There have been some significant upgrades to CanLII recently, both in terms of the layout and in the use of AI-generated classification and summaries. One of the changes has been how cases appear in a search result. For many years there were a limited number of key terms pulled from the decision and listed in the search results screen, and these were what we used to help describe the case in our postingsu. Now, there are several broader subject headings along with key terms, and an AI summary.
To reflect these new features, this week we will be including the AI summary that CanLII has generated for each of these cases. We’d love your feedback on whether you prefer these summaries, a list of keywords, both, or some other variation. Your feedback helps, so send us an email!
With that said, find below recently published Ottawa decisions and their AI-summaries, available for free from CanLII.org.
Family Matters
Borrens v. Perreault (2025 ONSC 1811)
The Court awarded primary residence and final decision-making authority to the mother, citing family violence and the father’s undermining behavior. The father was granted specified parenting time, child support obligations, and spousal support was ordered retroactively and prospectively. The Court emphasized the children’s best interests and the impact of family violence.
Justice T. Engelking
Civil Matters
Diffusart International et al. v. Robinson et al. (2025 ONSC 2151)
The Court dismissed an anti-SLAPP motion, finding the defamation claim had substantial merit and the defendant lacked valid defences. The public interest in allowing the claim outweighed protecting the defendant’s expressions, which included defamatory Instagram posts and emails targeting a competitor. No costs were awarded.
Justice M. Smith
Fowlie v. Spinney et al. (2025 ONSC 2123)
The Court awarded full indemnity costs to defendants after granting anti-SLAPP motions, finding the claims lacked sufficient public interest to proceed. The plaintiff’s arguments for reduced costs due to alleged duplication of legal work were rejected, as separate representation was deemed appropriate given the case’s complexity and differing defendant positions.
Justice H. Williams
Re Angelatos (2025 ONSC 2040)
The Court approved a consumer proposal, finding the debtor eligible under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act and the terms fair to both the debtor and creditors, despite opposition from a creditor arguing the debtor’s assets exceeded liabilities. The decision emphasized the proposal’s reasonableness and the benefits of a stay of proceedings.
Justice S. Kershman
Meehan et al v. Good et al (2025 ONSC 2021)
The Court ruled that a plaintiff, despite not fully understanding the nature of an oath, demonstrated sufficient capacity to perceive, recollect, and communicate evidence. She was deemed competent to testify based on a promise to tell the truth, as the standard for testimonial competence is low and distinct from credibility.
Justice A. Kaufman
Cai v. Qi (2025 ONSC 1981)
The Court approved the apportionment of settlement funds among plaintiffs in a motor coach collision case, finding the proposed distribution of damages, legal fees, and disbursements fair and reasonable. The settlement resolved claims against the transportation provider and driver, with no liability established for other defendants.
Justice S. Corthorn
Obita v. Algonquin College (2025 ONSC 1980)
The Court awarded partial indemnity costs of $36,515 to the defendant after dismissing the plaintiff’s claims. The plaintiff’s self-represented status did not exempt her from cost consequences, as her conduct prolonged proceedings and increased complexity. The Court reduced some claimed costs for unnecessary work by articling students and clerks.
Justice S. Corthorn
Lesser V. Meta Platforms Inc. Et Al (2025 ONSC 2105)
The Court granted a Norwich order compelling a third party to disclose information identifying the creator of an anonymous defamatory petition. The plaintiff satisfied the legal test, demonstrating a bona fide claim, necessity of disclosure, and that the third party was the only practicable source of the information.
Associate Justice I. Kamal
Meehan et al v. Good et al (2025 ONSC 1922)
The Court ruled that a competency examination under the Ontario Evidence Act is mandatory when a witness’s capacity is challenged, rejecting arguments that prior assessments or procedural delays negate this obligation. A voir dire will be held to determine the witness’s ability to testify.
Justice A. Kaufman
Raddalgoda v. Raddalgoda (2025 ONSC 1869)
The Court removed a co-Estate Trustee for breaching fiduciary duties, delaying estate administration, and prioritizing personal interests over beneficiaries.
Justice N. Somji
Cullain v. Wilcox et al (2025 ONSC 1739)
A shareholder was awarded an oppression remedy and damages for wrongful dismissal after being unfairly removed from management and employment. The Court found the defendants acted oppressively by derailing a business acquisition and failing to meet reasonable shareholder expectations. The valuation date for shares was set before the prejudicial conduct.
Justice O. Rees
Criminal Matters
R. v. MacDonald (2025 ONSC 1939)
The Court convicted the Accused of terrorism offences for producing and disseminating recruitment videos and propaganda promoting a neo-Nazi group, finding sufficient evidence of participation, knowledge of the group’s terrorist nature, and intent to enhance its activities.
Justice R. Smith