Editors Note: We are continuing to evaluate the AI summaries and keywords available through CanLII. Currently, it is not possible for us to return to a short (4 to 6 item) list of terms, and so for this week we will continue to use the AI-generated summary, as it presents the most succent but still detailed analysis of the case available.
Find below recently published Ottawa decisions, available for free through CanLII.org.
Family Matters
Abid v. Mahmud (2025 ONSC 2220)
The Court dismissed a motion for urgency in a parenting time dispute, emphasizing progress in resolution discussions and the non-binding nature of case conference recommendations. It reinforced the confidentiality of case conference discussions to encourage candid settlement negotiations.
Associate Justice I. Kamal
Civil Matters
Gillis et al. v. Lacasse et al. (2025 ONSC 2200)
In a costs dispute following a $14,000 settlement, the Court ruled both parties acted unreasonably, awarding minimal costs to the plaintiffs.
Justice H. Williams
Layton v. Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (2025 ONSC 2156)
In a property dispute under the Simplified Procedure, the Court awarded $35,000 in costs to the successful party, emphasizing proportionality and rejecting claims for elevated costs despite procedural delays and excessive litigation conduct.
Justice M. Smith
Meehan et al v. Good et al (2025 ONSC 2247)
The Court dismissed a motion to bar a defendant from revisiting prior findings on a lawyer’s negligence, ruling that the doctrine of abuse of process did not apply as the prior proceeding’s findings were not definitive, and fairness required allowing the defendant to fully defend against the claims.
Justice A. Kaufman
Davis v. Attorney General of Canada et al (2025 ONSC 2173)
The Court struck a negligence claim against Transport Canada, finding no private law duty of care owed to pilots during medical certification processes, as the regulatory framework prioritizes public safety over individual economic interests. The claim was also found to conflict with policy considerations, including risks of indeterminate liability.
Justice K. Jensen
Welch LLP v. iHealthOx Inc. (2025 ONSC 2128)
The Court upheld a default judgment against a corporation but set it aside for its CEO, finding she had an arguable defence regarding personal liability. The CEO must pay costs and file a defence within 30 days to proceed. Failure to open mail was deemed an invalid excuse for non-response.
Justice G. Mew
Court of Appeal Decisions of Local Interest
R. v. Pinard (2025 ONCA 290)
The Court dismissed the appeal, finding no errors in the trial judge’s jury instructions on possession or assistance to the self-represented accused. The trial judge’s efforts, including appointing amicus curiae, were commended. Additional grounds of appeal, including disclosure issues and admission of discreditable conduct evidence, were also rejected.
Justices J. MacPherson, L. Sossin, and P. Monahan
R. v. Ahmed (2025 ONCA 286)
The Court dismissed the appeal of a second-degree murder conviction, finding no errors in rejecting self-defence and provocation. The trial judge’s factual findings, including credibility assessments and analysis of CCTV evidence, were upheld as reasonable and supported by the evidence.
Justices J.M. Fairburn, S. Coroza, and D. Baltman
Douglas v. Faucher (2025 ONCA 293)
In a family law appeal, the Court upheld the motion judge’s findings of a material change in circumstances, the respondent’s parenting time exceeding 40%, and the retroactive adjustment of child support. The appellant’s arguments were dismissed, and the motion judge’s discretionary application of child support principles was affirmed.
Justices E. Gillese, S. Gomery, and R. Pomerance