Frequently, people will ask “what is common law”. And, just as frequently someone will provide a simple definition, but somewhat different than the one you heard before. So, let’s have …
Maintaining Good Financial Books and Records
If you are in business, you should keep good financial records. It just makes sense, but so many small businesses neglect this tedious and somewhat time-consuming task. Careful records take …
Apologies from Real Estate Agents
The Province of Ontario has legislation known as the “Apology Act“. When an injury occurs, the lawyers and insurance companies rush to the scene. The first thing they say to …
The First Offer is the “Best” Offer!
What kind of statement is that? How often have you heard that? Actually, that sort of gratuitous comment comes with almost every offer. Does it really ever mean anything? No, …
Beware of The Ides of March!
That was good advice given by a soothsayer to Julius Caesar although he did not heed the warning. The words were made popular by William Shakespeare in his play “Julius …
St. Joseph: Your New Real Estate Agent?
March 19th is the feast of St. Joseph who has become known as the Patron Saint of real estate. The original connection was probably made because St. Joseph was a …
The Legal Definition of Good Title
The traditional definition of good title in law, is a title without any qualifications, exceptions or explanations. A solicitor’s opinion on title would point out any matters that were relevant …
Allocation of Environmental Liability
The interesting point here is to figure out ultimately who should bear the loss. This is not as simple as it sounds. Even though certain parties have had their liability …
Ministry of the Environment
The Ministry of the Environment (MOE), now the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks may issue an Order under the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) that calls for certain work …
Strict Liability under the EPA (Ontario)
While it is sometimes difficult to imagine under our common law system, there is a place for strict liability. Just a quick digression. There are two areas of the common …