SCC gives guidance on interpreting insurance contracts, interplay of endorsements & exclusions
Counsel for the unsuccessful appellants, Joseph Obagi of Ottawa’s Connolly Obagi LLP, said Canadians ‘may need to have very serious conversations with their insurance broker to find out: Do I have guaranteed replacement coverage in the sense that, if my home burns down to the ground today, will you rebuild it tomorrow without me having to self-insure anything?’
Friday, January 30, 2026 @ 6:25 PM
Elaborating on how to interpret insurance contracts, the Supreme Court of Canada dismissed 7-2 the appeal of two homeowners who sought to compel their insurer to fully pay for rebuilding their flood-destroyed house, despite an exclusion for “compliance costs” and the ancillary exception that caps the compliance costs payout at $10,000 “for the increased cost of demolition, construction, or repair to comply with any law regulating the zoning, demolition, repair or construction of any insured buildings.” ... [read more]
Federal Court dismisses proposed harassment class action for lack of jurisdiction
Friday, January 30, 2026 @ 5:37 PM
The Federal Court has dismissed a proposed negligence class action against an oil and gas company operating on First Nations land, finding it does not have jurisdiction over the claims of sexual harassment, physical assault and other grievances in the federal service context. ... [read more]
Court rebukes Binance for renewed bid to revive barred arbitration in class action
Friday, January 30, 2026 @ 4:48 PM
Ontario’s Superior Court rebuked cryptocurrency platform Binance for attempting to revive arbitration against the representative plaintiffs in a certified class action against it, despite repeated rulings barring it from doing so. ... [read more]
Feds giving New Brunswick funding for tenants’ rights program
Friday, January 30, 2026 @ 3:15 PM
Canada’s government is supporting a new initiative providing renters in New Brunswick with free legal advice and education in navigating their “housing challenges.” ... [read more]
Ontario court orders new law licence review for man who admitted to sexually abusing children
Friday, January 30, 2026 @ 12:49 PM
Ontario’s top court has ordered a new law licence assessment for a man who admitted to the sexual abuse of children, saying a fresh look is required to determine whether he is of the “good character” required of a lawyer. ... [read more]
