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May Issue Thank you to all the contributors and adversers for supporng this month’s edion of the Snail. Want to contribute to the next issue? The deadline is May 25, 2020 Send submissions to Karen Hulan: [email protected] Sue Noorloos [email protected] For adversing inquiries contact: [email protected] The appearance of an arcle or adversement in the Snail is not a warranty, endorsement or approval by the Middlesex Law Associaon of the products, services or opinions therein. What’s inside this issue PRESIDENT'S REPORT by Erin Rankin Nash LIBRARY NEWS by Cynthia Simpson & Shabira Tamachi WILLS AND POWERS OF ATTORNEY DURING THE PANDEMIC by Erin Rankin Nash BENCH AND BAR COMMITTEE CONFERENCE CALL WITH JUSTICE GRACE by Jennifer Wall and Rasha El-Tawil REPORT ON PAST CPD PROGRAMS by Paula Puddy THE FLORIST, SMALL POX AND GOOD FAITH by Andrew Murray COVID MADE ME DO IT by Malcolm Benne LOVE ME, LOVE MY DOG by James Zegers REDEFINING DEFAMATION by David Spence MEMBER UPDATES PROTECTING OURSELVES DURING THE CURRENT PANDEMIC by Michael Lamb WILL NOTICES 06 02 12 08 04 14 18 20 21 22 22 16 www.middlaw.on.ca MAY 2020 | YOUR TRUSTED MIDDLESEX COUNTY NEWS SOURCE ON ALL TOPICS LEGAL | VOLUME 50 | ISSUE 04

MAY 2020 | VOLUME 50 | ISSUE 04 · harrisonpensa.com) or Rasha (rasha. [email protected]) 6) If you have questions that pertain to issues beyond our local region, please email

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Page 1: MAY 2020 | VOLUME 50 | ISSUE 04 · harrisonpensa.com) or Rasha (rasha. el-tawil@siskinds.com) 6) If you have questions that pertain to issues beyond our local region, please email

May IssueThank you to all the contributors

and advertisers for supporting this month’s edition of the Snail.

Want to contribute to the next issue?

The deadline is May 25, 2020

Send submissions to Karen Hulan: [email protected]

Sue Noorloos [email protected]

For advertising inquiries contact: [email protected]

The appearance of an article or advertisement in the Snail is not a warranty, endorsement or approval by the Middlesex Law Association of

the products, services or opinions therein.

What’s inside this issuePRESIDENT'S REPORT by Erin Rankin Nash

LIBRARY NEWS by Cynthia Simpson & Shabira Tamachi

WILLS AND POWERS OF ATTORNEY DURING THE PANDEMIC by Erin Rankin NashBENCH AND BAR COMMITTEE CONFERENCE CALL WITH JUSTICE GRACE by Jennifer Wall and Rasha El-TawilREPORT ON PAST CPD PROGRAMS by Paula Puddy

THE FLORIST, SMALL POX AND GOOD FAITH by Andrew MurrayCOVID MADE ME DO IT by Malcolm BennettLOVE ME, LOVE MY DOG by James Zegers

REDEFINING DEFAMATION by David SpenceMEMBER UPDATES

PROTECTING OURSELVES DURING THE CURRENT PANDEMIC by Michael Lamb

WILL NOTICES

06

02

12

08

04

14

18

20

21

22

22

16

www.middlaw.on.ca

MAY 2020 | YOUR TRUSTED MIDDLESEX COUNTY NEWS SOURCE ON ALL TOPICS LEGAL | VOLUME 50 | ISSUE 04

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2

This newsletter will come out the first week of May which marks 6 weeks since everything about the way lawyers practice law has changed. And yet, lawyers, staff, the judiciary, courthouse staff are all rising to the challenge to try and keep things moving.On March 26th the MLA held our scheduled Bench and Bar Meeting via teleconference. The attendance was the largest we had in memory. The answers from that Bench and Bar meeting were posted in the April Newsletter and on our website.

Our Bench and Bar meetings are typically held twice a year. These are not typical times, and during the week of April 20th we sent a message out to members of the MLA asking for any questions or concerns they had with respect to any issues Justice Grace, our Administrative Judge, could answer. The list of questions, all submitted within 24 hours, surpassed the number that had been submitted at our March Bench and Bar meeting. The answers to the questions are included in this newsletter and on our website. Thank you to Jennifer Wall and Rasha El-Tawil, the MLA’s Bench and Bar committee, who are doing far more in their role then they

could have imagined when they accepted their role the beginning of March.

What is clear is that we are not getting back to our former “normal” anytime soon. While many people thought this was going to be a two month temporary situation, that is not the case. While some lawyers were in a wait and see mode initially, it is clear everyone needs to be taking steps as to how to keep moving things forward. In order for the MLA to assist you, we need to make sure we are communicating answers to enable you to do your work. As you have questions we would ask that you:

1) Check our website for already posted answers.

2) Read the notices that are posted on the website.

3) Read the summary of the adjournment dates.

4) Read the summary list of what email address to use and when.

5) If your question has not been asked please email Jennifer ([email protected]) or Rasha ([email protected])

6) If you have questions that pertain to issues beyond our local region, please email Katie Robinette [email protected]. As previously explained FOLA is the Federation of Ontario

Law Associations. It works with many other provincial associations and stakeholders in the various courts to obtain the answers.

Bill Woodward is a former President of the MLA and the incoming President of FOLA. He is organizing calls in each region, with the RSJ of that region to speak about inconsistencies and issues within each region. If you have any questions with respect to our SW region, and other courthouses in the SW region please forward them to [email protected]. Answers to these questions will be posted on our website and will be sent out in our weekly email blast. The meeting for our region is anticipated to be held mid-May.

While the MLA is acting as your conduit to ensuring answers and issues are addressed, what should be apparent is that we are very fortunate to have local judiciary that are receptive and determined to help. Justices Thomas, Grace, Henderson and LeRoy are working tirelessly answering the questions we provide them, listening to the issues of the local bar, and trying to come to solutions both locally and provincially. They, together with their fellow judges across our region, share the same concern about wanting to keep the wheels of Justice moving, while ensuring that everyone is safe. They, like all of us, are learning the new ways and techniques that they need to do their work.

President’s ReportBy: Erin Rankin Nash / Ferguson Patterson Law

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your trusted middlesex county news source on all topics legal MAY 2020

There have been many offers from the local bar about ways that senior counsel could assist, to prevent or clear up, any backlogs. At this point, in the matters that are proceeding in the civil courts, there is not a backlog. All suggestions and offers that have been made have been noted, so they are available for consideration down the road.

