The Complete Brief
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January 08, 2026
BLG appoints 23 partners
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) has announced the appointment of 23 new partners, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
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January 08, 2026
Recognition of an Ontario divorce in Iran: Navigating the legal divide between two systems
Global migration has created families whose legal lives unfold across borders, cultures and legal traditions. One of the most complex examples arises when Iranian nationals divorce in Ontario. While the divorce is fully valid and enforceable under Canadian law, it does not necessarily bring legal finality in Iran. This disconnect often surprises individuals who reasonably assume that a court order ending a marriage in Canada ends it everywhere.
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January 08, 2026
SCC’s dual approach to arbitration: Competitive advantage or hidden risk?
The Supreme Court of Canada has never agreed to review an arbitral-related judicial decision after a provincial appellate court has made its ruling. While the SCC is willing to shape the law of arbitration agreements, it has dismissed leave applications in cases primarily focused on reviewing an arbitral award. This difference is quite notable.
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January 08, 2026
U.S. estate tax reform: What it means for Canadians
Around this time last year, we wrote an article speculating on what to expect for U.S. estate tax under a second Trump administration. With the decrease to about half the current amount of the lifetime exclusion amount set to occur early this year unless new legislation was passed, it looked like 2025 would need to be a major year for U.S. estate tax reform.
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January 08, 2026
An update on copyright, industrial design and breach of confidence developments in 2025, part two
The past year has brought a wave of developments in copyright, industrial design and breach of confidence law, driven in part by the rapid evolution of generative AI and shifting regulatory landscapes. This is the second part of a two-part series of notable decisions, legislative trends and policy shifts shaping this environment in 2025.
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January 08, 2026
CIVIL PROCEDURE - Striking out pleadings or allegations - Failure to disclose a cause of action or defence
Appeal by Nazeer from decision of a judge striking his statement of claim against several government officials and Ombudsman staff. Nazeer alleged that the failure of his two businesses, one being a hotel in Theodore and the other a pizza restaurant in Foam Lake was caused by the refusal of the Government Defendants to allow him to recruit foreign workers under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program.
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January 08, 2026
Camelot, Marilyn and the mirage of proof: A journalist’s blunder as blueprint for honest lawyering
Over the holiday break, I had the pleasure of watching the Netflix documentary Cover-Up, which explores the life and career of legendary investigative journalist and author Seymour Hersh. Hersh is known for exposing truths behind government veils. In this documentary, he is portrayed as a somewhat mercurial character, but nonetheless his deeply rooted humanity shows through.
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January 07, 2026
B.C. Court of Appeal overturns $12M intermediary fee in cattle ranch deal
The B.C. Court of Appeal has overturned a $12-million award to an intermediary in a cattle ranch acquisition, ruling that while the parties agreed on services and other terms, the absence of agreement on price defeated enforcement of an alleged oral contract.
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January 07, 2026
Ontario courts seek input on disability services
Ontario’s courts are seeking feedback on how to improve services for persons with disabilities. The Ontario Courts Accessibility Committee is asking individuals who have a disability and have used an Ontario courthouse to take a survey on their experience.
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January 07, 2026
McCarthy Tétrault announces 2026 partners
McCarthy Tétrault LLP has welcomed eight new equity partners and 16 new income partners, effective Jan. 1, 2026, according to the firm.