Blaneys Podcast

In this episode of the Blaneys Podcast, Chad Kopach, the co-chair of Blaneys’ construction group, discusses the challenges facing the construction industry caused by COVID-19, including the unintended consequences to the holdback regime caused by the Province’s emergency order suspending court deadlines, “essential workplace” issues, and site delays. Our producer and sound engineer Varoujan Arman (also a lawyer) joins in with an interesting recent anecdote regarding “essential workplaces”.

During the COVID-19 crisis, Blaneys is continuing its Podcast remotely, with a series of new Podcasts tackling the many challenging legal issues raised by the pandemic and the measures being taken to combat it. In this Podcast, our commercial leasing expert, Dennis Tobin, discusses the many legal and practical challenges facing both commercial landlords and tenants, but also how these parties are starting to cooperate to preserve their businesses without strictly relying on written contractual obligations of the lease.

During the COVID-19 crisis, Blaneys is continuing its Podcast remotely, with a series of new Podcasts tackling the many challenging legal issues raised by the pandemic and the measures being taken to combat it. In this episode, our labour and employment law expert, Jack Siegel, discusses the employment law issues that are impacting nearly all Canadians and Canadian employers during this unprecedented time.

In this episode of the Blaneys Podcast, David Ma, our IT and technology law expert, discusses the function and purpose of cryptocurrencies. David tackles recent challenges such as the collapse of crypto exchange Quadriga CX, and the ongoing debate of whether governments should regulate the exchange of cryptocurrencies.

This Blaneys’ Podcast features an exciting and insightful discussion of Canada’s brand new legalized recreational cannabis arena. The topics discussed will be of interest to any existing industry members, or to those thinking about becoming involved in the industry, whether from a production, processing, retail, or support services perspective. The panel members include: Lou Brzezinski - Blaneys Partner and Podcast host, Co-Chair of the Blaney Cannabis Law Group Nicholas Wong - Blaneys Partner and member of the Cannabis Law Group and Intellectual Property Law Group Angela Smith - Founder and CEO of Catalyst Life Science Consulting, a consultancy firm offering regulatory expertise to the cannabis industry Daryl Hodges - Founder, Chairman and CEO of Ancient Strains, a cannabis investment company and producer among world cannabis markets The Podcast was produced by Lou Brzezinski and Varoujan Arman, Blaneys’ in-house Podcast producer and sound editor, also a partner in the Commercial Litigation Group and member of the Cannabis Law Group.

In this special episode of the Blaneys Podcast, we sit down with Maria Scarfo, the firm’s managing partner. Maria discusses the challenges faced by the legal industry with the retention of female lawyers, client expectations, her management style, and some of the unique qualities of Blaney McMurtry LLP.

In this episode of the Blaneys Podcast, Lea Nebel, co-chair of the firm’s Construction Law Group, discusses the large-scale revamping of Ontario’s Construction Lien Act, now known as the Construction Act, as of July 1, 2018.

Business law is developing in a new direction in Canada. That direction is firmly based on profitability and material prosperity. However, that prosperity is increasingly being linked to a more sustainable, environmentally responsible, and widely shared model of carrying on business. B Lab is an international NGO that certifies B Corps - for-profit companies that demonstrate their positive impact on society and the environment. In Canada, B Corp certification requires amendment of the corporation’s articles to lock in a Corporation’s mission. That is what we discuss in this podcast. We also discuss the difference between a Benefit Corporation and a B Corp. This panel podcast may be of interest to lawyers who are advising companies seeking B Corp certification, CEO’s seeking B Corp status or investors considering investing in a certified company. The panel members include: Joyce Sou, Director at B Lab Canada - the organization responsible for providing the B Corp certification. Tim Masson, Chief Steward and CEO, Ian Martin Group - a progressive recruitment and project-staffing firm and certified B Corp. Dennis Tobin, Partner, Blaney McMurtry LLP: legal counsel experienced with B Corp and benefit corporation issues. Moderated by our resident Blaneys Podcast host, Lou Brzezinski

In this episode of the Blaneys Podcast, the head of Blaney McMurtry LLP’s Family Law Group, and a certified specialist in family law, James Edney provides an advance run down of the changes proposed for a coming major amendment to Canada’s federal Divorce Act; the first such overhaul in twenty years.

In this episode of the Blaneys Podcast, commercial litigator Varoujan Arman describes the steps involved in the civil litigation process, along with outside the box strategies to obtain favourable settlements.

