Publications
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Sales without legal warranty at the buyers’ risk: Clarity is key
On July 15, 2022, Justice François Lebel of the Court of Québec rendered a decision1 confirming that, in the case of the sale of immovable property, a clear and unambiguous exclusion clause, whereby the warranty is waived at the buyer’s risk, results in a break in the chain of title preventing the (…)
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Cannabis legalization | Lessors : what steps should you take?
Subject to many restrictions, the possession and production of cannabis were legalized in Canada following the coming into force of the Cannabis Act1 (the “Cannabis Act”) on October 17, 2018. In this context, a guide for employers was previously published by our team in Employment and Labour. To (…)
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Artificial Intelligence and the 2017 Canadian Budget: is your business ready?
The March 22, 2017 Budget of the Government of Canada, through its “Innovation and Skills Plan” (http://www.budget.gc.ca/2017/docs/plan/budget-2017-en.pdf) mentions that Canadian academic and research leadership in artificial intelligence will be translated into a more innovative economy and (…)
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Overview of the Canadian Public-Private Partnerships market
The Public-Private Partnership delivery model (“PPP” or “P3”) is now well established in Canada, where more than 177 of such projects were closed between 1993 and 2015 (source: InfraAmericas). The great majority thereof (166) have been closed since 2004, and the current trend indicates the number (…)
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Renewable energies: the trend is toward hybrid financing
For about two years now, most renewable energy projects, particularly wind farm projects, have been financed using a so-called “hybrid” model, i.e. a combination of medium-term bank debt and long-term financing or private placements. The term “hybrid” is derived from the vocabulary of the (…)
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Your Contracts: a Systematic and Disciplined Approach is Called for
Every day, and several times a day, we enter into contracts without knowing it or without considering and controlling their effects. This newsletter provides a brief and non-exhaustive summary to help you better understand, prepare for and monitor your contractual environment. Do you know that? (…)
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Licence security requirements to be hiked shortly
Effective September 18, 2016, anyone wishing to obtain a general contractor licence will be required to first provide security of at least $40,000. The amount will be $20,000 for specialized contractors. Effective January 21, 2017, the Regulation to amend the Regulation respecting the professional (…)
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Significant amendments to the Act Respecting Duties on Transfers of Immovable following the 2016-2017 provincial budget
The use of a nominee corporation The Act Respecting Duties on Transfers of Immovables (the “Act”) imposes transfer duties (also known as the “welcome tax”) on the transfer of immovables in Quebec. Since transfer duties are only payable from the time the transfer is registered in the land register (…)
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Undivided co-ownership – Beware of the repossession of the leased premises!
WWII deeply modified the Canadian economy1. The concentration of resources toward the war effort brought about, among other things, a shortage of rental premises2. Hence, the law governing leases was adapted3. and the existing liberal vision of free negotiation of contracts and consent made way for (…)
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The Supreme Court rules on a broker’s right to a commission when no sale is concluded
Standard real estate brokerage contracts generally stipulate the obligation for the seller to pay a commission to the broker in the event that an agreement for the sale of the property occurs during the term of the brokerage contract or where the seller voluntarily prevents the free performance of (…)
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A Heads-up on Asbestos!
To allow for adequate planning, the Quebec government phased in the coming into force of certain regulatory amendments on building safety that were adopted in the past few years. These new standards were previously discussed in bulletin Nos. 6 and 9, issued in April 2013 and June 2014 respectively, (…)
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Cooling Towers and Asbestos: New Obligations for Owners, Tenants, Managers and Employers
Over the last year and half, the legislator has addressed the building safety issues in order to ensure the safety of the occupants and visitors of these buildings, as well as the persons who may be exposed to hazards because of equipment attached to such buildings.On March 18, 2013, the Regulation (…)
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Quarterly legal newsletter intended for accounting, management, and finance professionals, Number 24
CONTENTSNominees in the context of litigationUse of a nominee by limited partnerships and trusts for holding immovablesVoluntary registration for GST and QST purposes by a nomineeImmovables held by a nominee: Issues with respect to consumption taxesNOMINEES IN THE CONTEXT OF LITIGATIONLéa Maalouf (…)
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Fungal Contamination and Commercial Leases
Fungal contamination: a complex problem The detection of a fungal contamination problem in a building can be a complex operation. For example, recurring water infiltration due to leaks in a building’s outer envelope can create an environment that is conducive to the growth of mould in spaces not (…)
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Legal newsletter for real estate professionals, Number 7
CONTENT What Happens when an Option to Terminate is not Exercised in Accordance with its Terms? The Landlord's Obligation to Provide Peaceful Enjoyment WHAT HAPPENS WHEN AN OPTION TO TERMINATE IS NOT EXERCISED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS TERMS?Chantal JoubertAn option for the renewal or (…)
