Halton County Law Association

The Halton County Law Association invites nominations for the Alan B. Sprague Award for Excellence and Justice Douglas K. Gray Award for Excellence in Civil Litigation.

About the Awards:

• The Alan B. Sprague Award for Excellence was established in 1989 in recognition of the life and achievements of Alan B. Sprague. After being called to the Bar in 1938, he served in the Canadian Army during the second world war and was sworn in as Halton's County Court Judge on April 9, 1965. He retired from the bench in October 1985 and died on March 9, 1993 at his home in Oakville at the age of 82. Recipients of this award have demonstrated a lifetime of outstanding service to the Halton legal community or  remarkable contribution to the law or Halton legal community.
  
  
• The Justice Douglas K. Gray Award for Excellence in Civil Litigation. The nominee of this award would need to be a member of the HCLA who has demonstrated commitment to advancing the interests of civil litigation within local practice through their work and/or in their volunteer efforts, as well as a commitment to enriching the bar through continuing legal education.

Filing a Nomination:

Nominations for the awards should include a letter of nomination, setting out the reasons for the nomination and background information, as it relates to the award. Nominations are to be submitted by email to info@haltoncountylaw.ca. Please indicate the award and the name of the candidate being nominated in your subject line. For example: Alan B. Sprague Award Nomination, John Smith.

Nomination deadline: Monday, January 5, 2026

Announcement of Award Recipient and Presentation of the Awards:

Subject to Board approval, the name of the award recipient(s) will be announced once the recipient(s) have been contacted. The award(s) will be presented at the Halton County Law Association Annual General Meeting and Judges’ Night on March 3, 2026.

Date: Tuesday, December 2
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Courtyard by Marriott, 290 Derry Road West, Mississauga

LAWPRO Roadshow: GTA West

Join us for a day of inspiration and information at the Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Mississauga/West. Learn about your LAWPRO coverage, when to submit a claim, risk management tips, and trends in technology. This program is eligible for a $100 LAWPRO Risk Management Credit and contains 3.5 Professionalism Hours. Don't miss out on this opportunity to network with fellow legal professionals and gain valuable insights. Breakfast and lunch is included.

Agenda:

• Overview of LAWPRO coverage options

• When and how to submit notice of a claim

• The most common cause of claims

• Actions to take to keep your practice safe

• Avoiding fraud and cybercrime threats

• Artificial intelligence benefits and dangers

Speakers:

Dan Pinnington, LAWPRO CEO

Ray Leclair, VP Public Affairs

Safiyya Vankalwala, Communications Counsel

Ticket Price: $50

Register online!

The Great Library recently has changed its’ login procedures to remotely access rangefindr and HeinOnline. It now requires a two-step process more inline with many databases more secure authentication processes. 

From the Great Library:

Each time a Licensee or Non-Licensee accesses the Great Library eResources, they need to choose the appropriate sign-in option for their account type. This step can’t be skipped, as it’s part of our secure authentication process.

All Licensees now access Great Library eResources using their individual eResources Account, which replaces the old barcode and password sign-in.

• An account has already been created for each licensee using the preferred email listed in their LSO Connects profile. (Please use that same email address to sign in.)
• If signing in for the first time, click “Reset Password” and follow the on-screen steps to create your password. Additional step by step instructions: Library eResources Sign-In instructions

Non-Licensees — including licensing candidates and licensee agents — should continue signing in with their barcode and password by selecting the “Non-Licensee” option on the sign-in page.  

• If a Non-Licensee does not have a barcode and password, please ask them to contact the Great Library at greatlibrary@lso.ca to request one.

Tip: Please remind users to close their browser session when they’re finished using eResources on Library computers. This will make sure their account is fully logged out of the system.

Date: Thursday, November 13
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Location: Sheraton Hotel, Hamilton

This year, we are deeply honoured to welcome The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, as our keynote speaker. Her distinguished career and profound insights promise an inspiring and unforgettable address.

The Sopinka Legal Luncheon is a cherished tradition that brings together members of the legal community, judiciary, and civic leaders in support of United Way Halton & Hamilton. It is a celebration of the legal profession’s enduring commitment to driving positive change in our local communities.

Register now to reserve your seat at this signature event: 24th Annual Sopinka United Way Legal Luncheon | United Way Halton & Hamilton

Your support ensures that our community is cared for, uplifted, and that those most in need are not left behind. This event is a true reflection of your dedication to justice, inclusion, and equity—and a testament to the collective strength of our legal community.

We hope to see you there!

If you have any questions, please contact Niamh O’Flaherty at nflaherty@uwhh.ca

Find below recently published Halton decisions, available for free through CanLII.org.

Criminal Matters

R. v. Klemp (2025 ONSC 5612)
The Court dismissed the Crown's appeal, holding that "given" under section 320.32(2) requires a permanent transfer of the certificate to the accused. Temporary possession or mere display of the document does not satisfy the statutory requirement for admissibility of the certificate in impaired driving cases.
Justice E. Chozik

Wills, Estates & Trusts Matters

McDonald v. McDonald (2025 ONSC 5536)
The Court declared powers of attorney for property and personal care valid under curative provisions of the Substitute Decisions Act, despite non-compliance with formal witnessing requirements, as it aligned with the grantor's clear intentions and best interests.
Justice M. Kurz

Family Matters

Wright v. Tolchard (2025 ONSC 5505)
The Court imposed supervised parenting for three months after a parent repeatedly withheld the child in violation of court orders, prioritizing personal grievances over the child’s best interests. Full indemnity costs were awarded against the non-compliant parent due to bad faith conduct.
Justice M. Kurz

Find below recently published Halton decisions, available for free through CanLII.org.

