Legal Systems in Canada: Overview
February 20th, 2018
The Canada Chapter of Legal Systems Global Guide was authored by Christopher Somerville and Wendy Sun, Affleck Greene McMurtry LLP. [more] Full article
Ontario Proposes New Animal Welfare Bill to Replace OSPCA Act
November 1st, 2019
The Ontario Government is currently considering Bill 136: An Act to enact the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019 and make consequential amendments with respect to animal protection (the “Bill”). Early in 2019, a Superior Court Judge found that the previous animal welfare legislation, the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.36 (the “Act”), violated the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, because it effectively deputized the OSPCA, a private not for profit organization, into a policing role. While the decision was being appealed, the OSPCA announced that it would no longer enforce ... [more] Full article
Credit cards subject to provincial disclosure laws
October 1st, 2014
The perennial question in Canadian law (and politics) is: is it federal or provincial? In the case of credit cards issued by banks, the answer is "both". Although banks are a federal responsibility, provincial consumer protection laws mandating disclosure of contract terms apply to banks that issue credit cards, the Supreme Court held recently in three decisions issued the same day. [more] Full article
Criminal Investigations and Cross Border Litigation Not A Bar to US Depositions
May 14th, 2014
The Superior Court of Ontario recently granted an application for the enforcement of letters rogatory to take evidence of, and compel the production of documents by, two non- party Ontario residents in a consolidated multidistrict class action in the US. The Court held that the conditions for enforcement were met and, importantly, rejected the arguments of the Respondents to the application that permitting the examinations would violate the respondent’s rights against self-incrimination.... [more] Full article
Constitutional Law Contributors
Michael Binetti
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.
Christopher Somerville
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.
