NG Legal Services Professional Corporation

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many legal proceedings were conducted virtually through video conferencing platforms like Zoom to comply with social distancing measures. Even as the pandemic comes under control, the legal system is likely to continue with some level of virtual proceedings. However, the use of such platforms has also raised several legal issues that must be addressed in the post-pandemic world. Privacy and Security One of the significant legal issues with using video conferencing platforms for legal proceedings is privacy and security. While virtual proceedings are convenient, they raise concerns about unauthorized access to meetings and recordings. The Law Society of Ontario has issued guidelines for lawyers and paralegals to follow, including using secure platforms, allowing only authorized participants to attend, and obtaining participants' consent to record meetings. Access to Justice Another issue is the potential impact on access to justice. Virtual proc...

As we move further into the second quarter of 2023, homeowners in Ontario Canada face an increased likelihood of forced home sales due to rising interest rates. The Bank of Canada has been gradually raising interest rates over the past few years, and this trend is expected to continue in the coming months. We will explore the potential hazards of rising interest rates and forced home sales and offer some recommendations for homeowners to minimize these risks. A major danger associated with increasing interest rates is the elevated cost of borrowing. When interest rates go up, so does the cost of borrowing, making mortgage payments more expensive for homeowners. This can cause financial strain for homeowners who may find it difficult to make their mortgage payments, potentially leading to a default and a forced home sale. Another danger of rising interest rates is the impact on home values. As interest rates climb, it becomes more expensive for potential buyers to borrow money to purcha...