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Regulatory News
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Alnoor Fatehali Nathoo: ASC Market Manipulation Settlement Reached

Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) · 16 Oct

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WestJet Cyberattack Investigation Closed: OPC Confirms Compliance

Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada · 14 Oct

Legal News
Canada
Legal News

Moiz Karimjee Prosecutorial Record: Scrutiny Over Liberal Donations

A recent article in Canadian Lawyer details the prosecutorial record of Moiz Karimjee, an Ontario Crown Attorney, highlighting his political donations to the Liberal Party of Canada while serving as a Crown. The piece, responding to a challenge from Michael Spratt, presents documented facts about Karimjee's political affiliations and their potential intersection with his professional duties. It reveals that Karimjee made 29 donations to the Liberal Party of Canada between 2013 and 2019, totaling over $17,000, and attended a donor appreciation event with Justin Trudeau in 2017. These contributions occurred while he was serving as an Assistant Crown Attorney and later Deputy Crown Attorney in Ontario, as confirmed by public sector salary disclosure records and his university profile. The author suggests that Karimjee subsequently took carriage of a politically charged prosecution against leaders of a protest aimed at the Prime Minister he had financially supported, raising questions about the appearance of impartiality. The article does not report the outcome of any specific prosecution but rather presents information about Karimjee's background and alleged inconsistencies in his prosecutorial discretion. This matter raises significant questions about prosecutorial independence, perceived bias, and the ethical conduct of Crown attorneys in Canada, particularly concerning the intersection of personal political affiliations and professional duties. For practitioners, it underscores the critical importance of maintaining public confidence in the justice system and highlights the potential for intense scrutiny of public officials' actions, especially when their personal activities could be seen to influence their professional responsibilities. The integrity of the prosecutorial function relies heavily on its perceived and actual independence from political influence, making such disclosures highly relevant to the legal community. The Canadian legal framework places a strong emphasis on the independence of the Crown prosecutor's office, a fundamental principle vital for ensuring the fair and impartial administration of justice. Crown attorneys are expected to act without political influence, guided solely by the public interest and the evidence. Relevant ethical guidelines for prosecutors, often found in provincial Crown Attorneys' manuals and professional conduct rules, would typically address conflicts of interest and the appearance of impropriety. The article touches upon the broad power of prosecutorial discretion, which allows Crowns to decide whether to lay charges, pursue prosecutions, or offer plea bargains, a power that must be exercised judiciously and without bias. Key parties involved include Moiz Karimjee, Michael Spratt, the Liberal Party of Canada, Justin Trudeau, and various media outlets and public records that served as sources for the information. Attorneys should be acutely aware of the heightened scrutiny on prosecutorial conduct and potential conflicts of interest, especially in politically sensitive cases. This situation highlights the need for robust ethical frameworks within prosecutorial services and the importance of transparency regarding public officials' affiliations to prevent any perception of bias. Defence counsel might consider how such information could impact perceptions of fairness or raise issues of abuse of process in specific cases, though the article does not detail any specific legal challenges based on this information. The outcome of any specific legal challenge related to Karimjee's conduct is not reported in the excerpt, leaving the broader implications for the justice system to be observed. Practitioners should monitor developments related to the ethical guidelines for Crown attorneys and the mechanisms for addressing perceived conflicts of interest. This case serves as a reminder that the actions and affiliations of legal professionals in public service are subject to public and professional review, reinforcing the need for scrupulous adherence to principles of impartiality and independence. Businesses and individuals interacting with the justice system should be aware of the principles governing prosecutorial conduct and the avenues available for addressing concerns about fairness and bias.

