Resources, Articles, & Advocacy
Article | June 09, 2026
Software and Copyright Ownership Issues in the Building Industry
Since the early 2000s, Building Information Modelling (BIM) has become an increasingly popular workflow process in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry (AEC industry). While the rise of BIM software has allowed greater efficiency and collaboration in the AEC industry, it has also given rise to questions regarding copyright ownership: Who owns the copyright in a BIM model? What rights do collaborators have to use and modify the information in a design made using a BIM model?
Article | June 09, 2026
Noting Contractors in Default: What ProDemnity’s Latest Guidance Means for Consultants in Ontario
On February 5, 2026, Pro-Demnity Insurance Company (the mandatory professional liability insurer for Ontario architects) published an article titled “Who Decides that a Contractor is in Default? A Guide for Architects” The message to architects administering construction contracts is unequivocal: under no circumstances should an architect make a determination that a contractor is in default or issue a Notice of Default. This is because a finding of default is, in substance, a legal opinion as to whether a contractor is in breach of contract – and architects are not in the business of giving legal opinions.
Article | June 08, 2026
Ontario IPC Levies Second AMP Under PHIPA for Snooping in Health Records
The Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario has issued its second administrative monetary penalty, since the expansion of its enforcement powers, against an individual who worked at a hospital and was caught snooping in 436 patient records without authorization. While the IPC did not issue a penalty against the hospital, the IPC made recommendations for the hospital to improve certain privacy practices.
Article | June 08, 2026
Vigilance Required to Protect Against AI-Facilitated Elder Abuse
While Artificial intelligence (AI) has increased productivity and innovation, it has amplified the challenges in the elder law landscape. Seniors have become the target of scams and other crimes involving AI. Older Canadians are particularly susceptible to these fraud schemes as AI becomes more sophisticated. For elder law practitioners, understanding how AI is reshaping financial abuse, undue influence, and fraud is essential, not only for litigation and estate disputes, but also for planning and client education.
Legislative Update | June 05, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of June 1
Ontario Legislature Rises for 21-week Break: The Ford government ended its spring session two days early and has started an extended 21-week break. Government House Leader Steve Clark shared that politicians won’t return to Queen’s Park until Oct. 27 as returning earlier could “interfere” with local mayoral races around the province.
Article | June 05, 2026
The 2026 Canadian In-House Counsel Report: A Profession Under Load
The 2026 Canadian In-House Counsel Report is now out. This report is published annually by CBA In-House Lawyers together with Mondaq and Legal 500, and is intended to provide insight into the priorities and challenges facing in-house lawyers today. It was released in February 2026 and draws on nearly 500 responses from lawyers across the country, with the largest provincial cohort being Ontario at 36%. These reports are a timely pulse on the state and trajectory of the legal profession. The key theme of this year’s report is that in-house counsel are asked to do more without the adequate resources.
Article | June 05, 2026
Mentorship, Community, and the Power of Connection
One of the most rewarding aspects of my professional life today is supporting internationally trained lawyers who are beginning their own requalification journeys. Through my involvement with Osgoode Professional Development and the broader internationally trained lawyer (ITL) community, I regularly speak with lawyers who are considering, or are in the midst of, the process of qualifying to practice in Canada.
