Find below recently published Ottawa decisions, available for free through CanLII.org.
Family Matters
Ehdego v. Puni (2025 ONSC 3962)
In a family law dispute, the Court denied a mother’s request to relocate with her child to British Columbia, citing insufficient evidence of compelling circumstances and prioritizing the child’s best interests. The Court ordered a shared parenting schedule and imputed income for child support calculations.
Justice V. Naik
Civil Matters
Buffa v. Giacomelli (2025 ONSC 4024)
The Court found that a mother’s inter vivos gifts to her daughter were valid, as the daughter rebutted the presumption of resulting trust by proving the mother’s clear intention to gift. The son’s claims of undue influence and unconscionable procurement were dismissed due to insufficient evidence.
Justice M. Smith
Nagy et al. v. Guay (2025 ONSC 3935)
The Court dismissed a claim alleging a neighbour’s curb wall caused a water-related nuisance, finding no substantial or unreasonable interference.
Justice A. Doyle
Locke v. Ottawa Police Services et al. (2025 ONSC 3745)
The Court dismissed a motion to strike a claim alleging police misfeasance in public office, finding the claim not statute-barred under the Limitations Act and sufficiently distinct from a prior dismissed action. The plaintiff’s allegations of deliberate misconduct and harm met the threshold for a reasonable cause of action.
Justice A. Doyle
Bell v. Bisaillon (2025 ONSC 3965)
The Court found the seller waived a solicitor review condition and acted in bad faith by refusing to close a real estate transaction. Specific performance was granted as the property was deemed unique, and damages were inadequate.
Justice R. Ryan Bell
Zuccarini v. Zuccarini (2025 ONSC 3925)
In a dispute involving an estate and corporate defendants, the Court ordered all defendants to retain separate legal representation. The Court declined to impose a deadline for retaining counsel, emphasizing that the terms of the order must reflect the original ruling without adding unenforceable provisions.
Justice S. Corthorn
Debela v. Ives (2025 ONSC 3992)
A personal injury action was reinstated after being administratively dismissed for delay. The Court found the delays were attributable to counsel, not the plaintiff, and no prejudice to the defendant was demonstrated. The Court emphasized the preference for resolving cases on their merits over procedural dismissals.
Associate Justice K. Perron
Hennebury v. Makita Canada Inc. (2025 ONSC 3850)
The Court granted summary judgment, finding a product liability claim barred by the 15-year ultimate limitation period under the Limitations Act. The alleged defect in a power tool did not constitute a continuing act or omission, and no exceptions to the limitation period applied.
Justice A. London-Weinstein
Tella v. A.B. (2025 ONSC 3835)
A defamation lawsuit was dismissed under anti-SLAPP legislation as most statements related to public interest and were protected by absolute privilege. The Court allowed anonymity for the defendant but declined to seal the court record. The plaintiff may pursue a new action for limited statements not engaging public interest.
Justice I. Carter Continue reading
