Family
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September 16, 2025
Justice of the chocolate-y kind
Canada’s rich history with chocolate extends beyond its culinary appeal to include a fascinating intersection with legal frameworks. As the country continues to innovate and expand its chocolate industry, various legal themes emerge that shape the production, distribution and consumption of this beloved treat.
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September 16, 2025
Marriage to U.S. citizen on a tourist visa: What you risk when applying for a green card
There are two ways to complete the journey to lawful permanent resident (LPR) status. Some people apply from within the U.S. and others complete the process at an embassy or consulate abroad. There are timing issues, travel issues, working issues and living arrangements that impact the decision about how this process should be finished.
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September 15, 2025
Ottawa could waive biometrics visa requirement for Palestinian trapped in Gaza ‘crisis’: judge
A Federal Court judge has highlighted that Ottawa can remove a potentially fatal roadblock for Palestinians facing starvation and intensified bombardment in the Gaza Strip, who have applied to come to Canada under the now-closed federal Temporary public policy to facilitate temporary resident visas for certain extended family affected by the crisis in Gaza.
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September 15, 2025
How does my child get a lawyer in a family law dispute?
Let’s talk about something that often comes up in family law disputes — can a child have their own lawyer?
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September 15, 2025
Business succession: It’s not business, it’s personal
In an earlier article, I wrote about taking responsibility for planning for the succession of personal and business affairs and threatened that my wife, Maureen McKay, and I would write subsequent articles to explore this topic.
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September 11, 2025
The Friendly Bar Series, No. 11: When clients treat the law like an à la carte buffet
In litigation, procedure and evidence are non-negotiable; they are the foundation of effective advocacy. Lawyers are entrusted with translating clients’ objectives into legally sound, procedurally compliant applications.
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September 11, 2025
Canada, Ontario privacy commissioners sign updated MOU to enhance information sharing
Ontario’s information and privacy commissioner and Canada’s privacy commissioner have signed an updated memorandum of understanding (MOU) to “enhance collaboration and information sharing between their offices.”
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September 11, 2025
When caregiver of an incapable elderly person goes ‘rogue’
Lawyers dealing with elder issues face an uncomfortable dynamic when those responsible for seniors take advantage.
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September 10, 2025
New OBA president hopes to bring ‘more conversational experience’ to position
The Ontario Bar Association (OBA) has a new leader at its helm. Katy Commisso took over the top job from former president Kathryn Manning at the beginning of September after serving a term as the first vice-president of the OBA, which is the professional association for Ontario's lawyers, judges and law students. She will serve for the 2025-26 term. Commisso, a native of Burlington, Ont., said she did not grow up wanting to be a lawyer.
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September 10, 2025
Mounting challenges of being ‘the solicitor of record’
My friend, lawyer Steve Benmor, hit a home run with his recent Law360 Canada article: “Do judges remember what it was like to be a lawyer?” I will not even try to expand upon his views; there is no need. He hits all the points I would have made and more. I agree entirely with him. Rather than a “rinse and repeat,” I want, in this article, to reflect and focus on his analysis of the mounting challenges of being “the solicitor of record.”