16 Oct
Canada
Legal News

McCarthy Tétrault: Expands Private Client Tax Planning With 2 New Partners

McCarthy Tétrault LLP, a prominent Canadian law firm, recently expanded its private client tax planning practice in its Toronto office by welcoming Brandon Wiener and Milan Vukovic as partners. This strategic move is part of the firm's ongoing investment in specialized tax services, aiming to bolster its national tax group. Brandon Wiener will lead the expanded private client tax planning practice, working alongside Milan Vukovic and team members Mike Dolson and Troy McEachren. The team is dedicated to advising high-net-worth individuals, families, business owners, and family offices on complex Canadian tax planning matters, including those with cross-border and international dimensions. Wiener brings over two decades of experience in personal, corporate, and trust tax planning, covering areas such as corporate reorganizations, business acquisitions and sales, succession and estate planning, charitable giving, and tax representation in audits and voluntary disclosures. He is called to the bars of Ontario and Québec and previously clerked for a Supreme Court of Canada Justice, holding the Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) designation. Vukovic focuses on similar complex tax matters for high-net-worth clients. This expansion signifies a growing demand for sophisticated private client tax planning services in Canada, reflecting the increasing complexity of tax laws, wealth management strategies, and cross-border financial activities. For legal practitioners, it highlights the strategic importance of developing and maintaining specialized tax expertise, particularly in areas affecting high-net-worth individuals and family offices. The move also underscores the competitive landscape among top-tier law firms to attract and retain leading talent in niche practice areas, as firms strive to offer comprehensive solutions to their affluent clientele. The firm's established reputation, including its Band 1 ranking in Chambers Canada for its national tax group, further emphasizes the high stakes and specialized nature of this legal field. The practice operates within the intricate Canadian tax framework, which primarily includes the federal Income Tax Act, various provincial tax legislation, and a network of international tax treaties. Expertise in areas like corporate reorganizations, estate planning, and charitable giving requires a deep and current understanding of these statutes and their interplay, as well as evolving regulatory interpretations. The mention of cross-border and international matters indicates the relevance of international tax law principles, residency rules, and bilateral agreements in advising clients with global assets or operations. The firm's prior establishment of a charities and non-profits practice, which also received top-tier recognition, further contextualizes its comprehensive approach to tax and wealth management services. Key parties involved in this development include McCarthy Tétrault LLP, the law firm making the strategic hires; Brandon Wiener and Milan Vukovic, the new partners leading the expanded practice; and their target clientele, which comprises high-net-worth individuals, families, business owners, and family offices. Other team members mentioned are Mike Dolson and Troy McEachren. External recognition bodies like Chambers Canada and professional designations such as the Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) are also relevant in establishing the credentials and market position of the firm and its new partners. Attorneys advising high-net-worth clients, family offices, or businesses with complex ownership structures should note the increasing specialization and demand for sophisticated tax planning services. This development suggests a need for practitioners to either develop deep expertise in these intricate areas or collaborate with specialists to ensure comprehensive, compliant, and efficient advice, especially concerning succession planning, wealth transfer, and cross-border investments. Businesses and individuals with significant assets should proactively seek expert counsel to navigate the evolving tax landscape and optimize their financial structures, recognizing that firms like McCarthy Tétrault are investing heavily in these specialized capabilities.

16 Oct
Canada
Case Law

Nova Scotia Court of Appeal: CCAA Judge Lacked D&O Insurance Authority

The Nova Scotia Court of Appeal overturned an order requiring Newline Canada Insurance Limited to advance D&O defence costs in a CCAA proceeding. The appellate court ruled that the CCAA supervising judge exceeded their authority by adjudicating an insurance coverage dispute between an insurer and th

