Feds urged to read their history books and call off Meng extradition

/ Uncategorized /

By Paul Russell, LegalMatters Staff • The Canadian government should revisit a 160-year-old court decision and reflect on whether it is in Canada’s interest to proceed with extradition proceedings against Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, says B.C. criminal lawyer Gary Botting. Meng was arrested by Canadian authorities on a stopover at Vancouver International Airport in December […]

Feds urged to read their history books and call off Meng extradition Read More »

Legislation will provide long-awaited protection for trade secrets

/ Intellectual Property /

By LegalMatters Staff • Criminal Code provisions designed to protect trade secrets and confidential information will be a “valuable enforcement tool” in the battle against infringers, says Toronto intellectual property lawyer John Simpson. Draft legislation was introduced in January ahead of the United States-Mexico-Canada ‎‎(USMCA) trade agreement, which goes into effect next month. The Criminal

Legislation will provide long-awaited protection for trade secrets Read More »

Know your rights under Ontario’s amended layoff regulations

/ COVID-19 /

By LegalMatters Staff • The Ontario government’s temporary change to layoff regulations during the coronavirus pandemic puts employees in a “precarious position,” says Toronto employment lawyer Ellen Low. And the recently announced amendment is somewhat confusing, even for those who practise employment law, making it essential for workers to seek legal advice when confronted with

Know your rights under Ontario’s amended layoff regulations Read More »

Business interruption insurance fallout could be far-reaching

/ COVID-19 /

By LegalMatters Staff • The ensuing legal battle over business interruption insurance could end in financial ruin for thousands of small and medium businesses, and is also a serious threat to their insurers, says Barrie-area litigator Steve Rastin. Rastin, who was recently named Canadian co-chair of the American Association of Justice’s Business Interruption Litigation Task

Business interruption insurance fallout could be far-reaching Read More »

Keeping records is important when terminating workers on leave

/ Employment/Labour /

By LegalMatters Staff • When company restructuring results in staff cuts, employers would be well advised to keep a record of their decision-making process, especially when it comes to terminating workers on leave, says Toronto-area employment lawyer Brittany Taylor. “The biggest mistake employers make is not documenting their thought process. They may be downsizing for

Keeping records is important when terminating workers on leave Read More »

Short motions and applications in the midst of a pandemic

/ COVID-19 /

From virtual hearings to suspended filing deadlines, Ontario courts and those in the legal profession have been forced to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances due to the COVID-19 outbreak. In May, a Toronto Region Notice to the Profession was issued, providing further guidance to the public in response to the suspension of in-court hearings. As a result

Short motions and applications in the midst of a pandemic Read More »

Sending your ex a text in a child custody case? Think twice

/ Family Law /

By LegalMatters Staff • Toxic texts can tip the scales to the other side in an acrimonious child custody case says Toronto family lawyer A. Julia P. Tremain, who advises clients to carefully consider their messages before hitting send. “Texts are hugely problematic in family law. They are useful for exchanging some information but aside

Sending your ex a text in a child custody case? Think twice Read More »

Limitation period is on pause – what about your PI claim?

/ COVID-19 /

It has been nearly three months since COVID-19 forced distance between us. Across the world, courtrooms and legal proceedings have had to adapt rapidly. On March 20, 2020, all limitation periods and procedural deadlines were suspended in Ontario for the duration of the declared state of emergency. Although the Limitations Act is currently “on pause” that does not

Limitation period is on pause – what about your PI claim? Read More »

Many workers will emerge from the lockdown in a better position

/ COVID-19 /

By Paul Russell, LegalMatters Staff • Although COVID-19 has disrupted many sectors of the economy it may leave employees in a stronger position when asking for changes in their work structure, says Toronto employment lawyer Stephen Moreau. “We now have almost three months of evidence that shows how companies can operate with a substantial portion

Many workers will emerge from the lockdown in a better position Read More »