Insurance
-
April 30, 2024
Ottawa unveils first 2024 budget bill, but doesn’t include boost to capital gains inclusion rate
The minority Liberal government says it hopes to expedite into law a newly proposed 660-page omnibus budget bill, which would enact many measures announced in this month’s federal budget, but not the government’s controversial proposal to tax capital gains at a higher rate.
-
April 26, 2024
Regulatory changes coming for Ontario lawyers in private practice, sole practitioners
In the name of protecting the public, Ontario’s law society has made it so lawyers in private practice will be required to have a client contingency plan should they unexpectedly have to stop providing legal services, and new sole practitioners will face possible suspension for not completing a “practice essentials course.”
-
April 23, 2024
N.S. gets new justice minister amid comments controversy
Nova Scotia has a new justice minister following the sudden resignation of Brad Johns, who stepped down after making controversial comments about domestic violence.
-
April 22, 2024
SCC’s spring session features weighty constitutional & admin law appeals but case volume is light
Constitutional and administrative law cases dominate at the Supreme Court of Canada this spring, with the handful of appeals to be heard involving class actions, standard of review, the honour of the Crown and the right to vote.
-
April 22, 2024
Alberta drivers cite legal costs for increase in auto insurance rates, want government action
In a new consumer poll that found 73 per cent of Alberta drivers want the provincial government to take urgent action to improve the affordability of auto insurance, 74 per cent were also concerned that personal injury lawyers are “driving up the cost,” making cost pressures double those in Ontario.
-
April 18, 2024
Canada’s first national flood insurance program missing funding agreement, says Insurance Bureau
Canada’s flood insurance program as outlined in Budget 2024 will ensure that more than 1.5 million homeowners will have access to affordable flood insurance, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). However, without a proper funding agreement, homeowners remain at risk.
-
April 18, 2024
Know the rule in Browne v. Dunn or risk losing your jury
A recent decision of Justice Annette Casullo should be a reminder to trial lawyers at all levels of the importance of knowing the rule in Browne v. Dunn, [1893] J.C.J. No. 5, and making sure it is followed. A failure to follow the rule could result in the jury being struck.
-
April 17, 2024
Digital solutions through an Indigenous lens | Lawrence Lewis
In a world where digital transformation shapes every aspect of our lives, the narrative of technological advancement often overlooks the diverse needs and voices of Indigenous communities. But creating digital solutions through an Indigenous lens — combining traditional values through innovative pathways — gives rise to progressive structures that honour cultural significance.
-
April 16, 2024
Legal aid funding, auto theft crack down and redistribution of judgeships feature in federal budget
Funding for legal aid to reduce court delays; redistributing “unused” Alberta unified family court posts to other superior courts; and creating new offences and harsher penalties for auto theft are among dozens of justice-related measures proposed in the latest federal budget, which the minority Liberal government says aims to enhance the affordability of shelter, groceries, internet and other necessities for Canadians.
-
April 11, 2024
Ottawa unveils affordability measures to aid ‘first-time’ homebuyers, mortgage-strapped owners
The Trudeau government is proposing measures aimed at assisting “first-time” buyers to save for a home as well as helping cash-strapped owners hang on to their mortgaged homes.