Lawyers and Judges alike understand that the way justice is delivered will forever be changed as a result of this pandemic. Changes that had been considered or contemplated are now happening at lightning speed. When this is over we will not be going back to the “same old way”, and so the changes, need to be well thought out for the long term, not just a short term fix. Many members of the civil bar are anxious to make changes. Given the priority for criminal and family issues – civil cases lag behind. Recently Supreme Court Justice Abella gave a speech at Harvard that it is time to design a whole new way “to deliver justice to ordinary people with ordinary disputes and ordinary bank accounts”. The MLA is almost 1000 strong and we have many members who have experience and visions of how to make the system better, and we will ensure that the voices of our association are heard.

It is anticipated in the beginning of May we will have further notice about what may be expanded in the Courts. Planning when there is no control over what the next 3-6 months look like, let alone the next 6-12 months, is very difficult. In the meantime we need to all remember that everyone - including staff, opposing counsel, courthouse staff, and the judiciary - are under considerable stress and now more than ever we need to exercise patience and kindness.

In the initial reports that are beginning to be written from those countries that have come out of this ahead of us, much is said about the impact of social distancing, and

the stress of going through the pandemic on people’s mental wellbeing. We are fortunate to have many free and readily accessible tools, recommendations and sources of information to help cope. It is important that we utilize these resources and especially important, that we ensure staff and colleagues who are having difficulties are connected to the help they need.

Mother’s Day is at the beginning May and it will be a difficult day for many. There are mothers who have not had a break from their children, while other mothers cannot see their children, and many children who have to see their elderly mothers through a window. The normal traditions and customs of when a new child comes into the world, or when someone passes away can no longer occur. Yet we are resilient and people are managing creative ways to mark these occasions.

Spring is in the air. With spring always comes hope and we need to ensure we have that hope this year. As a country we have taken the very difficult steps needed to limit the effects of this pandemic, and we will all be ready when the time comes for us to safely have a drink or dinner with friends on a patio.

Erin Rankin Nash president

Conflict of Interest? No problem. Your relationship with your client will be respected when you refer litigation or personal injury files to us.

Sandra DiMeo [email protected]

t. 519-633-8838 x 101

Conflict of Interest? No problem. Your relationship with your client will be respected when you refer litigation or personal injury files to us.

Sandra DiMeo [email protected]

t. 519-633-8838 x 101

Your relationship with your client will be respected when you refer litigation

or personal injury files to us.

Sandra [email protected]

519.633.8838 x 101

Conflict of Interest?No problem.

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4

Got a Question? We’re Here to Answer!Our research services are fully operational even though we are not in the library during the pandemic. We have access to Lexis Advance Quicklaw, WestlawNext, Thomson Reuters ProView, O’Brien’s Encyclopedia of Forms, AccessCLE, HeinOnline and other resources. Do you need some Saskatchewan legislation from the late 60’s? We might be curious why, but we can get that for you. Think we can’t get our hands on a copy of an 1831 statute from the first year of the reign of William IV dealing with the validation of marriages in Ontario? Just try us (it’s on HeinOnline). Maybe you have a list of British cases that you think we only have in print at the MLA Library. We’ve had online access to them for years and didn’t resort to messy photocopies from those old books even when we were working out of the library.

You can send your reference questions to us by email or via MLAChat. We are working our normal hours Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm and we have waived our usual research fees until May 1, 2020.

Free Lexis Advance Quicklaw and WestlawNext/ProView TrialsIf you'd like to do your own research but can't get into the library, we have some exciting news in that regard too. The two big legal publishers have risen to the challenge and established trials so that all Ontario lawyers can have a wealth of legal resources literally at their fingertips

with direct access to Lexis Advance Quicklaw, WestlawNext and ProView from their offices. These trials may be extended depending upon the length of our current court shutdown. We have all the details on how you can easily sign up for these two trials so please email us and we will forward the information to you.

MLA CommunicationsThe initial flurry of near-daily COVID-19 emails to our members has died down but we are still circulating the weekly Wednesday MLA Update email along with CPD emails about all the webinar programs Paula has developed during this period. If you haven’t been receiving our emails, please contact us at [email protected] and we will see if you have been missed, bounced or inadvertently unsubscribed. We know you get a tonne of emails but you may want to follow ours at least until the crisis has passed. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter. We have just joined Twitter so we will be ramping up our presence there, and we’d love to have you follow us on both platforms.

Resumption of MLA ProceduresPlease note that as of May 1st, the MLA will resume collection of membership dues and locker rental fees. The original final deadline of April 20th was waived after the courthouse was shut down and we were temporarily unable to process payments. The new deadline for 2020 membership fees and locker rentals is May 15th and payment can be made by credit card, e-transfer or, if necessary, by

cheque. There will be delays processing cheque payments though. If you have any questions regarding membership fees, please email us at [email protected].

Library Research ServicesCharges for library research services were waived after the courthouse shutdown but will also resume as of May 1st. The minimum charge of $10.00 plus HST will apply and payment can be made by credit card, e-transfer or, if necessary, by cheque. There will be delays processing cheque payments though. All Ontario lawyers are eligible for free 30 day trials to Lexis Advance Quicklaw and WestlawNext/ProView if you wish to conduct research on your own. Please contact the library by email at [email protected] for signup details for these two trials.

New BooksFear not! We are still getting new books, but they are currently locked away at the library. We will have an updated list of new materials for you in next month’s issue.

Missing BooksHey, has your work level decreased somewhat as clients are observing social distancing? Why not take this opportunity to clean up your office, car trunk or family room bookshelf and maybe uncover one of the following titles that will bear our distinctive red and white Property of Middlesex Law Association sticker on its

Library NewsContributed by: Cynthia Simpson and Shabira Tamachi [email protected] Facebook / Twitter

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5

your trusted middlesex county news source on all topics legal MAY 2020

Questions & Comments

If you have any issues or concerns regarding the

Middlesex court facilities, operations, judiciary,

etc., let them be known! Send all concerns to the

current MLA Bench & Bar representatives:

Jennifer Wall 519.679.9660

[email protected]

Rasha El-Tawil 519.660.7712

[email protected]

spine! We are especially looking to our estates and criminal lawyers for some crucial titles that are missing from our collection. This is not a comprehensive list of all the books missing from our library but rather ones that we are aware of and that are also popular with our members and needed in our collection. A rough replacement cost for all items listed below is around $3700.00 , including shipping and tax, which represents one-fifth of our annual purchase budget. Please see if you have any of these in your possession and return them, no questions asked!

Adams, Stephen, Q.C. Annotated Ontario Business Corporations Act, volume 2.Allen, John. Estate planning handbook -4th ed.Bolton, Michael. Defending drug cases -4th ed. (2016)Bourgeois, Donald J. Charities and not for-profit administration and governance handbook --2nd ed.Fuerst, Justice Michelle. Ontario courtroom procedure -- 4th ed.

