Media
Osler lawyer’s efforts make traffic court disclosure the norm for self-represented litigants in Ontario
Financial Post, December 17, 2014Print
URL: https://www.osler.com/en/about-us/press-room/2014/osler-lawyer-s-efforts-make-traffic-court-disclosu
The pro bono efforts of Mary Paterson, a lawyer in Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt’s Toronto office, have been instrumental in making Crown disclosure a reality for self-represented litigants in Ontario’s traffic court.
Turnaround Management Association Names Sale of Arctic Glacier as Transaction of the Year
Osler, September 9, 2013Online
URL: https://www.osler.com/en/about-us/press-room/2013/turnaround-management-association-names-sale-of-ar
We are proud to announce that the Turnaround Management Association (TMA) has awarded the Transaction of the Year, in the mid-size company category, to the sale of Arctic Glacier.
SCC issues ‘big change’ to contract law – Sattva gives last word to trial judges, arbitrators
Law Times, August 11, 2014Online
URL: https://www.osler.com/en/about-us/press-room/2014/scc-issues-‘big-change-to-contract-law-–-sattva-g
Arbitrators and trial judges should have the last word in most cases that turn on the interpretation of contracts, the Supreme Court of Canada has found.
Court of Appeal Overturns Pet Valu Decision: Class Members Can Openly Debate Opting Out Without Invalidating Opt-Out Period -
Financial Post, May 8, 2013Online
URL: https://www.osler.com/en/about-us/press-room/2013/court-of-appeal-overturns-pet-valu-decision-class
The decision in 1250264 Ontario Inc. v. Pet Valu Canada Inc. is important because it confirms that the deadline for opt-out periods is effectively carved in stone. It also grants dissident plaintiffs greater liberty in how they voice their opinions over the suit.
Your First Civil Trial 2016: Procedural Tips for Trial Preparation
Published by Ontario Bar Association
March 22, 2016
At this half-day program, prominent litigators share with you their time-tested strategies and practical advice on topics ranging from preparing your case to the closing argument.
URL: https://www.oba.org/Sections/Young-Lawyers-Division/Resources/Resources/Your-First-Civil-Trial-2016
Supreme Court Focuses on Getting to the Merits
Published by Colloque National Sur Les Recours Collectifs: Editions Yvon Blais
March 26, 2015
The Supreme Court of Canada's trilogy in late 2013 focused on getting to the merits of class proceedings more efficiently. This article considers how the courts in common law provinces implemented these directives in 2014, with a focus on evidentiary requirements, preferable procedure analysis and refinement of common issues. We also discuss how the efficiency principle is affecting procedural rulings in cross-border cases and driving increased use of summary procedures in class actions. We will continue to watch these developing trends in 2015.
Supreme Court of Canada Limits the Right to Appeal Commercial Arbitral Decisions: Contractual Interpretation Is a Question of Mixed Fact and Law
Published by Commercial Litigation and Arbitration Review
August 1, 2014
On August 1, 2014, the Supreme Court of Canada (the “S.C.C.”) changed the landscape of arbitral and appellate advocacy in contractual disputes.
Tax disputes on the rise as government increases audit resources
Published by Osler Year in Review
December 6, 2016
In response to mounting public concern over tax avoidance and evasion, the federal government in Budget 2016 announced the dedication of an additional $444.4 million to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) over the next five years to combat these issues. A Standing Committee on Finance was convened to study the CRA’s efforts in this regard. The federal funds are slated for hiring additional auditors and specialists and combatting criminal tax evasion, and are expected to generate an additional $2.6 billion in revenue for the federal government.
Sattva Capital Corp. v. Creston Moly Corp.: Are Issues of Contractual Interpretation Certifiable in Class Proceedings as Common Issues?
Published by Bank & Finance Law Review
Issues of contractual interpretation have been routinely certified as common issues in class proceedings, often with very little analysis.
URL: http://search.proquest.com/openview/965e8b8a29f07b7bde36d3357643bec1/1?pq-origsite=gscholar
Procedural Tips for Trial Preparation
Published by OBA Young Lawyers Division: Your First Civil Trial Conference
March 6, 2015
Mary presented best practices for trial preparation checklists, witness interviews and preparation, requests to admit, Evidence Act requirements, and courtroom procedure. For copies of her paper, please contact her.
URL: http://www.oba.org/CBAMediaLibrary/cba_on/pdf/PD/2015/15CIV0306C.pdf
Ontario Court of Appeal upholds liability for tort of intentional interference with economic relations
Published by Osler Update
March 11, 2016
The Ontario Court of Appeal has now emphasized that the tort of intentional interference with economic relations has narrow applicability, but does occur. In its March 2, 2016 decision in Grand Financial Management Inc. v. Solemio Transportation Inc., the Court considered a case in which one party (Grand Financial) threatened to put another (Solemio) out of business. Grand Financial also sought to disrupt Solemio’s business by influencing the actions of a third party (Arnold Bros.) and illegitimately seizing security interests held by another third party (RBC).
Arbitral Award Not Enforced Because Service Was Ineffective
Published by The Advocates’ Society Communities: Arbitration and Mediation
January 27, 2016
The Ontario Court of Appeal recently refused to allow enforcement of an arbitral award because the Notice of Application seeking enforcement was not properly served on a foreign state under the State Immunity Act (“SIA").
URL: http://community.advocates.ca/group.htm?mode=gvb&igid=29112&op=ViewArticle&articleId=380&blogId=27
Alberta court grants Encana’s application for a stay of action and referral to arbitration
Published by Osler Update
April 22, 2016
On April 12, 2016, the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench stayed an action started by Toyota Tsusho Wheatland Inc. (TTWI) against Encana Corporation (Encana) and referred the vast majority of the claims to arbitration. The Court’s decision, reported in Toyota Tsusho Wheatland Inc. v. Encana Corporation, 2016 ABQB 209, upholds the contractual autonomy of parties to have their disputes determined by mandatory arbitration, even where the arbitration touches on the interests of third parties not privy to the arbitration agreement.
1196303 Inc.v. Glen Grove Suites Inc.: Using Privity and Agency to Hold Third Parties Liable
Published by Toronto Law Journal
March 15, 2016
The Ontario Court of Appeal’s August 2015 decision in 1196303 Inc. v. Glen Grove Suites Inc. held that a non-party to a settlement agreement, Glen Grove Suites Inc. (“Glen Grove”), was bound to obligations pursuant to that agreement.
Biography
Mary Paterson has appeared in the Ontario Court of Appeal, the Ontario Superior Court (including the Commercial List), the Federal Court, the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench, the Manitoba Court of Queen’s Bench, the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Tax Court of Canada.
Recognition/Reconnaissance
Recognized as a Future Star by Benchmark Litigation Canada in 2015. | Professional
Benchmark Litigation Canada, 2015 Recognized for her pro bono work on behalf of a UN employee who obtained widower’s benefit after his same-sex partner died while working for the UN. Precedent setting case was recognized by Lexpert Magazine’s Zenith Award in 2011.
Additional Titles and Affiliations
The Osgoode Society
Law Society of Upper Canada
Director Project Work
Past Talks
Walking the Tightrope: How to Manage Risk Today to Prevent Tomorrow's Class Action (Speaker)
Osler Client Program
[/types], October 1, 2015
Class Action Preparedness Brief - Multijurisdictional Matters (Speaker)
Osler Client Program, Class Actions
[/types], October 26, 2015