Find below recently published Ottawa decisions, available for free through CanLII.org.
Civil Matters
Selleck v. Stanutz (Estate) et al. (2026 ONSC 4219)
The Court ordered interest on delayed settlement funds, partially at a higher rate reflecting litigation loan costs, and quantified costs, including partial indemnity costs for a hearing.
Justice C. MacLeod
Stewart Title v. Hutchinson et. al. (2026 ONSC 4190)
The Court granted default judgment against a disbarred lawyer for misappropriating real estate funds, awarding compensatory damages, costs, and $25,000 in punitive damages due to the egregious breach of fiduciary duty.
Justice C. MacLeod
Criminal Matters
R. v. Khreis (2026 ONSC 4051)
The Court convicted the Accused of sexual assault, robbery, and theft under $5,000, relying on complainants’ credible testimony, circumstantial evidence, and similar fact evidence to establish identity, intent, and modus operandi beyond a reasonable doubt.
Justice S. Corthorn
R v. Noseworthy (2026 ONSC 4221)
An appeal of a conviction for refusing a breath sample was dismissed. The Court found the trial judge reasonably concluded that the delay in making the demand was justified by unusual circumstances, including safety concerns near rapids. No legal errors or misapprehension of evidence were identified.
Justice P. Roger
R v. Omer (2026 ONSC 4263)
The Court partially granted an accused’s application to release seized funds for legal fees, finding he lacked other financial means. Despite limited evidence, the Court accepted his affidavit and hearsay about Legal Aid ineligibility, balancing the presumption of innocence with the principle that crime should not pay.
Justice P. Roger
Court of Appeal Decisions of Local Interest
R. v. King (2026 ONCA 522)
The Court overturned an acquittal, ruling that blocking highways during protests can constitute intimidation under the Criminal Code. It clarified that political protest does not justify illegal conduct, and substituted a conviction for the accused’s role in obstructing Ottawa roads during the Freedom Convoy.
Justices D. Paciocco, L. Madsen and, R. Pomerance
R. v. S.W. (2026 ONCA 531)
The Court upheld the dangerous offender designation, dismissed ineffective counsel claims, and increased the sentence from 17 to 25 years for severe child sexual abuse and exploitation, emphasizing the offender’s role in administering a global CSAEM website.
Justices J.M. Fairburn, D. Wilson and, M. Rahman