Goodis, David. 2012 annotated Ontario Freedom of Information & Protection ActHull, Ian. Challenging the validity of wills -2nd ed.Hull, Ian. Macdonell, Sheard and Hull on probate practice -5th ed. (2016)Lavender, Stephen. 2015 annotated Ontario Human Rights CodeJohnston, David. Canadian securities regulation –3rd ed. MacDonald, James. 2015 annotated Divorce Act. MacFarlane, Q.C., Bruce A. Cannabis law.OBA. Business agreements: practice and precedents. Oosterhoff, Albert H. Oosterhoff on wills --8th edition (2016)n/a. The Annotated 2015 Tremeear’s Criminal Code. Rintoul, Margaret. Practitioner’s guide to estate practice in Ontario -4th ed.Shearer, Gillian. Law and practice of workplace investigations.

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6

Wills and Powers of Attorney during the Pandemic

Contributed by: Erin Rankin Nash / Ferguson Patterson Law

Changes with respect to the signing of Wills and Powers of Attorney during the Pandemic The Lieutenant Governor in Council made changes on April 7th, under s. 7.0.2(4) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act for the duration of the emergency. This was the result of consultations with various stakeholders, including a group that Lou Anne Farrell from London was part of. The change broadened what the term “in the presence of” means with respect to the signing and witnessing of Wills and Powers of Attorney.

The changes made now allow for the signing to occur over video call as long as the person, and two witnesses are all on the same video call. One of the witnesses must be a licensee within the meaning

of the Law Society Act, and the licensee maintains obligations such as ensuring the person is capable and not under any influence. The witness cannot be a spouse or beneficiary of the estate.

This change is significant given the issues with social distancing and trying to complete estate documents.

It is important to understand that this change does not allow for the use of electronic signatures. The person, and then the witness and the licensee must each sign pen to paper.

The initial changes that occurred on April 7th meant that there would need to be two, possibly three video calls with the testator and the two same witnesses on each video call, when each person was signing the same set of documents.

On Thursday April 23rd the Lieutenant

Governor in Council made a further change under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. The further change that was made allows for the Wills and Powers of Attorney to be signed in counterpart. Now the testator, the witness and the licensee can all be present on one video call when there are two, possibly three sets of identical documents that each of the three sign.

Together these documents form the Will and the Powers of Attorney. The need to sign pen to paper remains and electronic signatures cannot be used.

Lawyers preparing Wills and Powers of Attorney during the pandemic should take caution to add extra steps including having a broadened Affidavit of Execution and Retainer. If at all possible, the estate documents should be re-done after the emergency is no longer in effect.

The MLA has been working with our local hospitals to ensure that they have a city-wide understanding of the signing of Wills and Powers of Attorney during the pandemic. The hospitals are altering the policy – during the pandemic – that staff members who are not on the circle of care can act as a witness.

People who had not previously thought about a Will or Powers of Attorney, are suddenly finding themselves in a hospital without the documents in place. Any senior that lives in a nursing home or care facility is required to have these

documents in place before they move in. The larger issue is the previously healthy person, for example a 35 year old male, who in the last 5 years has gotten married and had a baby, or the 55 year old who is recently divorced, but, they have not gotten around to getting their estate documents done.

Given all the anxiety these patients are feeling, the MLA decided to gather Will drafters who would provide this service on a pro bono basis, so it would be one less thing for the patients to worry about while they try to focus on their health in

the hospital.

There is a common set of intake questions, retainer, and affidavit of executions that has been prepared to facilitate this process. We do not know the volume that will be required but thought it was one thing that we could do as an association to help those unfortunate people who have been struck with the COVID virus and find themselves in the hospital.

If you are interested in helping please contact the MLA at [email protected]

To Members of the local Bar who draft Wills and Powers of Attorney

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your trusted middlesex county news source on all topics legal MAY 2020

ReferralsAvailableDiversityandDifferentabilitieswelcome

DiscretionAssuredOpportunitiesToAssociateOrShareFullyaccessible2NdFloorOfficeSpace

Terms,AssociationandServicesOptional

CONTACT:[email protected]

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April 24, 2020 Bench and Bar Committee Conference Call with Justice Grace

Contributed by: Jennifer Wall and Rasha El-Tawil

Counsel are reminded to please consult the April 2, 2020 Notice to the Profession for information about filing matters, including the distinction about what should be sent to the Court Services Division drop box versus the Trial Coordinator’s drop box.

Civil Motions 1. Are there any restrictions to the types of

Civil “In-writing consent motions” that can be filed via email?

There are no restrictions on consent motions. All consent motions can be dealt with by the court, and should be filed through the CSD drop box. Unopposed motions going in writing are not included in this category. In the next phase of service expansion unopposed motions will likely be included, but at this point they are not covered by the Notice to the Profession.

2. How are we to manage filing and scheduling contested Urgent Motions? Do we use the same approach as established for basket motions?

These motions should be filed electronically through the Trial Coordinator ([email protected]), who will schedule them in collaboration with the triage judge if they are deemed to be urgent.

Contested motions should not be filed in the CSD drop box. The only matters that should be going to the CSD drop box are Rule 7 motions and applications, and in-writing consent motions. Anything else, i.e. matters which must be heard on the basis of urgency or as a pretrial, go to the trial coordination unit drop box.

For scheduling, requests are dealt with on a triage basis by Grace J. (civil and criminal) or Henderson J. (family). The triage judge will determine whether the motion fits within the categories and is deemed urgent. The triage judge also determines scheduling. For instance, if one party is asking for the motion to be heard on an urgent basis and another party disagrees, urgency is a preliminary determination that may involve some submissions or responding materials, or may just be determined on the basis of the written material filed.

The triage judge will release an endorsement re: procedure and timetabling. Justice Grace’s preference is for counsel to attach a one to two-page summary of why the matter is urgent – not a massive motion record on urgency. The court cannot give a one-size fits all explanation of urgency, so you may need to file materials.

The motion material, including the material for the threshold question of urgency, should be served on the other side, or counsel should explain why not (i.e. an allegation of dishonesty).

3. What is the preferred process for contested motions, particularly for

making submissions? Will submissions be made in writing or are they looking at telephone submissions? Or is it a matter of once motion materials are filed, the parties wait until further directions are given regarding submissions?

Justice Grace does triage and timetabling, the Trial Coordinator schedules the hearing. All hearings so far have been done by teleconference. Grace J. would be open to a hearing in writing depending on what the matter is. Usually, if the matter is held to be urgent there are directions in the triage endorsement with respect to timetabling, or instructions to the parties to arrange a teleconference with Grace J. to discuss timetabling. Once a timetable is in place, the Trial Coordinator will be requested to schedule a hearing. The scheduling communication will come to parties from the court.

