read More »
Categories: Civil Litigation, Limitations ClaimsManaging your mental health through COVID
We are experiencing what our email inboxes repeatedly call “unprecedented times”. Many Canadians are facing lost employment and financial strain; many are taking on a large number of new responsibilities as they act as home-schooling teacher and caretaker for their children; and all Canadians face the new anxieties and fears now associated with shopping for… Read More »
Categories: Wellness and BalanceSuspension of limitation periods lifted for Construction Act matters
The Order to suspend limitation periods and procedural time periods during the COVID -19 emergency period has been amended, such that as of April 16, 2020, it will no longer apply to the Construction Act or its regulations. In effect, limitation periods were suspended from March 16, 2020 to April 16, 2020. Time will start… Read More »
Categories: Limitations ClaimsMAZE ransomware warning from the Law Society of Manitoba
The following ransomware warning was published by the Law Society of Manitoba on April 9, 2020. Ontario lawyers should also be aware and share this with their staff. In the past two weeks, two Manitoba firms have called us at The Law Society of Manitoba to say they been hit by viruses – not Covid-19,… Read More »
Categories: Fraud PreventionMore examples of cyber criminals taking advantage of Covid-19 disruption
Cyber criminals are constantly updating their methods to take advantage of current events, and the disruption caused by Covid 19 and many people now working remotely has provided them with a new opportunities, as explained in Beware of cybersecurity risks during COVID-19 and working from home. This CBC News article Email, text message attacks surge… Read More »
Categories: Fraud PreventionRemote communication and fraud risks in real estate
In the context of COVID-19, lawyers are often unable to meet in person with their clients. The Law Society of Ontario has temporarily authorized remote verification of client identity and permitted remote commissioning of documents. This information can be found in this FAQ. Remote meetings and remote signing introduce additional fraud risks. Lawyers need to… Read More »
Categories: Real Estate, Fraud Prevention