AI can be a helpful tool for the legal profession if used responsibly

/ Employment/Labour /

By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • The launch of ChatGPT last November presents new possibilities to the legal profession, but also raises serious concerns for lawyers who fail to exercise due diligence when incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into their practices, says Toronto employment lawyer Ellen Low. ChatGPT is a tool that allows users to have humanlike conversations with […]

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No right to lay off employees without compensation, court affirms

/ Employment/Labour /

Employers and employees were given important guidance by the Ontario Court of Appeal on when an employer can “lay off” an employee without compensation. The decision of  Pham v. Qualified Metal Fabricators Ltd. is a welcome addition to the law of wrongful dismissal, particularly after the Ontario Court of Appeal refused to provide guidance in a

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Don’t take a chance with outdated employment contracts

/ Employment/Labour /

By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • Failing to review and update employment agreements to meet changing circumstances can be an expensive mistake as one employer recently discovered, says Ontario employment lawyer Alex Minkin. Minkin, an associate with Rudner Law, cites Celestini v. Shoplogix Inc., an Ontario Court of Appeal (ONCA) decision that found the “changed

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Bail reform proposals may be unfair to the accused

/ Criminal Law /

By LegalMatters Staff • Some high-profile incidents where people released on bail were accused of committing crimes have prompted the federal government to propose reforms to the country’s bail system.  Those events include the fatal shooting of an OPP constable who was investigating a car in a ditch late last year. The driver was out

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‘Taco Tuesday’ should be for everyone, Taco Bell insists

/ Intellectual Property /

By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • Taco Bell has thrown down the legal gauntlet in a public-relations-driven battle for “Taco Tuesday,” says Toronto intellectual property lawyer John Simpson. The restaurant giant recently filed a petition with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Trademark Trial and Appeal Board to invalidate Taco John’s “Taco Tuesday” trademark.  Taco Bell

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What you need to know about common-law relationships

/ Family Law /

By LegalMatters Staff • Couples entering a common-law relationship need to understand there are significant legal responsibilities that come with that partnership.  Many are similar to those that govern a legal marriage, though there are differences. In Alberta, the legal term for such a partnership is “adult interdependent relationship” (AIR). Edmonton family lawyer Peter Ewanchuk

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Failing to review employment contracts can be costly

/ Employment/Labour /

By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • It is clear that employers often fail to review their employment agreements after yet another court ruling found a termination clause to be unenforceable, says Toronto employment lawyer Jeffrey M. Andrew. Andrew, a partner with Cavalluzzo LLP, says in Tan v. Stostac Inc. the employer’s failure to correctly interpret and apply provisions of the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA)

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Step-parents may be responsible for child support in a divorce

/ Family Law /

By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • If you marry someone with children from another relationship are you responsible for child support if you get divorced? You might be, says Toronto family lawyer A. Julia P. Tremain.  Tremain, a partner with Waddell Phillips Professional Corporation, says there are instances when a person may be required to pay support

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Long-term disability insurance and what you should know

/ Personal Injury /

Accidents happen, which is why it makes sense to have insurance to protect your financial well-being. Long-term disability (LTD) insurance provides financial assistance if you are unable to work due to an illness or injury. While many people are familiar with the concept of an LTD policy, there are many moving parts. That is why

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