Last week, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) took out full page ads with a big statement—“Criminals Next Exit”—and titled “Ontario to crack down on The Car Accident Business”. The gist of the ad, which is similar to campaigns previously run by the IBC, is that the main reason insurance premiums have not decreased is that fraud continues to be a systemic problem. This is …
Got salt? This winter, it might not be enough
The term “global warming” may seem like a misnomer when the temperature has been dipping to -20 C or lower. But whether you call it a cold snap, a polar vortex or climate change, let’s face it—we Canadians are getting some extreme cold this winter. This deep chill is creating slick conditions for Ontario motorists. And if you think that applying more salt to the …
What’s down the road for driverless cars?
For car enthusiasts, the 2014 Canadian International Auto Show to be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in early February is the can’t-be-missed occasion to get a glimpse of exciting developments in the automotive industry. In our electronic age, we can expect manufacturers to showcase the technological capabilities of their newest vehicles and how their latest models can help commuters stay “connected.” Accenture, an …
Proceed with caution—extreme weather conditions ahead!
Ice storms. Blizzards. Freezing winds. We have already faced some extreme early-winter weather this season. If you have managed to brave the weather and not suffer any serious mishaps, you should consider yourself lucky. But don’t get too confident. You might start to walk winter sidewalks without concern, or your driving speed might inch back up if you feel invincible in your four-wheel drive or …
‘Tis the season…for safe celebrations
While Childs v. Desormeaux, 2006 SCC 18 closed the door on a specific fact pattern of social host liability, there are a myriad of other scenarios which could attract legal liability to a party host. When you invite guests into your home this season, let them leave with happy memories and without a reason to name you in a Statement of Claim. Aside from any …
Insurers get an early present; injured victims get another lump of coal
On Wednesday, December 11, 2013, the government secretly pushed through three changes to the SABS (Ontario Regulation 347/13), all of which will come into force on February 1, 2014. One of those changes is a small amendment to section 35 of the SABS dealing with the election of weekly benefits. However, the other two changes (attendant care benefits and pre-existing medical conditions) are potentially much …
