Insurance Law

Bailiff Services: Issuing and Filing of Proceedings in Non-urgent Matters Is Now Allowed

As you may know, the activities have gradually resumed at the court houses in Quebec as of June 1, which is great news for the legal community as well as for citizens. Each judicial district is however distinct with respect to issuing and filing of proceedings. With respect to the judicial districts of Montreal, Longueuil […]

Courts to Resume Activities as the COVID-19 Crisis Cools Off (Slightly…)

The threat of the coronavirus is far from over. Yet, some activities slowly resume. The Courts, which were almost paralyzed for over two months, are gradually adjusting to the new reality. What will the impact be? The Superior Court of Quebec is preparing to progressively resume its activities as of June 1, 2020. The goal […]

The Practice of Notaries in Times of Coronavirus

As is the case for many industries, notaries are confronted with many challenges due to the crisis related to COVID-19 virus which is affecting the entire province. While notaries are considered an essential service according to the list established by the Quebec government, the ministerial order 2020-010 dated March 27, 2020 allows them, during the […]

The Demand Letter: A Tool That Should Not Be Underestimated

Sending a demand letter is part of the usual process of most recovery files. It is sent at different points in time, depending on the way the claim is handled, and on the elements revealed during the investigation. People usually send it automatically, without necessarily understanding all of its implications. What is the actual purpose […]

Impact of COVID-19: Sports, Entertainment (and Insurance?!?)

For the first time since World War II, Wimbledon, one of Great Britain’s most storied summer sporting events, has been cancelled. The announcement from the All England Club came on April 1, 2020 amidst concerns for public health and safety stemming from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Scheduled to run from June 29 to July 12, […]

An Insurer Successfully Raises the Damage to Property Rented Exclusion

In a judgment rendered on February 10, 2020, Loue Froid inc. c. Ville de Longueuil, 2020 QCCS 447, the Superior Court dismisses the City of Longueuil’s demand [the “City”] that Compagnie d’assurance AIG du Canada [the “insurer”] take up its defence against a legal action instituted by Plaintiff Loue Froid Inc. [“Loue Froid”]. Following a […]

DANGER for Insurers Who Contest a Wellington Motion Alleging a Breach of Formal Warranty

When a Wellington Motion is presented by an insured in the course of proceedings, it seeks an order forcing an insurer to assume its defence without having to await the final decision on the merits of the case. It is analogous to an injunction in the course of proceedings. The consequence for an insurer of […]

Moratorium Period Exclusion in Insurance Law

On January 7, 2020, in Talbot c. Industrielle Alliance, assurances et services financiers inc., 2020 QCCS 193, Justice Martin Dallaire dismissed a claim for a critical illness insurance benefit following a cancer diagnosis for which the insured showed signs and symptoms during the moratorium period. However, he concluded that this clause cannot have the effect […]

A Snapshot of our Recent Activity — Insurance Law

Exciting News! As the new decade unfolds and RSS gears up to celebrate its 100th year, it is delighted to announce the appointment of the new Managing Partner, Andrew Penhale, an old face. Andrew was an attorney with the firm from 2001 to 2010 before moving on to head the Claims Department of the Professional […]

The Court of Appeal Clarifies the Impact of Expert Opinions on the Burden of Proof in an Action for Latent Defects

In Groupe Royal inc. v. Crewcut Investments Inc., 2019 QCCA 1839, the Court of Appeal affirmed that in an action for latent defects, the Plaintiff’s expert opinions are not required, whereas those filed in defence must demonstrate the precise cause of the defect in order to rebut the presumption. In this case, the Plaintiffs, manufacturers […]
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