News and Articles
Explore up to date legal insights in our News and Articles library. This section contains articles written by our team of legal experts, as well as videos and audio files. Our content is reviewed regularly to ensure the information is accirate and relevant. For more resources on Ontario laws, please visit the Law Society of Ontario's Public Resources page.
Featured Audio Spots & Articles
The Tarion New Build Agreement Registration
Vera Dokter ANNCR: I’m with Vera Dokter from Cohen Highley Lawyers. Vera – what is the “Tarion New Build Agreement Registration”? Vera: As of July 1st, 2025 – new freehold home purchasers must provide notice of purchase within 45 Days of acceptance to Tarion - an...
Are there financial limits for damages in medical malpractice suits in Canada?
John Nicholson ANNCR: I’m with John Nicholson, a Medical Malpractice Lawyers with Cohen Highley. John – are there financial limits for damages in medical malpractice suits in Canada? John: The cap for pain and suffering damages is roughly $400,000. The Supreme Court...
Most Recent
Statutory Deductible Increases for 2026
Article by Matthew Newton-Reid and Aislyn Sax Statutory Deductible Increases for 2026 Hurt in a car accident? The amount you are awarded could be reduced by almost $48,000 even if you aren’t at fault By: Matthew Newton-Reid and Aislyn Sax If you are injured in a motor...
The Tarion New Build Agreement Registration
Vera Dokter ANNCR: I’m with Vera Dokter from Cohen Highley Lawyers. Vera – what is the “Tarion New Build Agreement Registration”? Vera: As of July 1st, 2025 – new freehold home purchasers must provide notice of purchase within 45 Days of acceptance to Tarion - an...
Are there financial limits for damages in medical malpractice suits in Canada?
John Nicholson ANNCR: I’m with John Nicholson, a Medical Malpractice Lawyers with Cohen Highley. John – are there financial limits for damages in medical malpractice suits in Canada? John: The cap for pain and suffering damages is roughly $400,000. The Supreme Court...
What are some key elements for medical malpractice suits?
John NicholsonANNCR: I’m with John Nicholson, a medical malpractice lawyer at Cohen Highley. John, what are some key elements for medical malpractice suits? John: First – people should understand that unfortunate outcomes are realities in life and in medical care....
CAT Confirms: Disruptive Conduct + Decisive Enforcement = Significant Cost Award
By: Megan Alexander As counsel for the Applicant, Middlesex Condominium Corporation No. 79 (the “Corporation”) in this Condominium Authority Tribunal (“CAT”) application, I welcome their recent ruling in Middlesex Condominium Corporation No. 79 v. Wuest. This decision...
Bill 60 Passes
Bill 60 has successfully passed Third Reading in the Ontario Legislature. However, as of today, Bill 60 has not yet received Royal Assent. What Happens After Royal Assent? Once Bill 60 receives Royal Assent, its provisions do not all take effect immediately. The bill...
Language Matters: Review the Language in your Rules to Mitigate Risk and Building Inclusive Communities
Condominium boards and managers are responsible for creating an inclusive, equitable environment for all residents within their communities. Reviewing and modernizing the language in governing documents, rules, and communications is important to ensure it reflects...
Ontario Moves to Reform Residential Tenancies Act: Highlights for Landlords and Property Managers
The Ontario government is proposing legislative changes through Bill 60, Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025, aimed at streamlining processes at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) and addressing delays that impact both landlords and tenants. Fighting Delays,...
2026 Fire Code Changes: Key Impacts for Apartment Operators
Effective January 1, 2026, there are new requirements in the Ontario Fire Code that will affect equipment and operations in residential buildings. Some of the key updates are summarized below. See Regulation 87/25 for all changes. Doors and Entrances The current...
October 1, 2025 – It’s Official: Small Claims and LTB Limit Now $50k
October 1, 2025 – It’s Official: Small Claims and LTB Limit Now $50k By: Megan Alexander Effective now, October 1, 2025, the Ontario Small Claims Court and the Landlord and Tenant Board (“LTB”) monetary limit increases from $35,000 to $50,000. This...
Can you explain what Small Claims Court is?
Megan Alexander ANNCR: I’m with Megan Alexander, a paralegal with Cohen Highley. Megan, can you explain what Small Claims Court is? Megan: Small Claims Court offers a more accessible way to resolve civil disputes, such as unpaid debts, service or renovation issues,...
What can a condo owner do to personalize their space?
Liam Thompson ANNCR: I’m with Liam Thompson, a lawyer with Cohen Highley who specializes in multi-residential housing. Liam, what can a condo owner do to personalize their space? Liam: If you’re purchasing a condominium with plans of renovating, it’s important to...
What is a “secured common area”?
Liam Thompson ANNCR: I’m with Liam Thompson, a lawyer with Cohen Highley who specializes in multi-residential housing. Liam, what is a “secured common area”? Liam: Think of places like a mail room, the lobby, laundry and storage rooms…these are “secured common areas”...
Can parents with minor children control when their children receive their inheritance?
Aesha Patel Anncr: I’m with Aesha Patel from Cohen Highley. Aesha, can parents with minor children control when their children receive their inheritance? Aesha: Yes. Including a Trust in your will lets you establish timeframes for your beneficiaries to receive their...
Who pays the ongoing bills of a person after they die?
Aesha Patel Anncr: I’m with Aesha Patel from Cohen Highley. Aesha, who pays ongoing bills of a person after they die? Aesha: The executor is responsible for ongoing expenses of the deceased, and his or her estate. Payments are made from the assets of the estate....
2026 Rent Increase Guideline
ONTARIO GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES 2026 RENT INCREASE GUIDELINE The Government of Ontario has set the annual rent increase guideline for 2026 at 2.1%. The guideline is the maximum percentage that a landlord may increase the rent for a rental unit that is not exempt from...
What is Small Claims Court?
Megan Alexander ANNCR: I’m with Megan Alexander, a paralegal with Cohen Highley. Megan, can you explain what Small Claims Court is? Megan: Small Claims Court offers a more accessible way to resolve civil disputes; such as, unpaid debts, services or renovations issues,...
Effective October 1, 2025: a significant increase to the Ontario Small Claims Court monetary limit for claims will enhance access to justice.
Megan Alexander ANNCR: I’m with Megan Alexander, a paralegal with Cohen Highley. Megan, I understand there have been some changes to the Ontario Small Claims Court, can you tell me what those are? Megan: As of June 1st, 2025, new trial management processes and updated...
Key Updates to Human Rights Tribunal’s Rules
Key Updates to Human Rights Tribunal’s Rules – Mandatory Mediation and Stricter Timelines Effective June 1, 2025, significant amendments to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) Rules of Procedure came into force. These changes will primarily affect how new...
What should real estate buyers and sellers be aware of when obtaining a quote from a real estate lawyer?
ANNCR: I’m with Vera Dokter from Cohen Highley Lawyers. As a real estate lawyer, what should people remember when obtaining quotes for their residential purchase or sale? Vera: Buyers and sellers want to ensure the price they are being quoted includes all of the...