16 Oct
Canada
Case Law

Ontario Court of Appeal: Thiessen Estate Limitation Period Clarified

In October 2026, the Ontario Court of Appeal ruled that the two-year limitation period under the Trustee Act applies to a surviving spouse’s claim for a 50-percent ownership interest in his deceased wife’s property, overturning a lower-court decision that had applied the ten-year limitation period under the Real Property Limitations Act (RPLA). The case, *Thiessen v. Thiessen Estate, 2026 ONCA 730*, involved a husband who initiated proceedings in April 2024, following his wife's death in January 2022, seeking a beneficial ownership interest in her residence. The couple had signed a marriage contract contemplating joint ownership, and the husband had contributed funds from his home sale to a joint account, from which the wife subsequently transferred funds to her children. Despite these actions, title to the residence remained solely in the wife's name, and the marriage contract was never amended to reflect joint ownership. The core issue before the court was which limitation period governed this claim against the estate. This ruling provides crucial clarification on the interplay between general limitation periods for property claims and specific limitation periods for claims against estates in Ontario. It establishes that claims against an estate, even when they involve real property, are primarily governed by the *Trustee Act* when they arise from alleged wrongs for which the deceased was liable, unless a specific statutory exception dictates otherwise. This has significant implications for estate planning, administration, and litigation, particularly regarding the timeliness of claims by beneficiaries or spouses, emphasizing the need for prompt action. The legal context for this decision involves the interpretation and application of two key Ontario statutes: the *Trustee Act*, which generally imposes a two-year limitation period for claims against estates, and the *Real Property Limitations Act (RPLA)*, which typically provides a ten-year limitation period for land recovery claims. The Court of Appeal's decision effectively prioritizes the *Trustee Act* in such circumstances, offering critical guidance on statutory interpretation and the principle of specific legislation overriding general provisions. The key parties involved were the Ontario Court of Appeal, the deceased wife's estate, and the surviving spouse. For practitioners, particularly estate litigators and family law attorneys in Ontario, this decision underscores the critical importance of being acutely aware of the two-year limitation period under the *Trustee Act* when advising clients on claims against estates, even if those claims involve real property. It is imperative to carefully assess the nature of the claim – whether it is primarily against the deceased's estate for an alleged wrong or a pure land recovery claim – to accurately determine the applicable limitation period. Early and decisive action is paramount to avoid claims being time-barred. Furthermore, this case serves as a stark reminder of the necessity for clear documentation and formal registration of property interests, especially following marriage contracts or significant financial contributions to jointly intended assets, to mitigate future disputes and ensure legal certainty.

16 Oct
Canada
Legal News

LRWC Canada: Urges Government to Protect ICC From US Sanctions

In October 2025, Lawyers’ Rights Watch Canada (LRWC) urged the Canadian federal government to take immediate and concrete steps to protect the International Criminal Court (ICC) from escalating US sanctions, which were issued on October 9, 2025, in line with US President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14203 dated February 7, 2025. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Mark Carney, Attorney General Sean Fraser, and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, LRWC condemned the US actions designed to deprive the ICC of US-based financial, technical, and other services, granting US organizations and individuals six months to cease their contracts and activities with the ICC. The organization highlighted the severe and harmful impacts on the Court, describing the sanctions as

16 Oct
Canada
Legal News

Lexpert: Register for 2026 Lexpert Rising Stars Awards

Registration remains open for the 2026 Lexpert Rising Stars Awards, an annual event celebrating Canada's most talented lawyers aged 40 and under, scheduled to take place on Thursday, November 12, in Toronto. This event, organized by Canadian Lawyer and Lexpert, serves as a significant platform for recognizing emerging legal talent across various sectors, including law firms, legal departments, government, and academia within the Canadian legal landscape. The awards ceremony, hosted by journalist Farah Nasser, will feature a cocktail reception, dinner banquet, and the announcement of the year's winners, following a format that attracted nearly 500 attendees in the previous year. The excerpt highlights the personal and professional value of such recognition, as articulated by past recipient Ryann Atkins, emphasizing mentorship, opportunities, and firm support as key contributors to a lawyer's success and the celebratory nature of the award. The legal significance of the Lexpert Rising Stars Awards for practitioners and the broader legal community in Canada lies in its role as a benchmark for professional excellence and a catalyst for career advancement. For individual lawyers, receiving such an award can significantly enhance their professional profile, open doors to new opportunities, and validate their contributions to the legal field. For law firms and legal departments, having their attorneys recognized as Rising Stars not only boosts morale but also serves as a powerful marketing tool, demonstrating their commitment to nurturing top talent and their standing within the competitive Canadian legal market. The event also fosters networking opportunities among peers, senior legal professionals, and industry leaders, which is crucial for professional development and collaboration. While not a judicial ruling or legislative change, the event operates within the professional regulatory environment of the Canadian legal profession, where professional bodies and publications play a vital role in setting standards and recognizing achievement. The key parties involved include the organizers, Canadian Lawyer and Lexpert, who are prominent legal intelligence platforms in Canada; the host, Farah Nasser; the award recipients, who are young lawyers under 40; and a range of sponsors, including Gold Sponsors Cassels, Langlois Avocats, and Ross Nasseri LLP, Silver Sponsors McMillan LLP and Norton Rose Fulbright, Education Partners Osgoode Hall Law School and York University, and other associate and experience sponsors. These entities collectively underscore the broad support and importance placed on professional recognition within the Canadian legal community, particularly in the jurisdiction of Ontario where the event is held. For attorneys and legal businesses, the practitioner takeaway is multi-faceted. Individual lawyers under 40 should consider the Lexpert Rising Stars Awards as a significant career milestone to aspire to, understanding that such recognition can elevate their professional standing. Law firms and legal departments should actively encourage and support their eligible lawyers in seeking such accolades, recognizing the benefits for talent retention, recruitment, and overall firm reputation. Furthermore, attending or sponsoring such events provides invaluable networking opportunities and insights into the emerging talent pool, which can inform strategic planning and business development. Monitoring the outcomes and participants of these awards can also offer insights into the future leaders and trends within the Canadian legal profession.

