This Week At The SCC (08/02/2013)

This weekly summary provides comprehensive analysis of civil law decisions from the Ontario Court of Appeal for August 31 to September 4, 2026. The featured cases examine critical issues including distribution orders in investment fraud cases, purchase money resulting trusts, and the enforceability of temporary lay-off clauses in employment agreements.

Many people delay taking legal action after an assault because of trauma, fear, ongoing criminal proceedings, or simply not knowing their legal rights. Understanding the limitation period for assault claims in British Columbia is essential if you’re considering seeking compensation through a civil lawsuit

An Ontario court ruled that arbitration agreements containing "final and binding" language may prevent parties from appealing legal errors made by arbitrators. The decision examines how a $3 million construction dispute was resolved through arbitration, and why the losing party could not challenge the arbitrator's legal mistakes despite their significant financial impact.

The recent breakdown of Canada-US trade talks and the tariff measures that followed have prompted Canadian businesses to reassess how they manage cross-border trade. While higher costs may be the most immediate concern, the broader challenge is the unpredictability that cannot be treated as a temporary anomaly.

Sexual assault survivors in Alberta face no time limits when seeking civil compensation, regardless of whether the abuse occurred recently or decades ago. Understanding your legal rights and available remedies can provide a path toward justice and healing, even when criminal proceedings aren't pursued or don't result in charges.

A U.S. appeals court has unanimously overturned certification of a securities class action against Boeing, establishing that plaintiffs must demonstrate a workable, class-wide damages methodology at the certification stage. This decision reinforces heightened standards for class certification that parallel evolving requirements in Canadian securities litigation, where courts increasingly demand concrete evidence and specific liability theories before approving class actions.

A mutual fund dealing representative sued the MFDA and OSC for $47.5 million in damages, alleging intentional torts including conspiracy, abuse of process, and malicious prosecution stemming from a regulatory investigation and enforcement proceedings. The 21-day trial resulted in complete dismissal of all claims, with the court making significant findings on regulatory immunity provisions and the scope of duties owed by securities regulators to regulated persons.

In-house counsel face critical decisions at the outset of internal investigations that determine the credibility and defensibility of the entire process. This guide examines the strategic questions around scope, privilege protection, external support, and documentation that must be addressed early—often under pressure and before the facts are fully known.

For many people in Ontario family court, the first case conference can feel uncertain. You may wonder whether anything meaningful can happen at this early stage, especially if disclosure is missing, support is needed, or temporary arrangements are required. While a case conference is not a trial, it can still be an important step in getting the case organized and moving forward.

The Supreme Court of Canada has delivered a landmark ruling declaring section 66 of the Conflict of Interest Act unconstitutional, fundamentally reshaping the boundaries between legislative authority and judicial oversight of administrative decisions. This unanimous decision addresses longstanding questions about the validity of privative clauses that restrict courts' ability to review findings by Parliament's ethics commissioner.

Une enquête récente a révélé une pratique consistant à autoriser à plusieurs reprises des transporteurs présentant des lacunes en matière de sécurité à participer au Programme des travailleurs étrangers temporaires...

Le 28 août 2026, nous avons organisé notre webinaire Comprendre les répercussions de l’effondrement des négociations commerciales entre le Canada et les États-Unis : Webinaire de Q&R, à l’occasion duquel nous...

Following the breakdown of Canada-U.S. trade discussions in August 2026, McCarthy Tétrault hosted a comprehensive webinar examining the collapse's implications for Canadian businesses.

An Ontario court ruled that arbitration agreements containing "final and binding" language may prevent parties from appealing legal errors made by arbitrators. The decision examines how a $3 million construction dispute was resolved through arbitration, and why the losing party could not challenge the arbitrator's legal mistakes despite their significant financial impact.

Le gouvernement fédéral passe de l’examen de la privatisation d’aéroports à un engagement en ce sens.

Although Goudreau c. Le Roi is not a charity law case, its reasoning may be relevant to charities that use contractual safeguards to manage valuation risk and prevent unintended private benefits.

In-house counsel face critical decisions at the outset of internal investigations that determine the credibility and defensibility of the entire process. This guide examines the strategic questions around scope, privilege protection, external support, and documentation that must be addressed early—often under pressure and before the facts are fully known.

Yes. In Dome Mine Ltd. and USW, Local 7980, 2026 CanLII 78264 (ON LA), an Ontario arbitrator upheld the termination of an employee who refused a valid post-incident drug and alcohol test.

L'OCRI continue d'utiliser des dispenses pour relever les défis pratiques liés à la réglementation des courtiers membres. Les dispenses accordées en 2025 visaient plusieurs domaines récurrents, notamment les activités de négociation, la double inscription, les cryptoactifs, le prêt de titres et l'assurance des compétences, démontrant une approche de réglementation fondée sur des principes et la proportionnalité.

Canada's new Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act (FITAA) establishes a comprehensive registration regime requiring organizations and individuals to disclose arrangements with foreign principals involving influence activities targeting Canadian political or governmental processes.