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Building Safety – New Onerous Obligations for Owners
On March 18, 2013, the Règlement visant à améliorer la sécurité dans le bâtiment, adopted pursuant to the Building Act, came into force. The new Regulation, which became chapter VIII of the Safety Code entitled “Building”, contains rules on fire safety and on maintenance of building facades and (…)
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Legal hypothecs for construction and the enforcement of contractual rights: The Superior Court condemns the use of the land registry as a means for intimidation
On September 21, 2012, Justice Babin of the Superior Court of Québec rendered a decision which denotes the effect of bad faith of the registrant on damages awards in the context of the unjustified publication of a legal hypothec for construction.1While the decision serves as a useful reminder that a (…)
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Due diligence and commercial leases
Generally speaking, the acquisition of rental property requires a due diligence process that is usually focused on building and property conditions, property titles and lease analysis. During this phase, the purchaser will primarily be concerned about a possible right of first refusal to acquire (…)
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Legal newsletter for real estate professionals, Number 5
CONTENT Property Management : When does a breach of contract become gross negligence? Ensuring the safety of citizens is a primary obligation of the state Property Management : When does a breach of contract become gross negligence? Louis-Martin Dubé On October 10, 2012, the Québec Court (…)
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Francization – Bill No 14 amending the Charter of the French language
This publication was authored by Luc Thibaudeau, former partner of Lavery and now judge in the Civil Division of the Court of Québec, District of Longueuil. The title of this newsletter gives a good summary of the explanatory notes that serve as an introduction to Bill 14, entitled An Act to amend (…)
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Due diligence in leasing
It is fairly common and in fact recommended, to proceed with a due diligence review of a property before its acquisition. At a minimum, title to the property is confirmed through a title search review. Often times, a much more thorough review is completed. Matters such as zoning and other legal (…)
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The limits of additional mortgage
An overview of the restrictive interpretation given to additional mortgage in both the doctrine and case law. An additional mortgage is often added to the primary mortgage to better protect the creditor (available in French only).
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Legal newsletter for business entrepreneurs and executives, Number 13
Due diligence in leasing Factors examined by the Supreme Court in determining the validity of a municipal bylaw Incorporated employees face new obstacles
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What to do when your lessee declares bankruptcy?
A commercial lease does not end on the sole basis that the lessee declares bankruptcy; to the contrary, the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (“BIA”) provides that the property of the bankrupt, including the lease, is vested in the trustee. In fact, the terms of the lease are what make it possible for (…)
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Legal newsletter for real estate professionals, Number 2
CONTENT Mortgage lenders – Duty to notify the insurer of a material change in risk Undivided co-ownership and the right of redemption Unpublished servitudes Mortgage lenders – Duty to notify the insurer of a material change in risk Louis-Martin Dubé and Ariana Lisio All fire insurance (…)
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Legal newsletter for real estate professionals, Number 1
CONTENT The Breach of a Promise to Purchase - Liability of the Third Party Purchaser Entire Agreement Clauses Closed Hypothecary Loans With a Term Exceeding Five (5) Years: Legislative Change The Breach of a Promise to Purchase - Liability of the Third Party Purchaser Louis-Martin Dubé (…)
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Quarterly legal newsletter intended for accounting, management, and finance professionals, Number 14
Defined Benefit Pension Plans : The Temporary Funding Relief Measures will Likely be Extended! A New Statutory Framework for Federal Not-for-profit Organizations Conversion of Debt into Shares by a Corporation in Financial Difficulty; Pay Attention to the Tax Consequences Conflicting (…)
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Can a creditor who institutes a hypothecary recourse recover "Extra-judicial professional fees...for services"? A Quebec Court rules
Since the amendments made to the Civil Code of Québec (“C.C.Q.”) in 2002, article 2762 provides that:2762. A creditor having given prior notice of the exercise of a hypothecary right is not entitled to demand any indemnity from the debtor except interest owing and costs.Notwithstanding (…)
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Legal newsletter for business entrepreneurs and executives, Number 6
This publication was authored by Luc Thibaudeau, former partner of Lavery and now judge in the Civil Division of the Court of Québec, District of Longueuil. Disclosure Rules Applicable Prior to the Sale of Additionnal Warranties Attornment of Jurisdiction Clause set Aside in Bankruptcy (…)
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Your Contracts: a Systematic and Disciplined Approach is Called for
Every day, and several times a day, we enter into contracts without knowing it or without considering and controlling their effects. This bulletin provides a brief and non-exhaustive summary to help you better understand, prepare for and monitor your contractual environment.Do you know that a (…)
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Fire: The Lessee at Fault Has Full Liability!
Fire: The Lessee at Fault Has Full Liability!