Canada’s Finance Minister, Chrystia Freeland, recently announced that the government will propose changes to first-time home buyer mortgages in the upcoming federal budget. If passed, first-time home buyers will be allowed to pay off their mortgages over a 30-year term, instead of the standard 25-year term, for newly built homes starting on August 1, 2024. This measure is intended to help first-time home buyers with more affordable mortgage payments. It is one of many options to help first-time home buyers save for a down payment or reduce the burden of managing a mortgage.  Below, we’ll ..read more

For many, advancements in self-driving car technology have opened up exciting possibilities surrounding the future of driving (like the prospect of simplifying your morning commute!). At the same time, however, these advancements raise questions about self-driving car liability. For example, who is responsible when a self-driving car is involved in an accident? And are self-driving cars allowed to operate in Ontario, anyway?  We’ll cover these topics—and more—in the following blog post, which breaks down the definition of “self-driving car,” discusses how Ontario is currently regulating s ..read more

Directors of corporations should be familiar with their obligations to the corporation and its shareholders. However, they may need to become more familiar with their external obligations, such as director liability for environmental issues. In Ontario, environmental protection is a key consideration – and, as a result, many key pieces of legislation impose obligations on directors to ensure compliance and mitigate the risk of a corporation causing or contributing to an environmental issue.  This blog post will provide an overview of director liability for environmental issues in Ontario ..read more

When you think about personal injuries, what comes to mind? For most people, common motor vehicle accident injuries such as whiplash and concussions are likely. However, personal injury law acknowledges that victims of personal injury can suffer from a wide variety of injuries that might not look like “traditional” personal injuries, like disfigurement.  What is disfigurement, how does it happen in personal injury claims, and what are victims of disfigurement entitled to? We’ll cover all of these topics and more.  What is Disfigurement?  Disfigurement is an injury that alters or ..read more

Whether you’ve been offered your dream job or are ready for a fresh start, planning a move can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience. And, if you’re a co-parent, deciding whether (and where) to move can have significant implications for both parents and children. So, what do divorced spouses need to know about relocation and how it pertains to family law?  In this blog post, we’ll explore the law relating to relocation in family law. Unless otherwise specified, the information below refers to how relocation is treated under the Divorce Act, RSC, 1985, c. 3 (2nd Supp.) and may not a ..read more

When you’re bringing a personal injury claim, there’s a lot to think about, but one thing that’s often not on a personal injury claimant’s radar is how they will receive their settlement. Should you accept a lump sum payment from the defendant, or do you want to negotiate a structured settlement? Ultimately, there are benefits and drawbacks to both structured settlements and lump sum payments, and with the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer, you’ll be able to make the best decision for your unique situation. In this blog post, we’ll introduce the concept of structured settlements, h ..read more

As developers, homeowners, and business owners are all too aware, municipal bylaws can play a key role in determining how property should be used and what permits are needed to amend existing property. In this sense, minor variances play a unique role in accommodating the diverse needs and circumstances of property owners while also recognizing the importance of zoning bylaws.  Below, we’ll dive into what minor variances are in the context of Ontario municipal law, how they function, and what the application process looks like for obtaining a minor variance for property.  What is a M ..read more

Many Ontarians will likely spend time with family and friends as the weather warms up. Whether attending a backyard barbecue or meeting a friend on their porch for a coffee (or a cocktail), the changing seasons bring people together.  However, these activities—though rare—can come with risks. An individual might slip and fall on their friend’s front steps or injure themselves while participating in a backyard activity. Thus, the question arises: how does homeowner liability work if you are injured on an individual’s property?  In this blog post, we’ll introduce the concept of homeown ..read more

Mortgage enforcement is a crucial aspect of real estate transactions. This process ensures lenders can protect their interests when borrowers default on mortgage payments. Understanding the intricacies of mortgage enforcement is essential for both lenders and borrowers, as it can have significant implications for property ownership and financial stability. This blog will outline the essential concepts, processes, and advantages of the significant enforcement mechanisms available to lenders.  What is a Mortgage?  A mortgage is a type of loan specifically used to purchase real estate ..read more

Victims of personal injury claims often struggle to perform many of their daily tasks in the wake of an accident. For example, depending on the victim’s condition, they may need a housekeeper to help with their daily tasks.  Still, others may rely on the help of friends and family members who step in to care for them during their recovery. But if a friend or family member is performing the work of a housekeeper, should they be compensated accordingly? That’s where “in trust” claims can come in.  Below, we’ll explain what personal injury claimants should know about in trust claims and ..read more