Find below recently published Ottawa decisions, available for free through CanLII.org.
Family Matters
Stever v. Lewis (2026 ONSC 37)
The Court dismissed a claim for unjust enrichment, finding no economic integration or shared financial intent during the parties’ relationship. Spousal and child support were adjusted based on imputed income, with indefinite spousal support awarded due to compensatory and needs-based principles.
Justice J. Audet
Pawar v. Pawar (2025 ONSC 7279)
In a high-conflict family law case, the Court ordered joint decision-making responsibility and a shared parenting schedule, rejecting abuse allegations against the father. The Court imputed incomes to both parties for child and spousal support calculations, awarded equalization payments, and addressed post-separation financial adjustments.
Justice T. Engelking
Placca v. Umugiraneza (2025 ONSC 7262)
In a parenting dispute, the Court ordered equal parenting time on a 2-2-3 schedule and joint decision-making, emphasizing the child’s best interests. Allegations of family violence were not substantiated, and police enforcement was denied. The Court mandated psychological support for the child and restricted travel without mutual consent.
Associate Justice I. Kamal
Civil Matters
Le Groupe Jean Coutu (PJC) Inc. v. Helene Lauzon Pharmacy Ltd. (2026 CanLII 218)
The Court dismissed the franchisor’s request for a mandatory injunction to enforce a franchise agreement, finding no strong prima facie case, no irreparable harm, and that the balance of convenience favoured the franchisee, who had rescinded the agreement and operated under a new banner for over a year.
Justice R. Smith
Mittal v. Department of National Defence (2025 ONSC 7256)
A civilian employee’s claims for workplace harassment, negligence, and malicious prosecution were struck. The Court ruled the harassment and negligence claims were barred by the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations Act, and the malicious prosecution claim lacked sufficient legal basis. The plaintiff was denied leave to amend.
Justice S. Corthorn
Raymond Exterior Veneers Inc v. Exterior Walls Systems Limited et al (2025 ONSC 7198)
In a commercial dispute, the Court retroactively extended the deadline for a late filing, emphasizing justice and merits over procedural non-compliance, while denying costs to either party.
Justice A. Doyle
Air Passenger Rights v. The Attorney General of Canada (2025 ONSC 7189)
The Court denied a motion for intervenor status, finding the proposed intervenor lacked a distinct perspective or substantial interest in the constitutional challenge to a confidentiality clause under the Canada Transportation Act. The motion was dismissed without costs.
Justice A. Doyle
Sanchez v. Sanchez-Guevara (2025 ONSC 7077)
The Court found a son liable for breaching fiduciary duties under a power of attorney by misappropriating $281,431.45 from his father’s accounts. The son was ordered to repay the funds, provide an accounting, and pay costs on a substantial indemnity basis.
Justice M. Smith
Criminal Matters
R. v. Sangster and Thompson (2025 ONSC 6568)
The Court acquitted both accused of cocaine trafficking due to insufficient evidence of knowledge and control, but convicted one accused of possessing proceeds of crime.
Justice A. Doyle
Divisional Court Decisions of Local Interest
Komer v. Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (2025 ONSC 7084)
The Court upheld the dismissal of a complaint against a regulatory body’s registrar, finding it frivolous, vexatious, and policy-focused rather than addressing professional misconduct. The decision was deemed reasonable, procedurally fair, and free from bias.
Justices S. Shore, S. O’Brien, and I. Smith
Hamilton v. Hafez (2025 ONSC 7038)
The Court dismissed the Tenant’s appeal, finding no legal errors in the Tribunal’s decision that the parties agreed to terminate the tenancy on June 30, 2024, and that eviction was appropriately postponed but not refused under the Residential Tenancies Act.
Justice R. Smith
Court of Appeal Decisions of Local Interest
R. v. Watts (2025 ONCA 885)
The Court upheld a three-year sentence for breaching a Long-Term Supervision Order, finding no error in denying enhanced credit for pre-sentence custody. The sentencing judge’s discretion to prioritize public safety and separation from society was deemed reasonable, even considering harsh custodial conditions. Leave to appeal was granted, but the appeal was dismissed.
Justices J.M. Fairburn, P. Monahan, and R. Pomerance