4. Can basket motions on consent to dismiss actions still be dealt with? I’m unclear on what type(s) of consent basket motions can still be filed.

Covered by 1. Please refer to the April 2, 2020 Notice to the Profession.

5. When might they open up the court firstly for non-urgent basket motions (amending pleadings, adding parties, correcting parties names, consolidation, consent orders for dismissal etc.), and then a few weeks from now, perhaps for motions all parties have agreed may be heard in writing? It seems that staffing requirements would be low for such matters and it would help chip away at the huge backlog courts and lawyers will

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9

your trusted middlesex county news source on all topics legal MAY 2020

have in respect of routine matters.

This is up to the Chief Justice’s office, or perhaps will come in direction from RSJ Thomas. No date has been set yet. Staffing requirements are low but this isn’t really the main issue. The court understands that it would help to chip away at the backlog, and the judges’ working group is constantly talking about what can be done. Still, we are in a crisis, we don’t want people to get sick, and have to consider that as well.

6. Can unopposed motions be filed/dealt with by a judge?

No, not yet. They don’t fit within the April 2, 2020 memo. The wording there was specific and intentionally so Rule 7 motions/applications are carved out, which might be unopposed.

7. Would the Court entertain consent motions to strike jury notices in civil actions, and, if so, would any such Order have any practical earlier scheduling effect as far as converting the action to one before a Judge alone is concerned?

Any consent motion will be considered, but the court cannot provide an answer re: scheduling. Generally speaking, judge-alone trials rank at the bottom rather than the top of the priority list. The only exception that Justice Grace can think of is June 2020 (if the court is open). If that is the case, a lot of scheduling will be done, not necessarily a lot of hearings, but some civil trials may slip in. He is not sure if this is realistic or not. Decisions will be made, hopefully by early May, about whether and when the court will open up and if the court can’t open up again, decisions about service expansion.

8. Can the Court share any endorsements providing some guidance on what may be considered urgent?

The London court hasn’t monitored what might be going on in other municipalities. Grace J. released an endorsement on April 22 but it did not contain a lot of analysis, just a reaction to a particular circumstance. He wants to emphasize

that the concept of urgency isn’t new. There is guidance in the Rules of Civil Procedure, and in family law case law re: motions before case conference or in the COVID context (though perhaps the family law case law is of limited usefulness for civil matters).

Pre-Trials 1. In the notice to the profession for

Southwest Region dated April 3, 2020, it says that parties may request teleconference pre-trials for settlement purposes only if the pre-trial was cancelled in March or April 2020. Can parties request a teleconference pre-trial for pre-trials that were to take place in May (which Justice Grace adjourned to assignment court in June in his endorsement of March 17, 2020?

As of April 27, 2020, people can make requests in relation to pre-trial conferences that were scheduled in May. With respect to June, this wasn’t addressed in the notice because at the moment we’re hoping to resume operations. If a June resumption isn’t possible there will be something in the next notice about June pre-trials. Justice Grace has no objection personally to counsel seeing if there is capacity to move a pre-trial up if the case meets the criteria (utility to discussing settlement, will be triaged). Even in cases where the pre-trial is not scheduled in the March-May period, or if not scheduled yet, counsel can make a request for a virtual pre-trial.

The court needs to know that all parties are on board with the procedure, and counsel should flag if they want a time other than one hour. It is up to the presiding judge whether it will be a telephone or video conference. Justice Grace is triaging requests for pre-trials.

Zoom is the court-approved video platform. Justice Grace has personally not conducted a hearing by Zoom, though others have. Teleconference is the default. Not all judges are on board with

videoconferencing.

2. We received instructions on how to proceed with virtual pre-trials for April and May if desired. For Pre-trial in June or beyond, when can we start making arrangements for those to proceed virtually?

See question 1. We don’t know yet what will be happening in June. Conceptually there is no problem with a request to do something virtually at this stage.

3. What is happening with Civil pre-trials scheduled for June? Do we know yet if they will be adjourned?

See above.

Reserved Decisions 1. Are judges currently working through

reserved decisions? Will this slow down or hasten receipt of reserved decisions from prior to the shut down?

Yes, judges are working through reserves and are being encouraged to work through reserved decisions and costs endorsements at this time. Likely, the court being closed will hasten release of decisions. Judges have been releasing reserves as they are completed.

Trials/Assignment Court 1. Can the Court have a procedure to

deal with fall trials that may need to be adjourned for COVID-related reasons such as late reports (especially if everyone knows that no civil jury trials will likely be heard in 2020) so that parties do not waste resources and unnecessarily prepare for trials? Should parties bring a consent motion to adjourn in writing (which is contrary to the usual practice)? Or can we perhaps have a civil status court scheduled in June and raise these files at that time?

At some point, there will be a procedure to deal with fall trials. There is a possibility of a civil status court. The court doesn’t know yet what will be done and when.

It might be premature and unnecessary

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for parties to bring a motion concerning the adjournment of trials, and the court would prefer that people wait for now. If there are issues with getting expert reports because of COVID this will not be shocking to the court.

2. How will adjourned trials be rescheduled? Will they be prioritized over other trials which were not bumped?

We don’t know the answer yet. The Trial Coordinator will look at cases which cannot be reached, and in general tries to give them a higher priority, but there is no formal policy or procedure. A lot of variables go into what is called versus not. The court is not in a position to say that a case adjourned in the spring will be given priority, this will depend on the case.

3. How will our region address the queue being formed for trials? Will the January 2021 trials that might have a hope of proceeding be given priority? Or will there be a second ‘stream’ of attempts to address the backlog?

We don’t know yet.

4. Will we be able to attend assignment Court electronically via video or teleconference? Other jurisdictions have had electronic assignment court (for example we are told that Cochrane has for many years).

We are not contemplating that system once COVID is over. London can do it in person without issue. If there is an assignment court while COVID is still going on we’ll figure it out electronically, but after the crisis is over it will be better to do assignment court in person.

5. What is happening in other associated regions such as Goderich re: fall trials?

No knowledge but they likely don’t know any better than we do. Goderich, Perth, and Huron are having Bench and Bar meetings on May 1, 2020, and there is a FOLA meeting in two weeks so more may be known at that point.

Civil trials throughout the region are likely to be affected.

Justice Raikes has responded for Goderich: We are awaiting direction from the Chief’s Office and will advise as soon as we know. I do not know what is going to happen with civil sittings at this point. They should assume they are proceeding until they hear otherwise.

