Seniors, those over age 65, are disproportionately the victims of fraud and financial abuse due to social isolation, potential capacity issues, and more. Particularly since the start of the pandemic, older Canadians may be spending more time alone and online, which has increased their vulnerability to financial and investment fraud, according to the North American […]
Category Archives: Professional Liability
Cannabis Company Facing Class Action & Fraud Charges
One of the benefits of incorporating a business is the corporation becomes an entity unto itself, meaning the officers and directors are generally shielded from personal liability should something go wrong. However, this isn’t always the case, depending on the specific issue. As demonstrated by the ongoing trials and tribulations faced by an Ontario-based cannabis […]
Ontario Court Introduces Tort of Internet Harassment
The internet has opened up new avenues for communication over the past twenty-five years, allowing for unfettered access to information and ease of communication. However, it has also created new means for negative interactions, including harassment, which, given the platform, can make it relentless and difficult to escape. While Ontario law has long addressed various […]
Changes Coming to Business Corporations Act in July
There are changes taking effect to Ontario’s Business Corporations Act on July 5th, aimed at eliminating certain requirements in an attempt to make it easier for organizations in Ontario to do business. The changes come as part of Bill 213, the Better for People, Smarter for Business Act, which received royal assent near the end […]
A Bad Rating for an Ontario Doctor Results in Defamation Finding
Professionals work hard to build their reputations and often rely in large part on word of mouth to grow their clientele. Understandably, many have concerns about negative or dishonest reviews made about them online. These ratings and reviews are often anonymous and take just a few moments to create, yet they can have a lasting […]
Corporate Directors & Personal Liability for Unpaid Wages
A recent decision of the Ontario Court of Appeal in Abbasbayli v. Fiera Foods Company provides insight into the statutory claims that may be brought against corporate directors for unpaid wages and vacation pay in the context of wrongful dismissal. Terminated Employee Makes Claim for Unpaid Wages Against Corporation and Directors Personally The Plaintiff, Mr. […]
One Director’s Defense to Personal Liability
When you commit to becoming a Director of a company in Ontario, you should know the ways in which various statutes can create personal liability for you following certain omissions or breaches of the company’s obligations. These statutes include the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA) and the Business Corporations Act in Ontario. The federal Income […]
Law Commission of Ontario Recommends Defamation Reform
Defamation is a statement made to a third party that is false and damaging to the reputation, finances, or well-being of an individual or organization. Defamation can occur in writing (libel) or orally (slander). When a person is the subject of defamatory statements, it can have a dramatic impact on their career, finances and reputation. […]
Defamation and Public Discourse
When Does a Lawsuit Become a Tool for Limiting Public Debate? Section 137.1 of the Courts of Justice Act (CJA) grants the ability to bring a motion for the dismissal of any proceeding if that proceeding is aimed at limiting public debate. This step can be taken at any time after a proceeding is commenced and […]
Defamation Hurdles Overcome
The Ontario Court of Appeal (ONCA) in Bondfield Construction Company Limited v. The Globe and Mail Inc. has again had to deal with an appeal from a SLAPP decision of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (“ONSC”). SLAPP stands for Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation or Gag Proceedings which can potentially be dismissed under s. […]