Articles 2020

ChatGPT, developed by Microsoft-backed research lab OpenAI, has occupied the artificial intelligence news stream since its initial launch in December 2022. ChatGPT is a natural language processing generative AI tool that, depending on the model a user can access, can generate text-to-text, or image-to-text, output in a formula which mimics human conversation. The first publicly available tool of its kind, ChatGPT has become one of the fastest-growing consumer applications of all time.

Estate administration can seem like a minefield even to the most seasoned practitioners. With every stage comes the risk of a misstep and with it, costly delays, legal disputes, and bitter family feuds. A recent OBA program provided guidance and solutions to help practitioners navigate the complexities of an estate administration.

The OBA Trusts and Estates Law Section hosted an Evening with Estate Judges on April 25. The Honourable Justices Dietrich, Gilmore, and Fowler Byrne attended and shared invaluable advice and tips with members of the estates bar.

In the recent decision of Alger v Crumb, the Ontario Court of Appeal considered a general revocation clause in a testator’s Will, and whether it was sufficient to revoke beneficiary designations for the testator’s RRIF and TFSA. In this article, Jennifer Corak reviews the Court of Appeal’s considerations and conclusion.

MAID is a complex topic and the laws surrounding it require a delicate balance of competing considerations – from preserving a person’s dignity to protecting those who are vulnerable. MAID laws have been subject to considerable review and development since their introduction, and it is expected that they will continue to evolve as the concept develops. Andrea Tratnik and Christina Kim review the history and current status of MAID laws in Canada.

In January 2023, the Ontario Estates Bench-Bar Liaison Committee met to discuss various matters, including scheduling issues, issues that can arise in applications for an ancillary grant or resealing, timing for filing confirmation forms, and the requirement for filing compendiums.

On April 4, 2023, Canada’s Privacy Commissioner, Philippe Dufresne, launched an investigation into OpenAI after having received a complaint alleging the collection, use and disclosure of personal information without consent.  

On April 18, members of the OBA Trusts and Estates Law Section met to discuss practice tips and share their experiences. As usual, participants had a lively discussion on topics such as joint accounts, and the new trust reporting requirements for bare trusts.

An article on the Ontario Ombudsman's April 13, 2023 report "Missing in Inaction: Misty's Story".

Following are our summaries of the civil decisions of the Ontario Court of Appeal for the week of April 17, 2023.