People: Lia Boritz

Anti-SLAPP Legislation Tested at the Court of Appeal

On August 30, 2018, the Ontario Court of Appeal released six unanimous decisions that address Ontario’s “anti-SLAPP” legislation.[1] SLAPPs – Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation – are actions brought to […]

Motions for Partial Summary Judgment: Proceed with Caution

In Hryniak v Mauldin, the Supreme Court of Canada held that a summary judgment motion is appropriate if: (i) it can achieve a fair and just adjudication; and (ii) it provides a process that allows the judge to make the necessary findings of fact, apply the law to those facts, and is a proportionate, more expeditious and less expensive means to achieve a just result than going to trial.

Bill 139, Building Better Communities and Conserving Watersheds Act, 2017

On May 30, 2017, Bill 139 passed first reading. Bill 139 would, among other things, continue the Ontario Municipal Board (“OMB”) under the new name “Local Planning Appeal Tribunal” (“LPAT” or “Tribunal”), and amend the Planning Act to revise the jurisdiction and authority which the OMB had previously exercised.