Wills1. Can Affidavits of Execution for Wills

be commissioned virtually and can the Affidavit of the Applicant in the Applications for Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee be commissioned virtually? The new rules with respect to Wills seem to be receiving a strict interpretation so it would be comforting to have this approval.

The Law Society has released guidelines about virtual commissioning. If asked the question in a proceeding Justice Grace would have to deal with it, but doesn’t see why, during COVID, virtual commissioning of the affidavit of the applicant would not be acceptable. Leniency re: affidavit of the applicant, filed with the court. KEEP IN MIND: The emergency procedures enacted DO NOT allow for the use of electronic signatures on Wills.

Registrar 1. I was wondering if you knew about the status of requisitions to the registrar? I would expect a requisition would be similar to a consent motion in writing, allowed under the Southwest Notice to the Profession, but I see that requisitions are not mentioned explicitly.

The court office has few staff, we don’t want people in the courthouse unless absolutely necessary, and generally speaking CSD is not processing requisitions. If there is urgency then they will likely process a requisition, but this is a determination made by CSD. Absent urgency they are asking people to wait. If there is urgency, please prepare a cover letter outlining urgency, and send it to the CSD drop box.

Courthouse Filing and Issuance Issues 1. Is the Courthouse accepting filing of

things like trial records at the moment (non-urgent material)? If not, when will that be reopened? I think it would be helpful if the court considers a protocol for counsel to be able to file trial records to ensure that matters are being moved along as expeditiously as possible, understanding of course that trials are not being heard in the near future and there is still some uncertainty regarding trial and pre-trial dates.

We are not currently accepting materials that fall outside of the guidelines in the notice to the profession dated April 2, 2020. There is very limited capacity given the times we are enduring.

2. Will electronic filings be expanded? Is the MAG working to expand electronic filings? The Court of Appeal has implemented a solution; can that be applied to the SCJ?

CSD has no information at this time.

3. Can we issue applications (knowing they won't be heard anytime soon) but this will allow us to bring a motion within the application. In our case, we need to request financial records now as the institutions only hold records 7-8 years back. We can’t bring a motion without a proceeding being commenced. We need to have an ability to issue an application (e-filing is not available for applications now).

E-filing Notices of Application is not possible. Every courthouse has a different policy, this is a CSD issue. Justice Grace suggests that counsel look at 37.17 re: motions without a proceeding being commenced.

4. Are we able to issue Notices of Application to pass accounts in estate / guardianship matters when it is anticipated that they will ultimately proceed on a consent basis through basket – i.e. – instead of entering a date, can it just be returnable on a date to be

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11

your trusted middlesex county news source on all topics legal MAY 2020

determined by the trial coordinator when in reality it will likely be dealt with in writing long before this mess is over.

The court can’t help – this is up to CSD. The court would urge members of the bar to lobby to have e-filing broadened to include Notices of Application.

Counsel can send unissued applications and undertake to issue them as soon as possible, or look at R. 37.17.

Small Claims Court1. My understanding is that Small Claims

Court is closed indefinitely and until further notice. I have a SCC trial in June. Any comment Justice Grace has about when an update about Small Claims Court will be forthcoming would be helpful.

Something will come out in terms of SCC guidance but there is presently nothing. Small Claims Court won’t be in a position to hear trials in June unless the courthouse opens, and we don’t even know yet when the Superior Court will open. There may be some moves to get

the SCC doing something, likely linked to urgency, but nothing is known yet.

Bankruptcy Court 1. Can we get an update on what is

happening with the bankruptcy court? Is Deputy Registrar Stevens accepting consent basket motions? Is he continuing to address taxations in writing as he did before COVID-19?

Justice Mitchell oversees the bankruptcy court, and this issue is on her radar. Deputy Registrar is retained by the provincial government, is not set up to work from home, and is not in a position to accept consent basket motions or to deal with taxations. Mitchell J. will be talking to him soon, engaging with people who practice in the area (including lawyers and trustees) to work on solutions. Urgent matters, even insolvency-related, would be dealt with under the procedures for urgent motions. If a motion in writing is on consent, the Superior Court would try to deal with that too. In the cover note counsel should ask

for Mitchell, Grace, or Leitch JJ to hear the matter.

2. What is the plan is for bankruptcy court in general and in particular, is there any plan to have the Deputy Registrar deal with consent or unopposed matters such as unopposed discharges and taxations? I have heard from several trustees that they have bankrupts looking to get discharged or accounts requiring taxation and none of this is able to be done. Is there any plan to allow for these and potentially other matters to be done in writing?

The bankruptcy court is not dealing with unopposed matters generally, those won’t proceed at the moment. There is not yet a plan in place to deal with discharges and taxations- nothing is known yet but it is on the radar.

For any questions, please forward them to the MLA bench and bar representatives Jennifer Wall at [email protected] and Rasha El-Tawil at [email protected].

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12

I hope everyone is safe and well and getting used to our “new normal”. For me, organizing these smaller programs via Zoom and “seeing” many of you online has been extremely enjoyable and feels more normal. Of course, the kids often check-out who I am zooming with or speaking to!

I am delighted to report that we hosted 2 programs on Zoom, and a third, Wills & Estates, is scheduled for April 30. There are two more in the works too – a PI and an employment/solicitor program. Look for more details via email soon.

Thank you to my “chairs” Kathryn Munn, Beth Traynor, Dan McNamara and Susan Toth for saying “yes” so promptly and/or suggesting these ideas.

Our transition to online programming via Zoom was “fairly” seamless. We are taking all reasonable precautions with Zoom including sending the meeting link to individual participants, using the waiting room and, if possible, locking the meeting. Please note that payment via e-transfer will be an option on our registration forms. We can accept credit cards again too.

Are you getting my [email protected] emails?

If not, try adding this email address as a safe sender in your junk mail or spam options.

Online Dispute ResolutionKathryn Munn of Munn Conflict Resolution Services delivered an excellent program highlighting effective ways to advocate virtually as well as the challenges and other tips to ensure success online. Tips included having a dry run, ensuring proper lighting, a secure internet connection and setting an agenda in advance.

We are making a donation to London Lawyers Feed the Hungry on Kathryn’s behalf.

This program contained 1 hour of Professionalism content.

Federal Programs for Workers & Employers due to COVID-19Beth Traynor and Chris Sinal of Siskinds LLP helped us navigate the substantial information shared by the federal government in support of workers and employers which had changed rapidly over the last month. Their presentation covered emergency leave, temporary lay-offs, furlough, Canada emergency wage subsidies, work sharing, and more. (This

program is available for video replay on CPDonline.ca)

We are making a donation to London Lawyers Feed the Hungry on Beth & Chris’ behalf.

