By LegalMatters Staff • A home purchase often is the largest transaction most people will ever make. That is why they must avoid common mistakes before plunging into the residential real estate market. “Buying a home is a complicated process,” says Edmonton real estate lawyer Sean Schaefer. “On one hand, it is very dry and […]
Retain an experienced real estate lawyer when buying a home Read More »
By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • A shortage of resources and a growing court backlog have pushed Ontario’s civil justice system into an untenable situation, says Ontario mediator and litigator Avril Hasselfield. Hasselfield, a partner with Results Mediators, says the shortcomings are making it increasingly difficult for the average person to find timely justice in
Civil courts plagued with growing backlogs, shortage of resources Read More »
The question that should be asked with the Ontario government’s plan to reform automobile insurance is whether the initiative truly is in the best interests of consumers and the public at large. Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy outlined the initiative when the 2024 provincial budget was unveiled in March. Some mandatory coverages will be eliminated in
Government auto insurance plan has potential to put consumers at risk Read More »
By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • Regaining custody if your ex abducts your children can be difficult but it is especially challenging if it happens abroad, says Toronto family lawyer A. Julia P. Tremain. “If a parent takes a child to a country that is not part of the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects
Enforcing child custody orders abroad can be challenging Read More »
By LegalMatters Staff • Canada’s age of consent is when a young person can be engaged in sexual activity, ranging from intimate kissing and fondling to sexual intercourse. The Criminal Code states that consent is the “voluntary agreement of the complainant to engage in the sexual activity in question.” It adds that consent cannot be
The age of consent is 16 – but there are some exceptions Read More »
By LegalMatters Staff • London Drugs had to close nearly 80 stores across B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba after a ransomware attack in April 2023. According to the National Cyber Threat Assessment 2023-2024 published by the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS), ransomware is a persistent threat to Canadian organizations. “During a ransomware attack, malicious
Ransomware a growing problem for Canadian organizations Read More »
By LegalMatters Staff • Most grandparents love to see their grandchildren. But if the children’s parents divorce, grandparents may find they are not welcome to continue these visits. “Alberta’s Family Law Act sets out the rules on guardianship, parenting and contact rights pertaining to children,” says Edmonton family lawyer Emily Gore. “Nothing in the Act
The rights of grandparents to see grandchildren after a divorce Read More »
Another long weekend is upon us and, for many, fireworks will feature prominently this Canada Day. Pyrotechnic displays have been around in this country for as long as we have been a nation. On July 1, 1867, there were fireworks, military displays and cathedral bells ringing to celebrate Confederation. The following year, Governor General Lord
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By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • Employees need to be aware of the differences and implications of being covered under a health and welfare trust (HWT) as opposed to a traditional workplace insurance policy, says trauma-informed long-term disability and insurance lawyer Leanne Goldstein. “Although some may not have heard of them, HWTs have been around
Understanding the differences in workplace insurance policies Read More »
By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • Potential whistleblowers and those considering making derogatory public statements at the end of an employment relationship should choose their words carefully or risk a defamation lawsuit, says Toronto employment lawyer Ellen Low. Low, principal of Ellen Low & Co., says there are cases where people feel the need to
Be careful about what you say or post – it could land you in court Read More »
