Insurance
-
January 03, 2024
Federal Court mandates AI-usage disclosure; won’t use automated decision-making tools for now
The Federal Court is actively exploring how its judges and law clerks can use artificial intelligence tools to enhance the “efficiency and fairness of the legal system,” but Chief Justice Paul Crampton says the national trial court “will not use AI, and more specifically automated decision-making tools, to make its decisions or render its judgments, without first engaging in public consultations.”
-
January 02, 2024
Newfoundland and Labrador initiates accessibility plan
Newfoundland’s government has launched its first accessibility plan. The Newfoundland and Labrador Accessibility Plan spans Jan. 1, 2023 to Dec. 31, 2026, according to a recent news release.
-
December 22, 2023
DMG Advocates adds new associate
DMG Advocates announced that Jennifer Dunlop has joined the firm as an associate.
-
December 21, 2023
Canada, Alberta sign $1B agreement to improve province’s health-care system by 2026
Canada’s Health Minister Mark Holland and Alberta’s Health Minister Adriana LaGrange have announced a bilateral agreement for the investment of $1.06 billion over the next three years for health care in the province, part of a larger 10-year plan of collaboration. The federal government will fund $285 million per year in addition to the previously announced $70 million toward mental health and substance abuse.
-
December 21, 2023
Court upholds $2.6M punitive damages, costs award against insurer for denial of disability benefits
The Ontario Court of Appeal has upheld an award of $1.5 million in punitive damages and over $1 million in costs against an insurer, affirming that its denial of long-term benefits to an insured exhibited reckless indifference to the duty of considering her claim in good faith.
-
December 20, 2023
Court upholds right to cancel life insurance conversion post-death in cancellation period
The Alberta Court of Appeal has upheld a finding that a beneficiary was entitled to cancel the conversion of a life insurance policy, after the insured died within the 10-day cancellation period specified in the contract for the new policy.
-
December 19, 2023
Court finds mistaken offer by insurer to release party from action not binding in priority dispute
The Ontario Court of Appeal has held that an insurance company that mistakenly offered to release a party from a personal injury action did not enter into a binding agreement to abandon any priority dispute with another insurer.
-
December 18, 2023
Uncivil behaviour on rise amongst lawyers: report
Lawyers’ poor treatment of each other has become worse post-pandemic, according to a report by the Toronto Lawyers’ Association. The study, based on a recent survey involving 332 respondents from both Toronto and throughout Ontario, found that there has been a decline in “civility and professionalism” in the legal profession ever since lockdowns, self-isolation and other public health measures came to an end.
-
December 12, 2023
Ottawa opens pre-budget consultations for 2024 budget aimed at unaffordability, job creation
The federal government has opened public consultations which it says will “help inform” Ottawa’s priorities for next year’s federal budget, with a deadline for submissions of Feb. 9, 2024.
-
December 08, 2023
Stewart McKelvey promotes four to partner
Stewart McKelvey announced that the following lawyers will be admitted as partners, effective Jan. 1, 2024, Meaghan McCaw, David Wedlake, Lauren Henderson and John Samms.