In-House Counsel
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March 02, 2026
Emergence of a ‘New Iran’: Legal implications of a democratic transition
In early 2026, as Iran experienced widespread unrest amid economic collapse and inflation (exacerbated by the recent bombings by the U.S. and Isreal), Reza Pahlavi, the eldest son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last shah of Iran, outlined a comprehensive vision for a post-Islamic Republic “New Iran.”
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March 02, 2026
Assessing Ontario tax increases, deadlines and relief options
Property owners in Toronto and across Ontario face a number of important developments in 2026 that may impact their tax obligations. This bulletin outlines the City of Toronto’s proposed tax rate adjustments, notes important deadlines for tax relief applications and provides guidance on managing Ontario’s property tax obligations in the coming year.
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February 27, 2026
Top judge, bar leaders call on profession to intensify defence of judicial independence, rule of law
To defend against the rising attacks on the rule of law in Canada, members of the bar and bench must step up their efforts to support judicial independence and counter misinformation and political interference with the courts, say Canada’s top judge and bar leaders.
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February 27, 2026
Ontario court enforces settlement despite unexecuted release
In Stribling v. Starbucks Coffee Canada Inc., 2026 ONSC 1030, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice confirmed that employers and employees can form a legally binding agreement even where the agreement provides that a full and final release will be executed later. The decision illustrates that once the essential terms of a settlement are clearly set out and accepted, courts will hold the parties to those terms.
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February 26, 2026
Ontario Court of Appeal confirms bankruptcy orders appealable as of right
The Ontario Court of Appeal has confirmed that bankruptcy orders are appealable as of right, rejecting arguments that its recent endorsement of a restrictive approach to insolvency appeals means leave is required to challenge a bankruptcy order.
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February 25, 2026
What the Ontario Court of Appeal wants you to know about commercial contracts
One of the fundamental rules of contract interpretation is that courts adopt a practical, common-sense approach that is not “dominated by technical rules of construction” (Sattva Capital Corp. v. Creston Moly Corp., 2014 SCC 53 at para. 47). The contract is read as a whole, giving the “words used their ordinary and grammatical meaning, consistent with the surrounding circumstances known to the parties at the time” of contract formation.
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February 25, 2026
Family agreements: Key provisions regarding governance of multigenerational businesses
In part one of this article, we discussed many key provisions that families should consider including in a family shareholders’ agreement (a “family agreement”) in the context of succession planning. In part two, we will discuss the following additional key provisions that can be addressed in family agreements:
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February 25, 2026
Court slams Human Rights Tribunal’s refusal to hear cases
The Ontario Divisional Court has dismantled a major pillar of the Human Rights Tribunal’s unfair drive to reduce its backlog by dismissing most claims without a hearing.
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February 24, 2026
Federal Court of Appeal rules foreign continuance to bypass CCPC tax regime abusive
The Federal Court of Appeal has held that the general anti-avoidance rule (GAAR) applies where a company re-registers outside Canada in order to avoid the anti-deferral tax regime for Canadian-controlled private corporations (CCPCs).
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February 24, 2026
The Supremes sing a new tune: U.S. Supreme Court tariff decision, energy prices
The Supremes’ number one hit was Stop! In the Name of Love. This was never truer than it is today.