15 Oct
Canada
Legal News

Miller Thomson: Acquires Mogan Daniels Slager, Expands Business Law

In early November, Miller Thomson LLP, a national Canadian law firm, acquired Vancouver-based Mogan Daniels Slager LLP (MDS), a boutique law firm specializing in private company mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and private equity, bringing 11 lawyers to Miller Thomson's corporate, M&A, and securities practice. This acquisition signifies a strategic expansion in the Canadian legal market, particularly in Western Canada and the mid-market M&A and private equity sectors. It reflects a trend of consolidation and specialization within large national firms seeking to enhance their capabilities and geographic reach to better serve entrepreneurs, private equity funds, and growth-oriented companies. For practitioners, it highlights the competitive landscape and the value placed on niche expertise, indicating a robust demand for specialized legal services in these areas. The Canadian legal market operates under provincial regulatory bodies, primarily the Law Societies in each province, which govern the practice of law and professional conduct. While there isn't a specific statute governing law firm acquisitions, such transactions are subject to general corporate law principles, competition law considerations (though unlikely to be a significant barrier for law firm mergers of this size), and professional conduct rules regarding client transfers and conflicts of interest. The

15 Oct
Canada
Legal News

Toronto: Convergence eDiscovery Conference Toronto 2026 Set for AI Focus

The Convergence eDiscovery Conference will return to Toronto on November 26, 2026, focusing on AI's impact on eDiscovery, legal technology, and digital evidence. Hosted at the Ontario Bar Association, the event is themed “Intelligence Revolution: eDiscovery in the AI Era” and has consistently sold o

15 Oct
Canada
Case Law

Ontario Court of Appeal: D.V. v. Cordocedo Contingency Fee Reduction Affirmed

operates within the framework of provincial securities acts (e.g., British Columbia Securities Act, Ontario Securities Act) and federal corporate statutes (e.g., Canada Business Corporations Act), as well as common law principles governing contracts and corporate transactions. The key parties involved are Miller Thomson LLP, the acquiring firm, and Mogan Daniels Slager LLP, the acquired firm. Enzo Di Iorio, Chair of Miller Thomson, and Jay Hoffman, Chair of Miller Thomson's business law group, were quoted regarding the strategic rationale. The acquisition involves 11 lawyers from MDS, including partners, a founder and counsel, and associates, joining Miller Thomson's existing team. Attorneys and businesses should note the continued consolidation and strategic growth within the Canadian legal sector, particularly in high-value areas like M&A and private equity. For M&A practitioners, this signals a robust market for specialized legal services and potential shifts in competitive dynamics as larger firms expand their offerings. Businesses seeking legal counsel in these areas may find an expanded range of expertise and resources available from larger national firms. Law firms should monitor market trends for potential acquisition targets or opportunities to enhance their own specialized offerings to remain competitive.

15 Oct