SCC recognizes new common law tort of intimate partner violence in landmark family law judgment
For the five-judge Supreme Court majority, Justice Nicholas Kasirer wrote, ‘Where the plaintiffs plead material facts that disclose coercive control, judges, with the benefit of this new tort [of intimate partner violence], will be in a position to grant remedies that address the full scope of the harm suffered, rather than confining such claims to a patchwork of existing torts that, even with aggravated damages, provide only incomplete redress.’
Friday, May 15, 2026 @ 12:20 PM
Last Updated: Friday, May 15, 2026 @ 12:45 PM
The Supreme Court of Canada has created 6-3 a new common law tort of “intimate partner violence” (IPV), which may be claimed separately or within family law proceedings. The far-reaching five-judge majority judgment, written by Justice Nicholas Kasirer (along with a separate lone concurrence by Justice Andromache Karakatsanis), not only recognizes a new tort, it elaborates on when novel torts should be created and on the roles of courts and legislatures in developing the law: Ahluwalia v. Ahluwalia, 2026 SCC 16. ... [read more]
Canada announces new electricity strategy to double clean energy by 2050
Thursday, May 14, 2026 @ 5:00 PM
Canada has announced the launch of a new National Electricity Strategy that aims to double clean grid capacity by 2050 and supply reliable and affordable power to households. ... [read more]
Immigration Board must consider duress claims in inadmissibility analysis: Court
Thursday, May 14, 2026 @ 4:49 PM
The Federal Court of Appeal has ruled that the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) must consider claims that the defence of duress was not practically available in a foreign criminal proceeding when determining whether a person is inadmissible to Canada for serious criminality. ... [read more]
N.B. proposes new act to streamline approval process for mining development
Thursday, May 14, 2026 @ 4:36 PM
The Government of New Brunswick has introduced a Mineral Resources Act that it says will be the “foundation for one of the most agile, predictable and timely regulatory frameworks for mineral development in Canada.” ... [read more]
Trial lawyers group says Ontario drivers risk gaps in car insurance coverage as of July 1
Thursday, May 14, 2026 @ 4:29 PM
An organization representing trial lawyers in Ontario is raising alarm bells about upcoming changes to the province’s car accident benefit system, saying they may lead people to realize too late that their coverage is not as comprehensive as they think. ... [read more]