A.P.Strom and Associates, Ottawa, ON (2026)

06/10/2026

Pet Ownership Disputes: A Saskatchewan Court's Perspective on Dividing Family

A Saskatchewan Provincial Court decision reminds us that while pets may feel like family, the law treats them as property.

In *Liberet v Toledo-Aldana*, 2025 SKPC 13, former common law partners disputed ownership of a dog purchased during their relationship.

The Court's key guidance (para. 12):

- Pets are property at law. They enjoy no familial rights.
- Child custody and access principles are inapplicable to pet disputes.
- However, emotion and attachment can be relevant factors at trial when determining final division of property .

The outcome: The dog was awarded to the party who ensured vaccinations, while the other party received $400 (half of the purchase price).

Lesson: Courts may consider who provided care, bore expenses, and ensured medical treatment when resolving pet disputes.

Read more: https://s.apstrom.ca/xKS1D

06/09/2026

As Yukon Premier Currie Dixon and CYFN Grand Chief Math'ieya Alatini travel to Ottawa for Yukon Days this week, it's important to remember that infrastructure alone is not enough to support northern communities.

The Yukon needs a robust private sector where First Nations are not participants, but leaders. Full First Nations participation in economic development is the foundation upon which a truly sovereign Arctic is built.

Whether it's energy security, health care, or critical minerals development, the Yukon's priorities deserve federal investment that reflects the unique realities of northern communities.

The North belongs to those who live in it. And its future must be built by them.

https://s.apstrom.ca/DiPgn

06/04/2026

Nunavut Court of Appeal reminds judges that parties must be afforded a fair opportunity to respond to issues before the Court.

"[27] Introducing a new issue in reasons for judgment without alerting counsel to the court’s consideration of the new issue and without inviting counsel submissions on that issue is problematic. The chambers judge did not afford counsel the opportunity to address the issue of whether the landlord engaged in “bad faith conduct” in breach of an enforceable legal duty. This was unfair and appellate intervention is warranted."

Civil litigation counsel should be on the lookout for issues that a judge may wish to raise during oral submissions, and counsel should take care to give a judge space to raise issues at the oral hearing or, if necessary, after the hearing.

No one wants to have a decision set aside on appeal because an issue was not properly addressed in the lower court.

Full summary: https://canliiconnects.org/en/summaries/99387

06/02/2026

When disputes arise in close-knit communities like those in Yukon, public court battles can feel intrusive and disruptive. Arbitration offers a dignified alternative for resolving disagreements behind closed doors.

The process is straightforward. Parties simply need to agree in writing to submit their dispute to arbitration—what the law calls a "submission." From there, you can appoint an arbitrator together, or if you cannot agree, a judge will step in to make the appointment. The arbitrator has authority to swear in witnesses, examine evidence, hear arguments from both sides, and issue a binding decision.

What makes arbitration particularly valuable for neighbours, small businesses, and local organizations is its privacy. Unlike court proceedings, arbitration hearings are conducted in private. The arbitrator must issue a written decision within three months of the hearing, though this timeframe can be extended by agreement or by court order.

Once rendered, arbitration awards are final and binding. They can be enforced through the court system if necessary, giving them the same weight as a court judgment. This finality means disputes can be resolved quickly and definitively, allowing people to move forward.

For anyone in Yukon considering how to handle a dispute—whether it involves property, contracts, or business matters—arbitration provides a respectful, efficient path to resolution that keeps private matters private.

Address

Ottawa, ON

Telephone

+15148656002

Website

http://apstrom.ca/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when A.P.Strom and Associates posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

A.P.Strom and Associates