This program contained 1 hour of Substantive content.

Middlesex Law Association Videos Available on CPDonline.caWeren't able to attend a live MLA conference or seminar? Do you need a few more CPD hours? Select MLA programs are available as on-demand video replays through CPDonline. A list of this year's past programs is available on the website at this link

CPDonline is giving the MLA $100 for every MLA association member who signs up for an individual subscription for $399.00. This offer is for each new subscriber.

How to Sign Up1. Go to www.cpdonline.ca

2. Get Started... Individual Subscription

3. Mention your Middlesex Law Association on the registration page

Report on Past CPD ProgramsContributed by: Paula Puddy, MLA CPD Director

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13

your trusted middlesex county news source on all topics legal MAY 2020

The HTA/POA SeminarTuesday, September 1, 2020

4:00pm to 5:00pm

The Small Claims Court SeminarSeptember 3, 2020 9:30am to 11:30am

The Real Estate LuncheonThursday, September 10, 2020

Noon to 2:00pm

The Commercial Litigation LuncheonThursday, October 1, 2020

Noon to 2pm

The Business BreakfastWednesday, October 7, 2020

8:00am to 9:30am

The Women’s Networking EventFriday, October 16, 2020

4:30pm to 6:30pm

The 15th Annual Straight from the Bench Conference

Monday, November 2, 2020 9am to 4:00pm

The Wills, Estates & Trusts Conference

Wednesday, November 4 8:45am to 11:45am

The Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Seminar

Wednesday, November 18 2:00pm to 3:30pm

The Personal Injury ConferenceWednesday, November 25

Noon to 3:00pm

The MLA & FOLA’s Court of Appeal Advocacy Program

Date TBA

Continuing Professional Development Programs & Events Fall 2020

We hope our in-person programs will be up and running in the fall and would be delighted if you could join us. Please pencil in the following dates:

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14

The Florist, Small Pox and Good Faith The Appellate Decision in Jack v. Cranston, 1928 CanLII 35 (ONCA)

Contributed by: Andrew Murray / Lerners LLP

We are not yet at the point where businesses or individuals are actively flouting quarantine orders, but what guidance exists from the Court of Appeal in terms of the discretionary powers available to public health officials to insist that an infected person abide by an order to quarantine? This post looks back in time for some guidance arising from a prior public health emergency.

In Jack v. Cranston, 1928 CanLII 35 (ONCA) the Court of Appeal heard an appeal from a trial decision in relation to a public health official who closed a florist shop for 28 days, with a quarantine order for the florist. The florist sued for damages occasioned by the shutdown of his business.

The florist’s son returned home from school one February morning and was feeling unwell. When examined by his family doctor, it was initially thought that the son was suffering from influenza, but within a few days it was determined that the son had a case of smallpox; public health authorities were notified.

The florist lived with his wife, daughter, and two sons, one of whom was the infirm smallpox sufferer. During the 10 days leading up to the investigation by the public health officials, they had all lived together in the home and freely associated with one another. They had frequented the greenhouse and floral workshop associated with the business. The business and residence were all connected.

The defendant determined that the disease might be carried by the flowers. Efforts were made to keep the flower shop operational, but at a minimum, the florist “had to be immune or had to have been vaccinated within two years or be held for 14 days or wait until the vaccination had taken”, in accordance with the Public Health Act, R.S.O. 1927.

The florist could not demonstrate that he was immune or that he had been vaccinated. The public health officials closed his shop and affixed a card outside the door saying there was smallpox within.

At trial the florist alleged the quarantine order was issued negligently and that the business was closed improperly for a

period of 28 days. The florist successfully alleged at trial that the quarantine order was actuated by malice.

On appeal, the Court of Appeal determined that evidence of the public health official’s approach to other cases was improperly admitted at trial as evidence of malice. The court said:

The circumstances of these (other) cases may have fully justified the defendant’s action in connection with them; and the fact that he may have allowed a bread-winner in some other case to continue in his calling is not evidence that in the present case he should have permitted the plaintiff to carry on his business.

The Court of Appeal also rejected the trial judge’s conclusion that the closure of the greenhouse was actuated by malice; “there was no evidence to support this finding….in the exercise of the discretionary powers vested in him, the defendant acted in perfect good faith. In causing the (smallpox notice) to be affixed to the plaintiff’s house, he was discharging an imperative and unqualified duty cast upon him by statute”.

While we are not yet at the point of seeing any litigation related to the COVID-19 pandemic, inevitably, there will be such litigation. At least as it relates to the broad and sweeping powers reposed in public health officials, this 92-year old decision – decided the year before Lerners opened its doors as a law firm – provides a stark reminder that it is very difficult to successfully challenge the discretionary powers of a public health official who is responding to a public health emergency.

The original decision can be found here.

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your trusted middlesex county news source on all topics legal MAY 2020

Debt problems?We can help.

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16

COVID Made Me Do It Contributed by: Malcolm Bennett Acc. FM, Acc.EM / Bluewater Mediation

I am sure that by this point, we are all having to adapt to our new reality with COVID-19. I was one of those older lawyers who was resistant to change, especially those involving technology. Once I retired from the practice of law, but continued my mediation business, I had a steep learning curve having to adapt to using technology. No longer did I have a 14-year-old in our IT department to call on, set me up, and come back when I screwed it up.

Some two and a half years later, I have incorporated technology into my daily mediation practice and am now able to manoeuvre my way without getting a migraine.

Then came COVID-19. So, what am I going to do now!

Again, just a few weeks later, we are learning to adapt once more. The courts have also been forced to come into the modern age of technology with videoconferences, e-filing and so forth. Who would have thought?

As family lawyers, you must be pleased, unless you like waiting on the second floor all morning for your matter to be called. A great time socially with colleagues but not very efficient for the clients we serve.

As family law mediators, it has been business as usual, with the use of Zoom or other videoconferencing applications. Again, a bit of a learning curve, but very effective. It allows us to put clients into separate rooms, share/draft documents and conference with just lawyers.

The only downside I find is that you lose some of the personal contact which is important for the mediator to observe clients body language and reactions. It is more difficult to have a sense of the “room”. On the other hand, clients are able to be in their home, a secure, safe environment and even step out to stop their children from squabbling.

Why would lawyers not continue to meet with clients over video once the current restrictions are over? I never found great reading materials in our reception areas

in any event. No issues with child care, parking…. for clients.

During this time, my practice has been dealing with mediating interim support and parenting matters, conferencing on issues of disclosure and other issues normally dealt with at a case conference. For your clients, there is no long waiting period to have a conference or interim motion. Mediators are a great resource for case management.

