Business
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April 11, 2025
Double bind: How the digital age exposes intertwined failures of outdated democracy, law
Imagine two pillars, democracy and the legal system, both meant to support a just and stable society. Both were largely conceived and constructed for a world operating at a different rhythm, a world before the instantaneous connectivity of the digital age. Now, this digital revolution is shaking both pillars simultaneously, revealing deep and interconnected flaws.
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April 11, 2025
Ontario Court of Appeal upholds decision in Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation case
In a recent ruling, the Ontario Court of Appeal upheld a lower court’s decision in Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation v. South Bruce Peninsula (Town), [2024] O.J. No. 5607 a case that addresses key issues in the interpretation and application of Indigenous treaties. This decision examines important legal principles regarding treaty interpretation and the rights of landowners.
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April 10, 2025
B.C. government steps up effort to reduce contracts with U.S. suppliers
The B.C. government is instructing its ministries, health authorities and core Crown corporations to review all contracts with an eye to reducing the province’s dependence on goods and services from U.S. suppliers amid the U.S.-Canada trade war.
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April 10, 2025
Saskatchewan amends Construction Codes Act regarding derelict structures
Saskatchewan’s Minister of Government Relations Eric Schmalz has introduced amendments to the Construction Codes Act to support the province’s pilot framework to help municipalities to deal with derelict structures.
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April 10, 2025
Constitutional clash brewing as Ottawa targets immigration bar with up to $1.5 million in admin penalties
Bar organizations are warning Ottawa that a new administrative monetary penalty regime to be applied to legal professionals — featuring penalties of up to $1.5 million for immigration and refugee lawyers determined by federal officials to have participated in clients’ misrepresentations — will be constitutionally challenged if lawyers are not exempted from the proposed regulations, which are expected to come into force later this year.
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April 10, 2025
Bernier v. Ottawa (Ville): A cautionary tale on waivers and negligence
The Ontario Superior Court decision of Bernier (Litigation guardian of) v. Ottawa (City), 2024 ONSC 6725 underscores the importance of comprehensive waivers to shield from liability and highlights the necessity of ensuring the signer fully understands the legal implications of the waiver.
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April 10, 2025
Establishing irreparable harm: Difficulty in calculating damages for lost business not enough
In business disputes involving a request for injunctive relief, the moving party must generally establish that they would suffer irreparable harm that cannot be compensated for by monetary damages that would eventually be awarded at trial. However, courts have repeatedly held that difficulty in calculating damages for lost business is not sufficient to establish irreparable harm.
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April 09, 2025
B.C. Court of Appeal overturns $10-million ruling against B.C. over misfeasance in public office
The B.C. Court of Appeal has overturned a $10-million damages award against the province for misfeasance in public office, ruling that misconduct by government officials did not cause the financial losses claimed by the plaintiff.
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April 09, 2025
Aird & Berlis welcomes two new associates to its team
Jonathan Kyriacou and Nico Jones have joined Aird & Berlis LLP as associates.
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April 09, 2025
Ontario proposes expansion of strong-mayor powers to 169 more municipalities
Ontario has announced it is proposing to expand strong-mayor powers to 169 additional municipalities’ heads of council as of May 1. The province said this will help deliver on provincial priorities, including building homes, transit and other infrastructure.