The Complete Brief
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April 07, 2026
A modern approach to exhibit stamp placement on wills
When seeking probate in Ontario, applicants must provide evidence that the will was duly executed, typically in the form of an affidavit of execution, sworn by one of the subscribing witnesses to the will. The original will is attached to the affidavit as an exhibit and therefore must be marked with an exhibit stamp. While this step is routine, where an exhibit stamp is placed on a will has recently become a matter of choice rather than convention.
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April 07, 2026
Ontario introduces legislation for changes to regional governance
On April 2, Ontario introduced the Better Regional Governance Act, 2026 to change how certain regional governments function, saying the changes would support lower costs for municipal taxpayers and better align decision-making with shared provincial and regional priorities.
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April 07, 2026
Ottawa names Simon Kamel interim Royal Canadian Mint master
The federal government has appointed lawyer Simon Kamel as interim master of the Royal Canadian Mint for an eight-month term.
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April 07, 2026
McCarthy Tétrault adds IP litigator Denise Brunsdon
McCarthy Tétrault has added Denise Brunsdon as a partner in its national litigation and dispute resolution group in Calgary.
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April 07, 2026
Successful appeal sees murder sentences changed from adult life to youth life
The phrase “boys will be boys” is sometimes used to dismiss or normalize male aggression, sexual misconduct and dangerous behaviour, effectively acting as a cultural or sometimes legal shield that hampers accountability for criminal actions. Should it?
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April 07, 2026
Is AI coming for your practice?
It keeps you up at night, doesn’t it? Will artificial intelligence take over much of the practice of law as we know it? In particular, what about yours?
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April 07, 2026
A perspective on law firm perspectives
The cruise I’m currently on took me to Saigon the other day. My tour guide was an enthusiastic young man named Hung. He explained that his generation wants to focus on making money and supporting their families, rather than dwelling in the past. When it comes to what the Vietnamese refer to as the “American War,” he said they are willing to forgive, but not to forget.
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April 07, 2026
PROCEEDINGS - Appeals and judicial review
Appeal by Zhang from orders of a judge on a petition brought by the respondent strata to enforce a lien for unpaid strata fees. The amounts at issue were small, the lien was originally for $751, and the Strata asserted $1,822 was owing. Zhang did not attend the petition hearing, instead, Li Zhang appeared, stating she was his daughter, that he was in China, and sought an adjournment.
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April 02, 2026
Feds end firearms buyback program after 67K declared
The federal government has announced that the nation-wide declaration period for the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program for individuals ended March 31, with over 67,000 assault-style firearms being declared by 37,869 owners. The Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights, however, called the program a failure as not all guns would be compensated.
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April 02, 2026
Federal review of Privacy Act focuses on data sharing, stronger privacy protections
The federal government has launched a major review of the Privacy Act, aimed at enabling greater use of personal data across institutions while strengthening privacy protections for Canadians, according to an April 2 release.