In this second of a two part Blaneys Podcast on commercial leasing in Canada, Dennis Tobin discusses key issues for negotiating an offer to lease in the Canadian real estate market. In an easy to listen to discussion format, this podcast addresses the following topics: remedies for breach of a commercial lease, subleasing and assignment and the differences between the two; how franchisees and franchisors might structure their lease arrangement; the significance of the “Use” clause; how your lease may impact proposed renovations; and a discussion of what “co-tenancy” clauses are and why you may use one in your offer to lease.

In this first of a two part Blaneys Podcast on commercial leasing in Canada, Dennis Tobin discusses key issues for negotiating an offer to lease in the Canadian real estate market. He highlights some of the priority issues from the perspectives of the landlord, purchaser, mortgagee and the tenant. He also discusses how the offer to lease relates to the lease. Co-tenancy, options to extend, percentage rent, termination rights and additional rent issues are discussed. Dennis reveals some “red flags” to watch out for and offers tips for negotiating an enforceable retail lease.

In this episode of the Blaneys Podcast, Roger Horst, a pioneer of the class action regime in Ontario, discusses the ins and outs of this unique area of civil litigation. He provides an overview of all stages in a class action claim including certification, settlement and trial. Having acted for both the defendant and the plaintiff class, Roger has a well-rounded view on all sides and uncovers common issues with class actions including financing and risk.

Rennie Forsythe v. Michael Westfall, John Doe, Jevco Insurance Company and AXA Insurance Company, 2015 ONSC 758 affirmed 2015 ONCA 810 leave to appeal refused by 2016 CanLII 12153 (SCC).

In this episode of the Blaneys Podcast, Sheldon Inkol discusses defamation law and the issues commonly encountered on the internet.

In this episode of the Blaneys Podcast, David Mackenzie, one of our insurance coverage experts, discusses the new and still developing area of insurance that offers coverage to businesses for cyber risk and data breaches.

In this episode of the Blaneys Podcast, our residential real estate expert, Roman Pekaruk, walks through the important things to watch out for and keep in mind when participating in a residential real estate transaction.

In this episode of the Blaneys Podcast, our usual host, Lou Brzezinski sits on the other side of the table to answer questions about the firm's involvement in the Target insolvency proceeding on behalf of unsecured creditors. For more information, please contact: Lou Brzezinski [http://www.blaney.com/lawyers/lou-brzezinski] 416.593.2952 lbrzezinski@blaney.com

In this episode, Steve Popoff discusses the approaches to succession planning for the transitioning or winding up of a business. For more information, please contact: Steve Popoff [http://www.blaney.com/lawyers/steve-popoff] 416.593.3972 spopoff@blaney.com

In this episode, James Edney discusses the legal issues relating to matters of finance that arise during family law disputes. For more information, contact: James Edney [http://www.blaney.com/lawyers/james-edney] 416.593.3996 jedney@blaney.com

In this podcast, Maria Kotsopoulos discusses the timely issue of workplace harassment. The Blaneys Brief segment features Talia Gordner discussing a recent case on whether your private Facebook profile can be brought under scrutiny during a civil lawsuit. For more information, contact: Maria Kotsopoulos [http://www.blaney.com/lawyers/maria-kotsopoulos] 416.593.2987 mkotsopoulos@blaney.com

In this podcast, Margaret Rintoul discusses the common issues that arise regarding wills and estates and powers of attorney in the context of family disputes. The Blaneys Brief segment features a discussion by articling student Paul Pimentel, a member of Transparency International Canada, regarding its mandate. For more information, contact: Margaret Rintoul [http://www.blaney.com/lawyers/margaret-rintoul] 416.593.2981 mrintoul@blaney.com

In this episode, James Edney discusses the legal issues surrounding the custody of children during family law disputes. The Blaneys Brief segment features Chad Kopach discussing a case that had to consider ghosts. For more information, contact: James Edney [http://www.blaney.com/lawyers/james-edney] 416.593.3996 jedney@blaney.com

In this podcast, two of Blaneys’ current articling students, Lisa Bruni and Simon Reis, give us insight into a day in the life of an articling student at the firm.

In this podcast, Margaret Rintoul discusses the common issues that arise, and the obligations involved, when an individual is given a power of attorney. The Blaneys Brief segment features a discussion by Catherine MacInnis on “contractual troubleshooting,” where a party to a contract has been wronged. For more information, contact: Margaret Rintoul [http://www.blaney.com/lawyers/margaret-rintoul] 416.593.2981 mrintoul@blaney.com

In this podcast, Bill Anderson discusses the practical realities of employee termination from the workplace, including wrongful dismissal and constructive dismissal. The Blaneys Brief segment addresses an Alberta judge who lost patience with the “Freeman on the Land” movement, who believe Canada’s laws do not apply to them. For more information, contact: Bill Anderson [http://www.blaney.com/lawyers/william-anderson] 416.593.3901 banderson@blaney.com