June 2025 will mark the third anniversary of the adoption of the Act respecting French, the official and common language of Québec (hereinafter "Bill 96"). As of June 1, 2025, several new measures will come into effect, strengthening the use of French in many sectors of Quebec society and significantly…
The right to access to information is a fundamental principle in a democratic society, but its application to professional orders raises complex issues. These bodies, which are responsible for regulating their members, hold sensitive information to which access must be balanced with the requirements of confidentiality and the protection of…
Contracts of enterprise, which are central to many renovation and building projects, are often the source of complex disputes. A recent decision by the Quebec Superior Court1 highlights many issues surrounding these contracts, including the unpredictability of costs, the scope of the duty to inform, and the limits of non-payment…
The recent decision of the Quebec Superior Court in the case of Montour c. Fortin1 provides crucial insight into the responsibilities of directors of non-profit organizations (NPOs) upon dissolution, as well as the possibility for third parties to initiate a derivative action to protect the interests of the organization. This…
In 2013, the Quebec Court of Appeal had the opportunity to settle a decades-old legal debate in municipal law. It handed down an interesting decision in the case of Ville de Terrebonne c. Bibeau1, concerning the issue of acquired rights in municipal zoning. This case highlights the complexities associated with…
In the recent case of Gestion Steve Perreault inc. c. 9310-7803 Québec Inc.1, the Superior Court addressed a dispute concerning the valuation of shares in a construction company, through an action in passing of title. This decision highlights the importance of having clear, complete, and well-drafted shareholder agreements. Summary of…
In a recent decision¹, the Quebec Court clarified what constitutes personal use of a vehicle, as well as the principle of presumed validity applied to tax assessments. Summary of Facts Marc-André Lagacé, president and shareholder of a construction company, is in dispute with Revenu Québec (hereinafter: "RQ") regarding the use…
On November 28th, the Quebec Court of Appeal upheld a decision rendered by the Superior Court¹ regarding a petition for oppression remedies². The applicant and appellant, Olivier Girard, challenged the dissolution of the company 9286-9593 Québec Inc. and the subsequent sale of his shares. However, the Court of Appeal, maintaining…
In a previous publication, we discussed the possibility for a person who suffered bodily harm to claim damages from a negligent party. The limitation period for claiming this type of damage is usually three (3) years from the fault or the knowledge of the harm, as provided for in section…
The protection of personal information has become a major issue in recent years. The numerous data breaches in companies have, in a way, forced the government to act. Law 25 is the latest legislative measure aimed at better addressing these new technological challenges. Law 25, known as An Act to…
It is not uncommon, especially in real estate transactions, for a promise to purchase to be subject to certain conditions. One of the most frequent is undoubtedly the obtaining of the necessary financing for the purchase. But is it possible, in certain circumstances, for such a promise to survive beyond…
In a recent decision1, the Quebec Court recalls important principles regarding the qualification of expenses related to income properties. Indeed, Mr. La Chapelle contested tax assessment notices issued by Revenu Québec (hereinafter "RQ"). The RQ's qualification of certain expenses incurred in relation to his income properties was contested by the…
Section 160 of the Taxation Act1 sets out the criteria for deducting interest expense on a loan. There are four cumulative conditions: The expense must be paid or payable during the fiscal year; The expense must be paid in fulfillment of a legal obligation to pay interest on borrowed money;…
The court, faced with a prima facie case of counter letter, had to decide whether Elsie Monereau, plaintiff, remained the true owner of a property, despite certain transactions suggesting otherwise1. Indeed, on February 13th, the Court of Québec ruled in a tax dispute between two taxpayers and Revenu Québec ("RQ").…
Regrettable as it may seem, sometimes the outcome of a suicide is dealt with by the Quebec courts. Indeed, it was in such a context that the Superior Court and Court of Appeal, in the Bolduc case, recently had to rule on the nullity of a suicide clause in a…
On January 9, 2024, the Quebec Court of Appeal had the opportunity to render a decision regarding the quantification of damages incurred following the conclusion of a share purchase agreement between Pop-Up and Boomba1. The appellate court had to decide whether the Superior Court had erred in awarding $41,000 in…
Too often overlooked, the task of properly preparing a client for his or her testimony regularly has a crucial impact on the outcome of the trial. Indeed, one of the most delicate tasks for a first instance judge is to assess the credibility of the witnesses who appear before him…
Time limits in disciplinary law are often very, even too long for the professionals concerned, and it is common for them to wonder about possible remedies for such delays, or whether there is a maximum time limit within which the investigation and disciplinary process must be completed. In 2016, in…
Recently, a new law was adopted to modernize the legislation on the protection of personal information, inspired by the new requirements in this field in European countries. The evolving context of technology and the rapid exchange of information have forced the government to look at the protection of personal information…
Shareholder agreements often contain compulsory buy-back clauses that provide for the eviction of a shareholder and the repurchase of his shares at a price lower than their real value, particularly when the shareholder has committed a criminal offence or has defrauded the company. Such clauses may also apply in the…
Treating one's colleagues with respect is an ethical obligation for the professional in the performance of his or her duties. This obligation of respect is derived from section 59.2 of the Professional Code: "No professional may engage in an act derogatory to the honour or dignity of his profession or…
The Quebec government's Bill 96 was assented to by the Lieutenant-Governor on June 1 and is now called the Act respecting French, the official and common language of Québec. With this new law, the government has amended several provisions of the Charter of the French Language1 (hereinafter referred to as…
Can an e-mail serve as a will? The advent and democratization of the use of technological tools brings its share of legal questions. In the Bitton case1, the Superior Court considered the validity of an e-mail as a means of expressing the last wishes of a deceased person. The Law…
Can freedom of speech be limited by a professional's ethical obligations? This is what the Conseil de discipline des comptables professionnels agréés du Québec (hereinafter, the "Conseil") answered in a recent decision1. In this case, the Syndic Adjoint of the Ordre des comptables professionnels agréés du Québec filed a complaint…