Civil Matters

RBC v. John (2025 ONSC 5073)
The Court awarded $15,000 in costs to the successful party in a loan collection case, applying enhanced costs due to contractual terms. The defendant's delays and meritless counterclaim influenced the decision, but the award was slightly reduced to reflect one loan's lower cost provision.
Justice M. Kurz

Monteith & Sutherland v Novex Insurance (2025 ONSC 4697)
The Court ruled that the insurer must fully indemnify the insured for a settlement under a professional liability policy. The claim fell within the policy's coverage, was assigned to the correct policy period, and no substantial breach of the duty to co-operate was found.
Justice C. Chang

Criminal Matters

R. v. Britton (2025 ONSC 5177)
The Court sentenced the offender to 8 years' imprisonment for two historical sexual assaults, emphasizing denunciation, deterrence, and rehabilitation while considering mitigating factors, including remorse and rehabilitation efforts, and aggravating factors, such as the severity of the offences. A 20-year SOIRA order was also imposed.
Justice C. Conlan

R. v. Mitchell (2025 ONSC 5133)
The Court sentenced the Accused to 10 years' imprisonment for manslaughter and Fentanyl trafficking, emphasizing denunciation, deterrence, and proportionality. Mitigating factors included guilty pleas, lack of prior record, and harsh pretrial custody conditions. Aggravating factors included firearm use, drug trafficking, and the insidious nature of Fentanyl.
Justice C. Conlan

R. v. Banks (2025 ONSC 4909)
The Court sentenced the Accused to a conditional sentence of two years less a day for mid-level cocaine trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime. The decision emphasized rehabilitation, mitigating factors, and the Accused's positive efforts, despite the seriousness of the offences and aggravating factors.
Justice C. Conlan

Court of Appeal Decisions of Local Interest

R.L. v. M.F. (2025 ONCA 595)
The Court upheld a spousal support order of $20,000/month for 9.5 years, finding entitlement based on compensatory and non-compensatory grounds, despite the recipient's high income. The appellant's arguments regarding quantum, duration, and post-separation income sharing were rejected, with the trial judge's discretion and analysis deemed reasonable. Appeal dismissed.
Justice M. Kurz

Service Canada / Government of Canada is pleased to invite you to a full-day virtual information series focused on key disability-related financial and support programs available across Ontario. Whether you're a caregiver, service provider, or someone navigating these systems yourself, this series will provide valuable insights into eligibility, application processes, and how to access the supports available to you.

Choose the session(s) that interest you and register using the links provided below. You’ll be asked to enter your name and email address, and a link will be sent to access the session of your choice.

Date: Monday, October 6, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (ET)
Location: Online via Microsoft Teams

Time	Topic	Discussion Points	Presented By	Register
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM	Disability Tax Credit and Certificate	Learn how the Disability Tax Credit can reduce income tax.	Canada Revenue Agency	Register here for Disability Tax Credit & Certificate
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM	ACSD, SSAH & MFTD	Explore financial supports for families caring for children with disabilities.	Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services	Register here for Navigating Supports for Children with Disabilities
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM	OW	Understand how Ontario Works provides financial supports.	Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services	Register here for Getting Support for Ontario Works
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM	ODSP	Learn about the Ontario Disability Support Program providing financial, health, and disability supports.	Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services	Register here for Navigating the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
12:45 PM - 1:15 PM	RDSP	Learn how to save for the future RDSP's.	Employment and Social Development Canada	Register here for Understanding Registered Disability Saving Plans (RDSP)
1:15 PM - 1:45 PM	CDB	Learn how to access the new federal financial support for adults with disabilities.	Service Canada	Register here for Canada Disability Benefit
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM	CPP-D	Discover how CPP-D supports individuals unable to work due to long-term disability.	Employment and Social Development Canada / Service Canada	Register here for Understanding Canada Pension Plan Disability
3:15 PM - 4:00 PM	Panel of Experts & Live Q&A	Live expert panel answering general questions about disability-related support programs in Ontario.	Panelists include representatives from: Canada Revenue Agency; Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services; Employment and Social Development Canada / Service Canada	Register here for the Panel of Experts Live Q & A

Note: All sessions (with the exception of Understand how Ontario Works  provides financial supports) will run concurrently in French. If you wish to participate in the French sessions, please contact Mona L. Jovetic, Citizen Services Specialist, Citizen Services Branch of Service Canada / Government of Canada at mona.jovetic@servicecanada.gc.ca / Tel.: (289) 439-2625

Spécialiste des services aux citoyens, Direction générale de service aux citoyens
Service Canada / Gouvernement du Canada

Dear HCLA Members,

Please be advised that the entrance on the west side of the building is temporarily closed due to ongoing ramp repairs.

During this time, building access will be limited to the regular business hours of the Milton Court House:

Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

We anticipate the repairs to be completed by Tuesday, August 19th, and we will provide an update if there are any changes to the schedule.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

A new posting has been added to our Will Notices page.

If you have any information regarding any postings listed, please contact the person indicated or the Halton Law Library.

Are you looking for a will, legal file or other document that was prepared by a lawyer or paralegal in the Halton Region?
Have you recently taken over a law practice?