We know that both our judges and the legislation are placing more emphasis on mediation at an early stage to triage matters. This will only serve to free up court time for trials and assist with the current back log.

As Bob Dylan said “The Times They Are a Changin”. I have been forced to do that once I became a one person show with Bluewater. Don’t you think that COVID-19 will assist all of us to rethink how we go about our business in a way that is more efficient, time sensitive and better able to meet the needs of our clients?

BE SAFE AND WELL

Want to contribute to the next issue? The deadline is May 25, 2020

Send your submissions to Karen Hulan: [email protected] or Sue Noorloos [email protected]

The Snail welcomes articles from MLA members. in Word format, along with photos, headshot and headline. For clarity and readability, we encourage submissions in the range of 200-500 words, with a maximum limit of 1000 words for news and opinions, and a limit of 2000 words for articles on law and legal issues. At the request of the contributor, any submissions

shortened in this way can also be published with a link to the full article to be obtained directly from the author.

· News, the promotion of an upcoming event, a review of a past event

· Practice tips

· Recognition of someone in the legal community

· Opinion and letters to the editor

· Discussion of a legal issue & case reviews

Potential topics for submissions include:

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17

your trusted middlesex county news source on all topics legal MAY 2020

John - “I believe that my experience and my approach has provided me with the knowledge and judgment to understand both sides of a case

and, most importantly, to realistically evaluate what are the parameters of a reasonable settlement.”

About the Mediator

Strong academic background having obtained a doctorate from the London School of Economics before obtaining law degree from the University of Western

Ontario. Practiced for 33 years as a civil litigator and was a senior partner in a firm dealing with all aspects of insurance and personal injury litigation.

In 1994 was certified as a Specialist in Civil Litigation by theLaw Society of Upper Canada.

JOHN F. GRAHAM

www.grahammediations.com

Contact

Services

IT WORKS. Many mediations end in agreement, even when other attempts to settle have failed.

IT’S AFFORDABLE.Obviously a one day mediation costs only a small fraction of a three week trial.

IT’S QUICK.Mediation can result in a fair settlement far sooner than the traditional litigationsystem, especially with the court delays now being encountered.

IT’S PRIVATE.Disclosure, concessions, and offers made during a mediation are confidential. If the case doesn't settle neither party can use them against the other at trial.What happens on a mediation stays in the mediation. This encourages parties to move from their rigid litigation positions (which are preventing settlement)to more realistic and achievable goals.

Why Try Mediation

Karen- 519-671-4935 or [email protected] John- 519-474-4806 or [email protected]

Insurance Law • Civil Litigation • Personal Injury Accident Benefit Disputes • Professional Liability • CGL Policy Disputes

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18

Love Me, Love My Dog Yulia and Kyoto

Contributed by: James Zegers, Zegers Law Professional Corporation

Yulia Rodionova is a London lawyer whose practice includes real estate, wills and estates, and immigration law. Her practice now includes Kyoto, a four month old chocolate brown Labrador Retriever.

Labs are the most popular dog in Canada and the United States. Friendly and outgoing, Labrador Retrievers make excellent office dogs. They are good with children, other dogs, and clients!

Do you have a dog (or cat) that you would like to introduce to the London legal community? Contact James Zegers, Snail photographer, at [email protected].

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19

your trusted middlesex county news source on all topics legal MAY 2020

CriminalLawyersNeeded

Successful candidates should:• Be in Private Practice• Have LawPRO coverage

Please send your resumé to:

Riyad Bacchus, Director – Legal Assistance [email protected] • T: (519) 953-3416 • F: (888) 963-1035

The Assistance Services Group is an award-winning organization that provides premium, private label contact centre solutions for many of Canada’s largest organizations.

Our Legal Assistance Division is seeking lawyers to respond to the toll-free Duty Counsel telephone service.

We require qualified lawyers to fill a variety of overnight shifts commencing at 8pm or later. Successful candidates can complete shifts from their home or o�ce.

Resolutions Simplified. Experienced Mediators and Arbitrators.

The Hon. John F. McGarry QCMediator/Arbitrator Glenn Jones HBA, LLB

Mediator/Arbitrator

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• Business

• Finance

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Office: 200 Queens Ave., Suite 304, London, ON N6A 1J3

Let’s Talk: 519-434-1221

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20

Redefining Defamation Contributed by: David Spence / Harrison Pensa LLP

It is without dispute that the internet now serves as our primary source of communication. Despite this, our laws surrounding defamation (the act of tarnishing another’s good reputation) have failed to directly address online content.

Currently, we have the Libel and Slander Act – a piece of legislation written to remedy the harmful falsehoods published in newspapers and magazines and spoken in real-life public forums. As our lives became more digital, a patchwork of judicial decisions attempted to fill the gap and stretch the interpretation of the Libel and Slander Act to provide practical remedies for defamatory online communication. However, we are still without a unified approach to resolving online defamation disputes.

Enter the Law Commission of Ontario (“LCO”). In recognition of the challenges victims face in litigating online defamation, the LCO undertook a study of how Ontario’s defamation laws may

be modernized. Last month, the LCO published their Report which includes the following key recommendations:

• Ontario should introduce a new Defamation Act to promote access to justice and adapt defamation law to the realities of the internet. The new Act should include provisions:

o Encouraging alternative dispute resolution of online defamation disputes;

o Establishing a new notice regime for defamation complaints;

o Establishing a “single publication rule”;

o Establishing a two-year limitation period for defamation actions; and,

o Expanding courts’ authority to order interlocutory injunctions to take down online content in limited, prescribed circumstances.

• The new Defamation Act should also establish new legal responsibilities for internet platforms that host third-party content accessible to Ontarians. These duties should include obligations to:

o Pass on notice of defamation

complaints to online publishers; and,

o Take down content if the publisher of the content does not respond to notice.

• Internet platforms that do not fulfil these duties should be liable for court fines. In order to protect free expression, intermediary platforms should not be considered publishers where they passively host third party content.

If adopted, the recommendations would clarify the liability for those who host defamatory content and would ensure it can be removed (at least temporarily) while the dispute is being heard.

If you’ve been the victim of online defamation and unable to get a satisfactory remedy, contact your local Member of Provincial Parliament to let them know how a new Defamation Act could help people like you.

This article was originally posted on the HP Privacy and Tech Law Blog.

To receive weekly updates on the latest technology and privacy law issues, subscribe to Harrison Pensa’s Top Ten in Tech Law newsletter.

