Find below recently published Ottawa decisions, available for free through CanLII.org.
Family Matters
Piper v. Piper (2026 ONSC 3241)
In a family law costs dispute, the Court awarded $26,567.02 to the successful party, citing her favourable settlement offer, proportional legal fees, and the opposing party’s unreasonable conduct. Costs were enforceable as support through the Family Responsibility Office.
Justice M. Sirivar
Civil Matters
Atwood v. National Police Federation (2026 ONSC 3092)
The Court dismissed an application to include a proposal amending a non-profit’s articles, ruling it unlawfully restricted directors’ statutory governance powers, which can only be limited through a unanimous member agreement under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act.
Justice A. Doyle
Banninger v. Fournier (2026 ONSC 3035)
The Court dismissed a motion to compel a neuropsychological assessment and allow late service of an expert report, finding no reasonable explanation for the delay and significant prejudice to the plaintiff due to trial scheduling constraints.
Justice A. Doyle
Dutremble et al v. Heartland Farm Mutual Inc. (2026 ONSC 3230)
In an insurance dispute, the Court refused to compel an appraisal process under the Insurance Act due to unresolved issues, including the valuation date and allegations of bad faith. The Court determined these matters required judicial resolution before appraisal and directed the plaintiffs to submit a sworn proof of loss.
Justice A. Doyle
Latortue et al v. Taqavi et al. (2026 ONSC 2952)
The Court reinstated a personal injury action dismissed for delay, finding the plaintiffs met the test for setting aside dismissal, including providing a satisfactory explanation for delays, demonstrating inadvertence, acting promptly, and showing no significant prejudice to the defendants.
Associate Justice M. Fortier
Divisional Court Decisions from Ottawa Judges
Chevalier-Wara v. Economical (2026 ONSC 2982)
The Court quashed a Tribunal’s decision denying catastrophic impairment and attendant care benefits, citing inadequate reasoning and failure to address critical expert evidence. The matter was remitted for a fresh hearing before a different adjudicator.
Justices N. Backhouse, D. Corbett, and O. Rees
Tefera v. University of Ottawa (2026 ONSC 3191)
A Ph.D student sought judicial review of her removal from a program after unsatisfactory progress reports. The Court upheld the university’s decision, emphasizing deference to academic expertise and finding no procedural unfairness in the evaluation or appeals process. The application was dismissed, and costs were awarded against the applicant.
Justices C. MacLeod, M. Labrosse, and S. O’Brien
Court of Appeal Decisions of Local Interest
T.C.O. Agromart Ltd. v. Sutton Farms (Nacona) Ltd. (2026 ONCA 371)
The Court found a farm owner liable under the Occupiers’ Liability Act for failing to warn of a bridge’s hidden structural risks, overturning the trial decision. The Court held that the duty to warn extended to disclosing the unsupported overhangs, which caused the accident. Damages were awarded to the appellant.
Justices E. Gillese, S. Coroza, and P. Osborne