Ontario law society mandates Indigenous cultural competency course
Law Society of Ontario (LSO) treasurer Peter Wardle
Law Society of Ontario (LSO) treasurer Peter Wardle says a newly mandated cultural competency course will equip lawyers and paralegals with a ‘foundational understanding of the histories, cultures and rights of Indigenous Peoples.’

Tuesday, March 03, 2026 @ 2:50 PM

Law Society of Ontario (LSO) benchers have narrowly approved a mandatory Indigenous cultural competency course for all lawyers and paralegals, despite concerns it could lead to a repeat of the statement of principles drama that engulfed the law society several years ago. ... [read more]

Trial judge erred by treating accused’s silence as ‘tacit admission’: Ontario Court of Appeal

Wednesday, March 04, 2026 @ 2:52 PM

The Court of Appeal for Ontario has unanimously overturned the guilty verdict of a man whose conviction at trial centred on his decision to remain silent during police questioning. ... [read more]

Judge warns against routine ‘do-not-hear’ requests in stay motions

Tuesday, March 03, 2026 @ 5:41 PM

The Federal Court has sent a message to the immigration bar that “do-not-hear” letters by federal government lawyers, which seek to block special court hearings to stay the removal of foreign nationals from Canada, should be reserved for abuse of process and other “clear” cases because such requests risk “miscarriages of justice and may be a waste of scarce judicial resources.” ... [read more]

Court upholds decision finding landlord repudiated lease with flower shop

Tuesday, March 03, 2026 @ 4:24 PM

The Ontario Court of Appeal has upheld a decision finding that a landlord repudiated its agreement with a tenant flower shop by denying it access to loading docks outlined in the lease. ... [read more]

Manitoba proclaims Clare’s Law

Tuesday, March 03, 2026 @ 3:53 PM

Manitoba has proclaimed a law allowing people to find out if a romantic partner has any history of domestic violence or abuse. On March 1, Manitoba’s government brought into being Clare’s Law, which uses documented past instances of intimate partner-based violence or abuse as a way of alerting people whether they are at risk. ... [read more]