Bogus trial offer scheme lands business $15 million fine
A Canadian Competition Bureau investigation concluded that Revive You Media operated a subscription trap scam. It provided the false impression on its websites that consumers were ordering free trials without any further obligations when in fact consumers were unwittingly signing-up for monthly subscriptions in excess of $100. The company used claims such as “risk-free trial” and “just pay a small shipping fee” to mislead consumers. The real cost and nature of the offers were not disclosed on the company’s websites in a way that was clear and apparent for consumers. Revive You Media (1806369 Alberta Limited) pleaded guilty in the ... [more] Full article
Ontario’s Capital Markets Modernization Taskforce Releases Final Report
In February 2020, the Capital Markets Modernization taskforce was appointed by the Ontario government to provide “recommendations to reduce regulatory burden and ensure a level playing-field for all market participants, ... [more] Full article
Supreme Court of Canada grants leave to appeal decision on enforcement of judgment against Caribbean islands
Today, Canada’s highest court granted leave to appeal from a decision of the Court of Appeal for Ontario refusing to register in Ontario a British Columbia judgment against the Caribbean ... [more] Full article
Plaintiffs take note: Ontario limitation periods have re-started!
On March 20, 2020, the Ontario government passed an Emergency Order to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. The Emergency Order not only suspended all provincial limitation periods for the commencement ... [more] Full article
Developments Contributors
Michael Binetti
Michael Binetti, a partner of the firm, brings a proven litigation background plus extensive experience in arguing both trials and appeals. He has demonstrated his strategic legal capability and expertise in wide-ranging areas of litigation. Michael’s peers and clients have commented that Michael is an “excellent and creative lawyer,” “finds unique solutions to complex problems,” and that “Michael gets it and knows how to win.”
Kenneth A. Dekker
Kenneth Dekker, a partner of the firm, is a successful trial and appellate lawyer who is valued by his clients as a resourceful and practical litigation counsel. Over more than two decades, Ken has litigated noteworthy cases in a range of fields that include class action defence, securities and broker-dealer litigation and regulatory defence, corporate and shareholder disputes (including oppression and winding up cases), defamation, civil fraud litigation, disputes over contracts, injunctions, professional liability litigation, employment litigation and cross-border litigation issues. Ken has appeared before all levels of courts in Ontario, including the Ontario Court of Justice, the Superior Court of Justice, the Divisional Court and the Court of Appeal for Ontario, as well as before the Supreme Court of Canada. Ken also represents and advises clients in regulatory matters before the Investment Industry Organization of Canada (IIROC), the Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada (MFDA) and the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC). Ken has been ranked as Repeatedly Recommended for Securities Litigation by Lexpert, for Corporate and Commercial Litigation by Best Lawyers of Canada, and he has been given the highest available rating of AV, or pre-eminent, by his peers on Martindale-Hubbell.
Meredith Hayward
Meredith has earned an impressive reputation for her skill and abilities in Commercial Litigation and Administrative Law, appearing at all levels of court in Ontario, before the British Columbia Court of Appeal, and before the Supreme Court of Canada.
Masiel A. Matus
Masiel has a broad commercial litigation practice and represents both national and international clients in a variety of complex matters. Masiel has experience litigating cases involving professional negligence, commercial leasing and real property disputes, insurance, contract disputes, shareholder disputes, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of trust, employment matters and defamation claims.
David N. Vaillancourt
David's practice expertise focuses on all matters of Commercial and Civil Litigation, Competition and Administrative Law. David has acted for clients in a wide range of disputes, including shareholder and partnership disputes, securities litigation, class action defence, proceedings under the Competition Act, employment law disputes, contract disputes, breach of confidence/intellectual property disputes, fidelity bond claims, and professional negligence claims. David has appeared before all levels of court in Ontario, including the Court of Appeal for Ontario, and has also appeared before the Competition Tribunal and the Federal Court of Appeal. David has appeared as lead counsel in numerous trials, hearings, and motions. David has been successful in numerous adversarial proceedings, and also has successfully negotiated the resolution of dozens of cases.
