Ontario limits on third party pre-election spending unconstitutional
In Working Families Ontario v. Ontario, Justice E.M. Morgan of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice found that Ontario’s amendments to the Ontario Election Finances Act (“EFA”) to impose, for the first time, spending limits on political advertising by third parties in the 12 months leading up to the issuance of an election writ were contrary to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, specifically subsections 2(b) (freedom of expression) and 2(d) (freedom of association). The original amendments to the EFA placed a $600,000 overall spending limit on political advertising by any one individual or organization in the six-month pre-election ... [more] Full article
Can-Con, Coming to your Streaming Service soon
Amidst all the uncertainty surrounding the United States election, it has been easy to lose focus on the domestic Canadian political landscape. This is especially the case when the domestic ... [more] Full article
Nothing wrong with cutting number of Toronto City Councillors during election campaign: Court of Appeal
In a 3-2 decision, the Court of Appeal for Ontario in Toronto (City) v. Ontario (Attorney General) held that the Province of Ontario’s decision to reduce the number of Toronto ... [more] Full article
Legal Systems in Canada: Overview
The Canada Chapter of Legal Systems Global Guide was authored by Christopher Somerville and Wendy Sun, Affleck Greene McMurtry LLP. [more] Full article
Administrative Law 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 recognized for Corporate and Commercial Litigation by Best Lawyers of Canada and has been given the highest available rating of AV, or pre-eminent, by his peers on Martindale-Hubbell.
- Supreme Court of Canada restores dismissal of $50 million auditor's negligence claim due to expired limitation period
- Supreme Court of Canada confirms that Releases are interpreted just like any other contract
- Securities regulators provide guidance to investors and market participants during COVID-19 pandemic
Christopher Somerville
Chris Somerville has a record of diligent and resourceful advocacy in a wide range of cases. His experience and skills cover commercial and civil litigation in general, and securities litigation, administrative law, and employment disputes in particular.
- Constitutional Law (RSS) (13)
- Municipal Law (RSS) (5)
- Political & Elections Law (RSS) (4)
