Enhanced wage subsidy program offers relief for more workers

/ Employment/Labour /

By LegalMatters Staff • The new Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) is “more accessible to more businesses,” says Toronto-area employment lawyer Brittany Taylor, who encourages employers to take advantage of the program. Taylor, a partner at Rudner Law, says the update means “more employers qualifying to help more employees,” while noting the new structure may […]

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Waving a car through an intersection may have consequences

/ Personal Injury /

Waving another driver through an intersection can have disastrous consequences when it is not safe to do so and, importantly, if a collision does occur, there is authority to find the person who waved the other driver through partially liable for any injuries that may result. In two recent decisions, the Ontario Superior Court dismissed

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The question of pressing charges is not up to the assault victim

/ Criminal Law /

If someone calls the police and says they were assaulted, officers will be looking to lay charges when they arrive to investigate. They take any credible claim of assault seriously and someone usually ends up in handcuffs. Once any assault investigation begins, the complainant’s wishes are not a prime factor in determining whether charges will

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‘Heaping abuse on the other side’ does not help in family law

/ Family Law /

By Paul Russell, LegalMatters Staff • A recent Ontario Superior Court of Justice judgment is a good reminder for all family lawyers that “facts win cases,” not emotionally charged rhetoric, says Toronto family lawyer Gene C. Colman. “This case is making waves, as it should. Justice Marvin J. Kurz has a great way of expressing

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Cannabis company liable for using Toys R Us inspired trademark

/ Intellectual Property /

By LegalMatters Staff • A recent Federal Court ruling affirming the trademark rights of Toys R Us is a “textbook example” of a depreciation of goodwill case, says Toronto intellectual property lawyer John Simpson. Justice Nicholas McHaffie found that B.C. cannabis dispensary Herbs R Us Wellness Society had infringed the trademark rights of Toys R

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Protecting a real estate business and licence during COVID

/ Administrative Law /

These are challenging times for many professionals, requiring us to re-think our practices and ways of connecting with people. This is especially so for real estate agents and brokerages. While real estate services have been declared essential in Ontario, agents and brokerages still need to ensure they are following the social distancing requirements to ensure

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The best defences available for those facing assault charges

/ Criminal Law /

Let’s get one thing clear: Every assault charge is serious and only the Crown Attorney’s office has the power to have it withdrawn. Even if the victim recants their testimony, the charge remains in place, which is a good reason to have a seasoned defence attorney at your side during the process.Under s. 265 of

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Mandatory masks and potential liability for COVID-19 transmission

/ COVID-19 /

As more businesses and public spaces open and people expand their social contact, many Ontario cities have made masks or face coverings mandatory in public spaces to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19. In July, Toronto introduced a bylaw that provides guidelines for businesses as well as the public. To read more, click here.

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Belonging to a union provides workers with ‘more clout’

/ Employment/Labour /

By LegalMatters Staff • Being unionized can have a big impact on job satisfaction, providing benefits that come with strength in numbers, says Toronto employment lawyer Jeffrey M. Andrew. “The chief benefit of being unionized is this thing called collective bargaining, which means you are basically represented by a union and you and your fellow

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