Duncan, Linton LLP

09/01/2026

Using AI chatbots to draft a will may seem like a quick and cost-effective solution, but relying on algorithmic tools for estate planning carries substantial legal risks. Online generators often fail to account for complex provincial legislation, tax implications, or unique family dynamics. Minor drafting errors, ambiguous language, or missed statutory requirements can easily lead to invalid documents, unintended tax consequences, and costly court disputes for surviving family members.

Personalized legal guidance remains essential to ensuring your estate plan is valid, legally binding, and fully enforceable under Ontario law: https://ow.ly/4Nl050ZHmII

As Canadians turn to AI for estate advice, lawyers warn the technology has its limits

08/26/2026

With the collapse of Canada-U.S. trade negotiations and incoming counter-tariffs, the local construction industry faces renewed uncertainty. Upcoming duties on key materials like cement, drywall, and steel pose a significant risk for contractors, owners, and suppliers managing fixed-price bids and ongoing procurement in the Waterloo Region.

Read the full report to stay informed on cross-border tariff developments, and consult our team to review your construction contracts, delay provisions, and cost-escalation clauses: https://ow.ly/lzTU50ZFh3W

Ontario Construction News staff writer Canada has suspended trade negotiations with the United States and is preparing retaliatory tariffs after the two countries failed to reach an agreement before new U.S. tariffs took effect Saturday, adding fresh uncertainty for Canadian construction contractors...

08/25/2026

According to CREA, July national home sales fell 5.3% year-over-year, but monthly activity rose for the fourth straight month as Ontario moves toward a more balanced housing market.

As inventory stabilizes across Waterloo Region, a balanced market gives both buyers and sellers space to negotiate clear conditions, financing terms, and closing timelines. Early legal review ensures your Purchase and Sale Agreement protects your investment every step of the way.

Buying or selling property in Waterloo? Contact our real estate law team today for a smooth, secure closing.

The Canadian Real Estate Association says home sales in July were down compared with a year ago, but edged slightly higher month-over-month.

08/18/2026

The Ontario Superior Court of Justice has struck down improper default charges levied by CMI High-Yield Opportunity Fund Corp., ruling for the second time that such fees violate Section 8 of the federal Interest Act.

The court forced the removal of thousands in default penalties and administrative fees from the payout balance, while also denying the lender's request for legal costs. The decision serves as a key warning for private mortgage funds and wealth managers to ensure collection practices strictly align with federal lending laws.

https://ow.ly/gIqt50ZAZ4k

A lender's fee schedule keeps running into a law it can't override.

08/14/2026

With new 50 per cent U.S. tariffs set to take effect under Section 338 of the Tariff Act, business groups and manufacturers across Ontario face severe operational uncertainty. Because the proposed measures apply even to Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)-compliant goods across critical supply chains, commercial enterprises must evaluate potential duty exposure, contractual liability, and trade compliance risks before the upcoming implementation deadline. https://ow.ly/lBxv50ZzsER

One week remains before U.S. President Donald Trump's new 50 per cent tariffs are set to take effect. Chambers of Commerce in Ontario's Waterloo region say businesses are scrambling.

08/12/2026

When we look past regional differences, we see a global generation united by common purpose. Empowering young people everywhere creates a foundation for peace, stability, and progress that benefits all of us.

08/11/2026

Canada's labor market demonstrated notable resilience in July 2026, with Statistics Canada reporting a net addition of 75,000 jobs and a drop in the national unemployment rate to 6.4 per cent, its lowest level in two years. This third consecutive monthly decline in unemployment reflects steady workforce absorption, driven largely by gains in private-sector employment and self-employment across key sectors, including wholesale and retail trade, finance, and professional services. https://ow.ly/f8eW50Zyg7K

Is Canada turning the corner?

08/05/2026

Realtors, cottage associations and market experts say a cultural shift is underway in cottage country. A growing number of buyers are entering the market with plans to own for only a short period, rather than settling into the community for the long haul and passing the cottage down to the next generation.

https://ow.ly/Ak3150ZwjGl

Canadians are buying cottages with the intent to own for a short period instead of passing the property down

07/31/2026

As we head into the long weekend, we want to thank our clients and community for their ongoing support. Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable Civic Holiday long weekend!

07/29/2026

Canada's commercial real estate market is establishing a stable foundation at the mid-year mark, though initial surge enthusiasm has tempered into a more measured outlook.

Avison Young’s latest report shows strong underlying market momentum, even as near-term sentiment cools slightly compared to December's highly bullish forecast. While 49 percent of surveyed real estate professionals still anticipate an acceleration in market activity later this year, that figure has decreased from 64 percent, with a matching 47 percent predicting activity will hold steady.

The shifting outlook comes as the industry closely monitors new U.S. tariff announcements, a developing geopolitical factor that could introduce fresh variables into cross-border supply chains and asset valuations.

https://ow.ly/7HOY50ZtUf2

Commercial real estate company Avison Young says the sector is showing signs of stability across Canada at the midway point of the year as enthusiasm tempers, but new tariffs announced by the U.S. this week could be a factor to watch.