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Information Portal n. phr. [from Latin informatio, "instruction" + porta, "gate"]

A curated hub of legal analysis, practical guides, and timely updates from Grigoras Law — written for clients, professionals, and the public.

Plain-language explainers, case commentaries, and practice notes across civil litigation, commercial litigation, business law, appeals, and select cross-border topics.

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Our Information Portal gathers blog posts, video blogs, case commentaries, and practice notes — written in plain language for practical use.

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The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Content may not be comprehensive or current at the time you read it. You should consult a qualified lawyer on any specific legal question or matter. Grigoras Law is not responsible for any damage or loss due to reliance upon this information. Use at your own risk.

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Explore our collection of articles, case commentaries, and insights.

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Rylands v. Fletcher: Property Damage Claims

Rylands v. Fletcher is a landmark case in English tort law that established the principle of strict liability for certain harmful activities. The rule states that a person who uses their land for non-natural purposes and accumulates a potentially dangerous substance on their property may be held strictly liable if that substance escapes and causes damage to another’s property.

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Opinion, Criticism, and the Law: A Guide to the Fair Comment Defence

Fair comment is one of defamation law’s most important defences. It protects opinion on matters of public interest, but only when the underlying facts are true, the statement is recognizable as comment and not fact, and the opinion is one that a person could honestly hold. This article explains every element of the defence, the role of malice, and what the standard actually means in practice.

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The Fine Print: Notice Requirements in Ontario Defamation Law

In Ontario, special notice requirements apply to defamation cases involving libel in a newspaper printed and published in the province or a broadcast from a station within Ontario. Plaintiffs must provide written notice to the defendant within six weeks after becoming aware of the alleged libel.

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The Battle for Chattel: Understanding the Tort of Conversion

The tort of conversion primarily deals with the unlawful interference of another person’s movable personal property, known as chattels. In contrast to trespass to goods, conversion demands more than just a simple invasion of the plaintiff’s possessory rights; it necessitates an interference that denies the plaintiff’s title.

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The Principal Residence Exemption

The term “principal residence” refers to a taxpayer’s primary dwelling or housing unit for a specific tax year. The taxpayer, their spouse, common-law partner, former spouse, or child must ordinarily inhabit the residence. A personal trust can also claim a principal residence if it is regularly occupied by a specified beneficiary or their immediate family.

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From Threats to Torts: The Law on Intimidation

The tort of intimidation, a relatively less explored area of common law, has been recognized and established through a series of judicial decisions. The House of Lords in Rookes v. Barnard (“Rookes“) formally acknowledged the existence of this tort, which has since been accepted as part of the common law in Canada.

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Starting a Cosmetics Business: For Entrepreneurs

The Canadian cosmetics industry generates billions of dollars. In 2021, the cosmetics market in Canada generated approximately USD 1.24 billion in revenue, and industry revenue is expected to grow by 1.45% annually to reach USD 1.8 billion by 2024.

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Domestic Contracts: Essential Knowledge for Ontario Couples

Ontario’s Family Law Act (“FLA”) contains provisions under Part IV that regulate domestic contracts, including cohabitation agreements, marriage contracts, and separation agreements. These agreements primarily focus on legally enforceable matters, such as property division, spousal support, and children’s education.

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Understanding Spousal Support: Key Elements

In family law, spousal support is central to helping spouses who have become financially disadvantaged due to the breakdown of a marriage or common-law relationship. This post examines the legal principles and case law surrounding spousal support, discussing child support priority, general principles, and various factors that influence support amounts and duration.

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From Issuance to Transfer: The Life Cycle of Share Capital

Share capital plays a crucial role in the world of corporations, serving as a primary means of ownership and property rights. In Canada, share capital is regulated by the Canada Business Corporations Act (“CBCA”), which serves as a model for most Canadian jurisdictions.

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The Tax Maze: How Shareholder Loans Impact Your Taxes

According to Section 15(2) of the Income Tax Act, a shareholder (or a person or partnership connected to the shareholder) may be deemed to have received a taxable benefit equal to the amount of a loan or debt made by a corporation. This taxable benefit is included in the shareholder’s income for the tax year in which the loan or debt arose.

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Is Internet Communication a Broadcast in Defamation?

Over time, Canadian provincial legislation regulating defamation has been updated to incorporate modern communication methods. However, since most of this legislation does not explicitly address the Internet, judges are often required to draw parallels between Internet communications and traditional media forms, such as newspapers and broadcasts, that are covered by the legislation.

