Find below recently published Ottawa decisions, available for free through CanLII.org.
Family Matters
Rondeau c. Bahun (2025 ONCS 5179)
Le Tribunal a confirmé que l’enfant doit fréquenter l’école choisie par le père, conformément à une ordonnance antérieure, et a ordonné l’intervention du Bureau de l’Avocat des Enfants pour évaluer les souhaits de l’enfant dans ce contexte de conflit parental.
Juge A. Doyle
Civil Matters
4291425 Canada Inc. v. Scot-Smith et al (2025 ONSC 5236)
The Court discharged a certificate of pending litigation due to the plaintiff’s failure to provide full and frank disclosure when obtaining it ex parte. Despite the defendant’s delay in challenging the certificate, the Court emphasized the plaintiff’s heightened duty of candour and lack of diligence in prosecuting the case.
Justice A. Kaufman
Maracle (Re) (2025 ONSC 5186)
In a bankruptcy dispute, the Court declined to order security for costs but required the moving party to pay over $40,000 in outstanding costs to proceed with their motion. Failure to comply by the deadline will result in automatic dismissal of the motion.
Justice G. Mew
Issa v. Aiello (2025 ONSC 5173)
In a will challenge, the Court awarded substantial indemnity costs against the applicant for unfounded allegations of fraud and undue influence, finding her conduct reprehensible. The respondent’s costs were reduced to $55,000, excluding unsupported claims for additional amounts.
Justice R. Ryan Bell
Doe v. Marinescu (2025 ONSC 5161)
The Court awarded $43,821 in partial indemnity costs to the successful plaintiff after granting default judgment in a privacy breach case. The defendant was found entirely at fault, and the costs were deemed reasonable given the litigation’s scope and the defendant’s obstructionist conduct.
Justice A. London-Weinstein
Criminal Matters
R. v. MacDonald (2025 ONSC 4716)
The Court sentenced the Accused to 10 years for terrorism offences, ruling the Kienapple principle inapplicable due to distinct legal and societal interests protected by the offences.
Justice R. Smith
Court of Appeal Decisions of Local Interest
Lavallée c. Desormeaux (2025 ONCA 646)
En appel, la Cour confirme la validité d’une clause testamentaire permettant à une fille d’acheter la maison familiale pour le solde hypothécaire, même si celui-ci est nul. La Cour conclut que la juge de première instance a correctement interprété l’intention du testateur et appliqué les principes juridiques pertinents.
Les juges J. Thorburn, J. Copeland, et S. Gomery
Happy c. Narouz (2025 ONCA 634)
La Cour a confirmé le jugement sommaire ordonnant l’égalisation des biens familiaux et rejetant les demandes de pension alimentaire et de partage inégal, faute de preuve suffisante. L’appel a été rejeté, l’appelant n’ayant pas démontré d’erreur judiciaire ni fourni les documents requis malgré plusieurs ordonnances.
Les juges J. Thorburn, J. Copeland, et S. Gomery