Civil Litigation
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April 20, 2026
Federal Court awards inmate $65K over guard assault, rejects claim CSC fails to discipline staff
In a decision released on April 16, the Federal Court awarded a prison inmate significant damages for injuries he sustained after being assaulted by a guard and for a breach of his Charter s. 7 right to security of the person, but stopped short in agreeing with the plaintiff’s argument that Correctional Service Canada (CSC) is unwilling to discipline staff for misconduct.
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April 20, 2026
The AI associate: Reshaping the training of lawyers
After initial pushback and criticism, law firms in Canada are finally instituting artificial intelligence (AI) in their offices in a significant way. For example, Torys, one of the largest law firms in Canada, has entered into a partnership with Harvey, a legal AI software, to drive firm-wide adoption at scale.
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April 20, 2026
Here comes the Sun (Tzu litigation agent)
With AI, lawyers can turn to AI agents to answer questions, locate files, find facts (or make them up) and automate certain functions. AI chatbots appear analogous to intelligent articling students.
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April 17, 2026
SCC rules 9-0 Quebec court can hear Crown’s forfeiture bid after stay of criminal charges
The Supreme Court of Canada has clarified 9-0 that the Court of Quebec does have jurisdiction to hear the Crown’s proceeds-of-crime forfeiture motions pursuant to statutory rules that operate independently of trial and sentencing, even when criminal charges against the holders of the seized property have been stayed.
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April 17, 2026
Ottawa seeking input on changes to ‘federal labour relations framework’
Canada’s government is looking for feedback on how to update labour relations policy for federally regulated industries.
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April 17, 2026
Manitoba giving public safety funding to Brandon, Portage la Prairie
Building on its ongoing public safety strategy, Manitoba’s government is giving half a million dollars to two of its cities in the name of enhancing security and preventing crime.
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April 17, 2026
No contest clauses beyond will challenges: Can estate litigation result in disinheritance?
Testators have long used no contest clauses to threaten disinheritance should a beneficiary challenge their will. Recently, it became clear that no contest clauses can also extend beyond will challenges to discourage beneficiaries from commencing other forms of estate litigation.
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April 17, 2026
Court confirms competition commissioner can use s. 11 powers during tribunal proceedings
The Federal Court of Appeal has upheld a finding that the competition commissioner retains the power to seek ex parte orders compelling the production of documents and testimony under the Competition Act even after commencing proceedings before the Competition Tribunal.
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April 17, 2026
Court dismisses appeal by defendant physician, clarifies hearsay and opinion evidence exceptions
The case of Gumbley v. Vasiliou, 2025 ONCA 851 involved 28-year-old Ashley Gumbley, a mother of three with a history of asthma.
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April 17, 2026
Appeal Court overturns order to remove manufactured homes from reserve lands
The British Columbia Court of Appeal has overturned an order requiring former residents of manufactured houses to physically remove their homes from the reserve lands they were ordered to vacate.