Resources, Articles, & Advocacy
Article | April 02, 2026
HST Relief For Buyers, Although Temporary
The Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) rebate in Ontario is being expanded to all buyers to a maximum of $130,000.00. Both provincial and federal governments will eat up the entire 13% HST. The province will cover its 8% and federal will cover 5% of the HST. But the expansion proposed comes with some conditions. There are eligibility requirements, limit to property purchase price value, rebate amounts, construction requirements and a duration component to it.
Article | April 02, 2026
Snippets From Recent Cases In Failed Real Estate Transactions: Buyers And Sellers Beware!
Failed real estate transactions often give rise to disputes between buyers and sellers. While most of these disputes are mutually settled by the buyers and the sellers, there are some that don’t and make their way to the courtroom. Although these courtroom dramas are scary, they teach us a lesson so that we, as lawyers, get better when advising our respective clients in those situations. I have picked three cases.
Article | April 01, 2026
Limitation Limbo: When Does the Clock Really Start Ticking?
Recent case law offers important guidance on the dichotomy of contractual limitation clauses in insurance policies, balancing the rights of insured parties with insurers’ ability to impose shorter timelines. Courts have emphasized that such clauses must be clearly worded and contextually appropriate. This article examines key court decisions, and the variables which impact when, if, and how a contractual limitation will be applicable.
Article | April 01, 2026
Ensuring Accuracy in the Age of AI: Lessons from BC WCAT A2501051
A recent decision of the British Columbia WCAT highlights the risks of relying on AI-generated legal submissions containing inaccurate or non-existent authorities. The Tribunal confirmed it need not engage with arguments lacking a legal foundation and cautioned that such errors may carry consequences. The case highlights representative’s obligation to verify AI-assisted work at all times.
Article | April 01, 2026
Accommodating Students with Disabilities: Legal and Practical Perspectives
While the framework surrounding the duty to accommodate students with disabilities is well established under Ontario law, disputes continue to arise around process, documentation, and the limits of undue hardship. Grounded in a recent OBA program organized by the Education Law Section, this article shares case law highlights and context surrounding the growing need for individualized assessment and meaningful access.
Article | March 31, 2026
Holdback is Always Holdback
In the days of the Construction Lien Act (the “CLA”), it used to be said that holdback lost its character as holdback and became trust funds once liens expired. But that has not been the case since the introduction of the Construction Act’s amendments in 2018. On an improvement to which the Construction Act applies, owners cannot avoid holdback payment obligations simply by waiting (with one strange, recent caveat). This article provides a brief overview of how holdback has been treated when it comes time for payment by the owner.
Article | March 30, 2026
Court of Appeal Summaries (March 23-27)
Following are our summaries of the civil decisions of the Court of Appeal for Ontario for the week of March 23, 2026.
