Articles 2024

Today
Today

Vavilov: A New Framework for a New Decade of Judicial Review

  • January 13, 2020
  • Rachel Weiner

In this article, Rachel Weiner summarizes the revised framework in Vavilov, identifies changes and uncertainties regarding the standard of review, and argues that the reasonableness standard is not significantly altered.

Administrative Law, Public Sector Lawyers, Student Forum

Executive Profile Series - Melissa Babel

  • January 08, 2020

Read a brief profile of Melissa Babel, Vice-Chair of the OBA Citizenship and Immigration Section Executive.

Citizenship and Immigration Law, Student Forum

Dividends and Section 160: Kufsky v. The Queen

  • January 08, 2020
  • Devon LaBuik

In Kufsky v. The Queen, the Tax Court of Canada upheld a section 160 tax assessment of a shareholder who received a dividend from a non-arm’s length corporation. This article provides an overview of the case’s key facts and the Court’s decision.

Student Forum, Taxation Law
Andrea M. Hill

The Hotchpot Clause: A Simple Tool for Equalizing Gifts to Beneficiaries

  • January 07, 2020
  • Andrea M. Hill, Turkstra Mazza Associates

When used properly, a hotchpot clause can equalize beneficiaries for a parent’s prior unequal treatment, promote fairness, and potentially reduce the prospect of estate litigation. But, these clauses require careful consideration and detailed information from the testator. Learn what a hotchpot clause can apply to, how exactly one brings past gifts or loans “into hotchpot,” and some issues to consider when drafting.

Student Forum, Trusts and Estates Law

Supreme Court of Canada Highlights Purpose Driven Contractual Interpretation of Environmental Claims in Resolute Forest Products

  • January 07, 2020
  • Catherine Lyons and Matthew Lakatos-Hayward

In a recent decision, the SCC in R v Resolute Forest Products Canada Inc found that an indemnity against pollution claims granted by Ontario did not cover a regulatory order to remediate contamination. The SCC found that the indemnity did not cover first-party regulatory claims such as an order to prevent discharges. The decision highlights the importance of delineating the sources of contamination and conditions of a business’ property before drafting an indemnity for environmental claims.

Environmental Law, Student Forum

Public Library’s Termination of Rental Agreement Not Subject to Judicial Review

  • January 07, 2020
  • Christopher Wirth, partner, and Sakshi Chadha, articling student, Keel Cottrelle LLP

In Weld v Ottawa Public Library, 2019 ONSC 5358, the Ontario Divisional Court (the “Court”) found that a decision by a Public Library to terminate a room rental agreement was not subject to judicial review as it was not made in a public capacity.

Administrative Law, Student Forum
Kathryn Balter

A Reflection on the OBA’s Dinner with Senior Estate Planners

  • January 06, 2020
  • Kathryn Balter, partner, Fogler, Rubinoff LLP

The OBA’s Dinner with Senior Estate Planners is one of the most popular estate planning events of the year. In this article, one attendee highlights a few of the reasons for its success, and summarizes some key insights provided by the panelists.

Student Forum, Trusts and Estates Law

Program Highlights on Bill C-92 and its Practical Impacts

  • January 06, 2020
  • Kelsey Buchmayer

On November 28, 2019, the OBA's Aboriginal Law and Child and Youth Law Sections hosted a program titled: “Legislative Spotlight: Bill C-92 and Its Impact On Your Practice”. This timely program was intended to provide a space for interdisciplinary discussion on the impacts of the implementation of the new federal Indigenous child welfare legislation, Bill C-92: An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families, which comes into force January 1, 2020.

Aboriginal Law, Student Forum