The Litigator
The Litigator
AGM :: Affleck Greene McMurtry LLP
THE LITIGATOR
Affleck Greene McMurtry LLP
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Ontario’s mid-election changes to Toronto wards not unconstitutional: Supreme Court

Michael Binetti

We previously wrote about the Government of Ontario’s changes to Toronto municipal ward boundaries during the last municipal election in 2018 in Toronto’s On Again, Off Again Election To Proceed Notwithstanding Provincial Interference and Nothing Wrong With Cutting Number Of Toronto City Councillors During Election Campaign: Court Of Appeal. The Supreme Court of Canada has finally weighed-in and decided that the Ontario government was within its rights to make those changes in Toronto (City) v. Ontario (Attorney General). The decision was a 5-4 split decision with Wagner C.J. and Brown J. writing for the majority. Justice Abella, for the minority, ... [more] Full article

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 ... [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


Political & Elections Law Contributors

Michael Binetti

Michael Binetti

Affleck Greene McMurtry LLP

Michael Binetti*, Managing Partner of Affleck Greene McMurtry LLP, brings a wealth of litigation experience, with extensive expertise in both trials and appeals. Known for his strategic legal acumen, Michael has consistently demonstrated his ability to navigate complex cases and deliver successful outcomes across a wide range of litigation areas. Peers and clients alike praise Michael as an “excellent and creative lawyer” who “finds unique solutions to complex problems” and “knows how to win.” Recognized for his dedication and professionalism, he is described as a “strong advocate who always looks out for the best interests of his clients” and provides “timely, honest, and extremely valuable counsel.” Michael’s reputation for excellence is underscored by his inclusion in ranking services such as Best Lawyers, Lexology, and Lexpert.

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Christopher Somerville

Christopher Somerville

Affleck Greene McMurtry LLP

Chris brings a creative, strategic, and practical approach to litigation. His wide-ranging experience and expertise encompass numerous areas of law, including corporate/commercial, securities, employment, construction, product liability, asset recovery, and administrative law. Chris has represented clients as lead counsel at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Court of Appeal for Ontario, and Ontario Securities Commission. Beyond Ontario courts and tribunals, Chris has advocated before the Canadian International Trade Tribunal, Canada Border Services Agency, and the Federal Court of Appeal. He is proud to have acted for national and international corporations, investment dealers and advisors, insurance companies, labour unions, charities, high-net-worth individuals, and working families. Chris is also honoured to be legal counsel for the Canadian Crime Stoppers Association and Ontario Association of Crime Stoppers. He has published on the subject of informer privilege in The Advocates’ Journal and has presented at the Canadian Institute’s Law of Policing Conference. Before private practice, Chris received the John Yaremko Award in Human Rights during law school at the University of Toronto. He also mooted in French at the Laskin constitutional and administrative law competition, and his team won First Place Pair and Second Place Factum.

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