The Complete Brief
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February 12, 2026
Ontario Court of Appeal calling for papers to honour late Justice Bertha Wilson
The Ontario Court of Appeal is calling for papers to mark the 50th anniversary of the late Bertha Wilson’s appointment to the court as part of a symposium honouring the woman who went on to become Canada’s first female Supreme Court justice.
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February 12, 2026
Data breach and privacy class actions in Canada: Why employers should pay attention
A noticeable shift is underway in Canadian class action litigation. Plaintiffs are increasingly seeking certification in data privacy cases, and courts appear more willing to grant it, even where concrete financial harm has not yet been established. This may signal a lower barrier at the authorization stage, which in turn may lead to greater interest in seeking class action certification.
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February 12, 2026
DLA Piper updates office leadership across the Americas
DLA Piper has announced changes to its regional office leadership across the Americas, including new managing partners in Toronto and Vancouver, according to the firm.
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February 12, 2026
NATURAL JUSTICE - Duty of fairness - Procedural fairness
Appeal by West Whitby Landowners Group Inc. from a decision of Divisional Court dismissing its application for judicial review from the Ontario Energy Board. The respondent, Elexicon Energy Inc., was the licensed monopolist that distributed electricity in Whitby.
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February 12, 2026
Ontario Court of Appeal decision informed by complainant’s motive to fabricate evidence
The fabrication of a story alleging that a crime was committed would necessarily result in an acquittal. Proving such motivation can be tricky. Defence counsel for Ryan Alexander Stuart chose to confront a complainant of sexual assault directly by asking a simple question: “Is it fair to say, ma’am, that you were concerned about having sex with Ryan and that it was going to interfere or harm your chances to get back with your ex?”
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February 11, 2026
Court dismisses appeal for defendant hockey leagues to cross-examine before certification
The British Columbia Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal by various hockey leagues seeking to conduct cross-examinations at the pre-certification stage of a proposed class action against them.
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February 11, 2026
Saskatchewan Appeal Court explores self-defence in assault case
Criminal court judges must be “alive” to any “air of reality” to self-defence claims in assault cases, says a lawyer acting in a matter where an online argument turned into a fight involving a baseball bat and skateboard.
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February 11, 2026
Marie-Christine Côté joins Lavery’s health law team
Lavery has added Marie-Christine Côté as a senior associate in the firm’s health law group in Quebec City, according to an announcement.
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February 11, 2026
Pape Salter Teillet adds Jesse McCormick as senior counsel
Jesse McCormick has joined Pape Salter Teillet LLP as senior counsel, bringing experience in Aboriginal and treaty rights, regulatory matters, economic participation and governance, the firm has announced.
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February 11, 2026
The new accountability: Why process is becoming a professional requirement in negotiation
For decades, negotiation remained the “black box” of legal work. While research became transparent and file management became auditable, negotiation stayed insulated behind “instinct” and “professional judgment.” Those things mattered — and still do — but they were hard to explain, document and audit. That insulation used to be acceptable.