May 2020 Middlesex Law Association NewsletterPublisher

EditorsCynthia Simpson

519.679.7046 [email protected]

Shabira Tamachi 519.679.7046

[email protected]

DesignCarve / Jason Recker 519.777.7196

[email protected]

Karen Hulan 519-673-4944

[email protected]

Sue Noorloos 519-672-5666

[email protected]

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21

your trusted middlesex county news source on all topics legal MAY 2020

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CHOOSE A PARTNER WITH A TRACK RECORD

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Beth Belanszky – is now at Economical Insurance and her email is [email protected]

Linda Smits – is now at McKenzie Lake LLP and her email is [email protected]

Alla Kikinova Law – has moved to 316 Horton St., London, N6B 1L4, all else the same

Paul Shand – is now at Economical Insurance and his email is [email protected]

Brent Hodge – is now at VersaBank and his email is [email protected]

Megan Strachan – new member practicing at McKenzie Lake LLP and her email is [email protected]

Najia Mahmud – has opened Mahmud Law and can be reached at [email protected], ph: 226-273-0381, fax: 226-680-0150

Katherine Serniwka – is now practicing at Siskinds LLP and her email is [email protected]

William Chizmar – has opened Chizmar Law, and can be reached at [email protected], ph: 519-200-0635

Luigi Circelli – has changed his phone to 519-673-1834 and email to [email protected]

Chris Dobson – has changed his email to [email protected]

Member Updates Send your updates to [email protected]

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22

Protecting Ourselves During the Current Pandemic

Contributed by: Michael Lamb

I wanted to share this with my fellow members of MLA as a way to protect ourselves during the current pandemic. I obtained two screens for my office; one for reception and the other for a meeting room to protect my clients, my staff and myself from the potential health risks. I ordered these at a cost of $200.00 each, made to measure with a 12 inch slot at the bottom for document pass through and a speaking space on each side at the top to hear. The product was made within a day or two from Polymershapes Distribution Canada, a London company and I am very pleased with the quality. The salesman I dealt with, Roberto Fernandez, was very helpful. I have no direct or indirect interest in this company; just my contribution to help us all be safe.

Charles Andrew Brudenell We are searching for a will of Charles Andrew Brudenell, born October 17, 1952 and died April 7, 2020. The deceased in the past four years lived on Langarth Street, London and at 602 Princess Avenue. Please contact Daniel J. McNamara at: Menear Worrad Associates, 519.672.7370, ext. 222, [email protected]

Allan Wayne CottonAnyone having knowledge of a Will of the late Allan Wayne Cotton of Thorndale, ON, who died on or about 12th day of April 2020 is requested to contact the undersigned.

IAN R. BLAIN, Barrister and Solicitor 36 King Street East, Ingersoll, ON N5C 1G4 T: 519-485-0300 F: 519-485-6588 [email protected]

Jude Lorne Myles Anyone having knowledge of a will of the late Jude Lorne Myles of London, Ontario who died on March 24, 2020 is requested to contact J. Paul Fox, Dyer Brown LLP, ph: 519-673-1100 x 240 [email protected]

Will Notices

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23

your trusted middlesex county news source on all topics legal MAY 2020

Offices available for sublease.

Office rental includes: One support staff station,

Access to boardroom, Kitchenette and washrooms. Parking may be negotiated.

Some furniture and lockable filing cabinets may be available for use. Lease does not include any shared staff, equipment, phone or computer lines. Tenants are asked to arrange for their own private phone and computer

lines. Offices are lockable. Full compliance with Law Society requirements respecting sharing of office space is required.

Subject to landlord approval. Per office rent is: $900.00.

If you are interested please call or email: Kelly Dahms, McCall Dawson LLP, 114 Dundas Street, Suite 401,

at 519-672-2108 Ext. 241, [email protected].

Looking for Space Steps from the Courthouse?

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24

Executive & Committees2020-2021

President Erin Rankin Nash t. 519-963-0162 x6 f. 519-963-0159 [email protected]

Vice-President Robert Ledgley t. 519-640-6351 f. 519-932-3351 [email protected]

Treasurer Karen Hulan t. 519-673-4944 f. 519-432-1660 [email protected]

Past President, Sick & VisitingJames Zegers t. 519-673-0440 f. 519-673-0442 [email protected]

SecretaryNicola Circelli t. 519-673-1850 f. 519-673-4966 [email protected]

AdministrationJake Aitcheson - Chair t. 519-640-6396 f. 519-932-3396 [email protected]

Jacqueline Fortner t. 519-640-6322 f. 519-932-3322 [email protected]

Joel Belisle t. 519-432-6721 x49960 f. 800-878-2424 [email protected]

Bench & BarJennifer Wall - Chair t. 519-679-9660 f. 519-667-3362 [email protected]

Rasha El-Tawil t. 519-660-7712 f. 519-672-6065 [email protected]

CPDJacqueline Fortner - Chair t. 519-640-6322 f. 519-932-3322 [email protected]

Jennifer Wall - Chair t. 519-679-9660 f. 519-667-3362 [email protected]

Alex Sharpe t. 519-672-4131 f. 519-672-2044 [email protected]

Director of CPDPaula Puddy t. 519-434-1901 f. 519-681-8523 [email protected] CPD cell 519-868-6771

EntertainmentJoel Belisle t. 519-432-6721 x49960 f. 800-878-2424 [email protected]

Kevin Wilbee t. 519-673-1670 f. 519-439-5011 [email protected]

Ayren Brown t. 519-673-1100 f. 519-679-6108 [email protected]

LibraryJake Aitcheson - Chair t. 519-640-6396 f. 519-932-3396 [email protected]

Ayren Brown t. 519-673-1100 f. 519-679-6108 [email protected]

Rasha El-Tawil t. 519-660-7712 f. 519-672-6065 [email protected]

Law [email protected] Toll-free: 866-556-5570

Cynthia Simpson t. 519-679-7046 f. 519-672-5917 [email protected]

Shabira Tamachi t. 519-679-7046 f. 519-672-5917 [email protected]

MentoringAnna Szczurko - Chair t. 519-660-7784 f. 519-672-6065 [email protected]

Sue Noorloos t. 519-672-5666 f. 519-672-2674 [email protected]

NewsletterKaren Hulan t. 519-673-4944 f. 519-432-1660 [email protected]

Sue Noorloos t. 519-672-5666 f. 519-672-2674 [email protected]

ScholarshipJames Zegers t. 519-673-0440 f. 519-673-0442 [email protected]

WebsiteChristina Martin - Chair t. 519-672-2121 f. 519-672-6065 [email protected]

Jake Aitcheson t. 519-640-6396 f. 519-932-3396 [email protected]

Marshall Mayne t. 519-432-0632 f. 519-432-0634 [email protected]

Anna Szczurko - Chair t. 519-660-7784 f. 519-672-6065 [email protected]

Kevin Wilbee t. 519-673-1670 f. 519-439-5011 [email protected]