How the Court deals with a home foreclosure depends on whether the mortgage is a high ratio, insured mortgage or a conventional mortgage where the borrower's down payment was at least 20% of the value of the home.If you are facing foreclosure in Alberta, it is important to know what type of … [Read more...]
Key Differences In Personal Injury Law: Ontario vs. Quebec
Claimants should know about key differences between Ontario and Quebec law that change how they deal with a personal injury in each province.Location, location, location.Location is vitally important. It determines your residential property value and the success or failure of your … [Read more...]
Alberta’s New Harassment Tort
In June 2023, the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta recognized a new harassment tort that allows those experiencing harassment to sue for damages in civil court.When I say “torts”, you probably think of a delicious dessert. In law though, the word has a slightly different meaning!Tort … [Read more...]
DIY Home Improvements: What’s the law?
Doing your own home renovations means understanding the legal requirements, such as permits, and the consequences of doing poor work.You own your own home and decide to do some renovations. You get a couple of quotes from local contractors and are in shock over what it all adds up to. You think to … [Read more...]
Assisting the Client Living with the Effects of Serious Mental Illness
What are the challenges involved when working with clients living with psychotic illnesses, and what is some practical advice for their lawyers and advocates?I was asked to write an article on the challenges that those experiencing mental illnesses face when engaging with the legal system. What … [Read more...]
Alberta Court Adds New Tort about Protecting Private Information
The tort of Public Disclosure of Private Information protects someone from having private information disclosed about them publicly.In September 2021, the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench released its decision in ES v Shillington. Noteworthy about this case is that the Court recognized a … [Read more...]
Ride at Your Own Risk: Amusement parks and liability
What does it mean to do something at “our own risk”? And who is ultimately responsible when accidents do happen?When I was young, winter officially ended with family outings to (the now closed) Wild Rapids waterslide park in Sylvan Lake or to Calgary’s Callaway Park. These amusement parks offer … [Read more...]
Vehicle Insurance: What are you paying for anyway?
If you own a vehicle, you probably pay for insurance on it. But you may not know what you are actually paying for and why governments require it.This article briefly describes why governments require vehicle insurance. It then gives an overview of the insurance systems for mandatory insurance in … [Read more...]
Everything You Need to Know About Wedding and Special Event Insurance
Wedding and special event insurance is a special kind of cancellation insurance that can protect you if your event goes awry.When you’re thinking about planning a big event—whether it’s a wedding, huge birthday bash or blowout retirement party—no one wants to think about cancellations or other … [Read more...]
Act Now: Insurance policies and the duty to notify
Insurance policies require insureds to notify the insurer of claims and potential claims.Insurance policies, like any other contract, contain certain legal obligations. For example, insurance policies of all types require insureds to notify the insurer of loss or damage – or in the case of … [Read more...]