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The Entrepreneur’s Roadmap to Incorporating in Ontario

Incorporating a company in Ontario has become more streamlined and accessible thanks to the introduction of the Ontario Business Registry on October 19, 2021. This guide will provide a detailed overview of the incorporation process, from preparing and submitting the required documentation to understanding the fees and legal obligations involved.

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Waive Goodbye to Liability: Power and Limits of Liability Waivers

Liability waivers are legal agreements that can limit or exclude the duty of care owed by an occupier in certain circumstances. Although waivers can be effective tools for businesses to minimize their legal exposure, courts carefully scrutinize these agreements to ensure they are fair and reasonable.

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I Was Sued, Now What? (A Step-by-Step Guide)

Litigation is a complex process that requires careful attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the rules and procedures that govern the legal system. In this blog post, we explore the various stages of a lawsuit in Ontario, from the initial pleadings to the final trial.

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All for One, and One for All: Class Action Certification in Canada

In the Canadian legal landscape, class actions represent a powerful mechanism for individuals who have suffered similar harm or losses to collectively seek legal redress against a common defendant. These lawsuits serve multiple purposes, such as providing access to justice for people who might not have the means to pursue individual litigation, encouraging behavioural modification in large corporations or organizations, and promoting judicial efficiency by consolidating numerous related cases into a single legal action.

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Drafting an Effective Shareholders’ Agreement

An essential contract for small non-offering corporations, shareholders’ agreements define the rights, privileges, liabilities, and responsibilities of each shareholder. These agreements, also known as “unanimous shareholders’ agreements,” offer a framework to govern various aspects of a corporation’s functioning, such as delineating shareholder roles, placing limitations on certain actions, and regulating share transfers.

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Business Insurance for Ontario Business Owners

Running a successful business in Ontario requires dedication, hard work, and a thorough understanding of the various types of insurance available to protect your company’s assets and interests. In this overview, we will explore the ins and outs of the eight different insurance options available to Ontario-based businesses, helping you make informed decisions about the coverage your business needs to thrive.

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The Blurred Lines of Business: Tackling the Tort of Passing Off

The tort of passing off in Canadian law is founded upon the notion that no individual should be allowed to represent their products or services as those of another. The Supreme Court of Canada has set forth three key elements that a plaintiff must establish to succeed in a passing off action: goodwill, misrepresentation, and damage.

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Summary Judgment: Grasping the Genuine Issue Requirement

Summary judgment is a process in civil court proceedings that allows the court to make a decision without the need for a full trial. In Ontario, the test for granting summary judgment is when the court is satisfied that there is no genuine issue requiring a trial with respect to a claim or defence.

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Misrepresentation in Securities Offerings: Statutory Civil Liability

Statutory Civil Liability is established by legislation for misrepresentations in a prospectus, Offering Memorandum, or circulars for a take-over bid or issuer bid, including directors’ and director’s or officer’s circulars. This civil liability is covered under Part 23 of the Ontario Securities Act.

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Examining Unfair Lending Practices

The Ontario Unconscionable Transactions Relief Act provides relief to borrowers when they have been subjected to harsh and unconscionable transactions. This legislation allows the court to grant relief where the cost of the loan is excessive or the transaction is unfair.

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When Can You Discontinue an Action in Ontario?

When a plaintiff wants to discontinue an action against a defendant before the close of pleadings in Ontario, they have the right to do so by serving a Notice of Discontinuance on all parties served with a statement of claim and filing the notice with proof of service in the registrar’s office.

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Consumer Protection Act: Unfair Practices

Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2002 (the “Act”), unfair practices include false, misleading, or deceptive representations made by a supplier in the course of selling or promoting a product or service. The Act prohibits suppliers from engaging in unfair practices and provides consumers with various remedies for violations of the Act.

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The Proper Law of a Contract: Two-Stage Inquiry Explained

The “proper law” of a contract generally governs most issues pertaining to its validity, interpretation, performance, and breach in the context of the Anglo-Canadian conflict of laws. The “proper law” rule is based on the principle that parties to a contract are free to choose the governing law.

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Filing a Consumer Proposal

If you’re struggling with debt and need a way out, you may be wondering what options are available to you. In Canada, one option is to file a consumer proposal. This legal process is designed to help insolvent individuals compromise their debts with their creditors and avoid the stigma of bankruptcy.

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