Wills, Trusts & Estates

  • September 21, 2026

    Ottawa’s flagship bill on ‘Building Canada Strong’ aims for labour reforms, faster project reviews

    The Carney government says its proposed “Building Canada Strong” legislation and supporting Cabinet directive will ensure that federal reviews and decisions on major project proposals are completed within one year of a “comprehensive” submission by the project’s proponents. The 243-page Building Canada Strong Act (Bill C-39) was introduced in the House of Commons Sept. 21 by Transport Minister and Government House leader Steven MacKinnon.

  • September 18, 2026

    Six myths about appointing guardians for your minor children if you die

    People often put off preparing their wills for many reasons. What often brings about a mindset shift is the birth of a child. Suddenly, parents start asking questions they may not have considered before: What happens if I die? Who will take care of my child if my child is still a minor? Who will make important decisions for them?

  • September 18, 2026

    RESIDENTIAL TENANCIES - Landlord’s remedies - Eviction order - Termination by landlord

    Appeal by the appellant from a decision dismissing her appeal from an order terminating her tenancy and evicting her from the unit. The appeal involved the interpretation of the statutory provisions and procedures under ss. 48 and 71.1 of the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA).

  • September 16, 2026

    Ottawa & judges dispute if Carney gov’t gave meaningful effect to judicial pay commission’s work

    A behind-the-scenes bid by federal chief justices to make future recommendations from the federal independent judicial pay commission process binding on Ottawa is on hold as representatives of Canada’s 1,200 federal judges and Federal Court associate judges sue the Carney government for allegedly not giving “meaningful effect” to the work and non-binding advice of the latest quadrennial Judicial Compensation and Benefits Commission (Giardini Commission.)

  • September 16, 2026

    An executor’s duties and risks in becoming a corporate director

    When a deceased’s assets are concentrated in a private corporation, the estate trustee often feels pressured to become a director of the company. Is there a conflict? Is it a prudent course for a professional estate trustee?

  • September 11, 2026

    McInnes Cooper adds Nicholas Burke as partner in Sydney

    Nicholas Burke has joined McInnes Cooper as a partner in its Sydney, N.S., office.

  • September 10, 2026

    Two ways to improve court efficiency without artificial intelligence

    Artificial intelligence is now part of almost every conversation about court efficiency. Those conversations are worthwhile and should continue, and I have no doubt that there is an appropriate place for AI in court operations nationwide. But while that work goes on, it is worth asking what else could make our courts run better using what we already have.

  • September 09, 2026

    Terence Arthur, Grayson Bateyko named counsel at MLT Aikins

    MLT Aikins has welcomed Terence Arthur and Grayson Bateyko to the firm’s Edmonton office as counsel.

  • September 09, 2026

    Moving beyond the hallmarks of undue influence: Buffa v. Giacomelli

    Undue influence is a legal principle that addresses circumstances where someone coerces another to make a decision. A finding of undue influence allows the court to invalidate transfers of property, the execution of wills, or powers of attorney, on the basis that they were not the product of the executor, transferor, or grantor’s free will.

  • September 09, 2026

    PROCEEDINGS - Appeals and judicial review - Scope of review

    Appeal by Woodard from chambers orders arising from his petition concerning administration of deceased’s estate. The deceased’s will gifted his interest in a property located on Okanagan Lake equally to Woodard and Hewitt, the executor and the deceased’s common-law spouse, with the residue passing to Hewitt.