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Many homeowner or tenant liability policies cover dog‑bite injuries. If there is no applicable insurance, the owner can be personally responsible for damages. Early notice to insurers is important.

Most injury lawsuits must be started within two years of when you knew or should have known you had a claim. Notice issues and special facts can change the timing—get advice promptly.

Many LTD policies use a two‑stage test: for about the first 24 months, you must be unable to perform the essential duties of your own occupation; after that, you must be unable to perform any occupation suited to your education, training, and experience. The exact wording of your policy controls, so read it carefully.

You may appeal internally to the insurer and/or start a legal claim. The best route depends on your policy, deadlines, and medical evidence. Strengthen your file with clear medical opinions tied to the policy definitions, consistent treatment, and complete functional limitations.

Many LTD policies require you to apply for CPP Disability. If you’re approved, your LTD benefit is often reduced (offset) by the CPP‑D amount, but you still receive combined income. Your policy will set the rules.

STD is an employer or insurer plan that replaces a portion of your income during a short medical leave; each plan has its own rules and medical requirements. EI Sickness is a federal program that can pay up to 26 weeks at 55% of your average insurable earnings, up to a weekly maximum that the government updates periodically. Some employers coordinate STD with EI—check your plan documents.

Often these benefits are coordinated so there’s no double payment. Your STD plan may require you to apply for EI Sickness, and any EI amounts may be deducted from STD or vice versa. Read your plan and ask HR for details.

Clear diagnosis, objective findings where available, consistent treatment records, and a functional‑ability opinion that explains why you cannot perform essential job duties (or any suitable work) carry the most weight. Consistency between your healthcare providers’ notes and your forms is crucial.

You must be under 65, have made sufficient CPP contributions, and have a disability that is both severe (regularly prevents you from working) and prolonged (long‑term or likely to result in death). Evidence from your treating provider is required.

Apply online or by paper. You complete the application and questionnaires, and your doctor or nurse practitioner submits the Medical Report. Keep copies of everything and follow up to confirm receipt; applications can take several months to assess.

Limited or trial work may be possible, but sustained earnings above an annually reviewed “substantially gainful” level can lead to reassessment and possible termination of benefits. If you plan to try working, get advice first and keep Service Canada informed.

A critical illness policy pays a tax‑free lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a covered condition and meet the policy’s exact wording (including any survival period). It’s designed to help with treatment costs, lost income, or lifestyle changes following a serious diagnosis.

Frequent reasons include: the diagnosis doesn’t meet the policy’s definition, the condition is excluded (pre‑existing or otherwise), medical records conflict with the claimed condition or timing, or there were application misstatements. Carefully match your medical evidence to the policy’s definitions and timelines.

Request the denial in writing, gather supporting medical opinions that address the specific policy wording, and use any internal appeal process. If still denied, consider legal action within the applicable limitation period.

Family members defined by law—often including spouse, children, parents, siblings, and sometimes grandparents—may bring a claim for their losses arising from the death. These losses can include loss of guidance, care, and companionship, funeral expenses, loss of services, and related financial damages.

Potential compensation includes funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support and household services, costs of grief counselling where appropriate, and loss of guidance, care, and companionship. The amounts depend on the evidence and relationships involved.

Act quickly. The general two‑year limitation period may apply, but some claims have shorter notice requirements depending on the parties involved (for example, municipalities). Early legal advice helps protect your rights.

It’s not legally required, but professional drafting reduces errors, tax pitfalls, and future disputes. A lawyer can also advise on guardianship for minors, selecting executors, beneficiary designations, and strategies to keep your estate plan up to date.

“Probate” refers to the court process of confirming a will and appointing an estate trustee (executor). The court issues a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee, which financial institutions and others rely on to release assets and allow administration of the estate.

Provincial intestacy rules decide who administers the estate and who inherits, which may not reflect the person’s wishes. The process can be more complex, slower, and costlier than if there were a valid will.

Minimum Employment Standards Act (ESA) entitlements depend on your length of service and other factors. Separate “severance pay” may apply if additional criteria are met. Beyond ESA minimums, you may be entitled to much more at common law based on age, position, length of service, and job market—get advice before signing anything.

Most employees are entitled to overtime after a set number of hours per week (many at 44 hours), but there are exemptions and special rules. Check the ESA and any employment contract or collective agreement that applies to you.

Not before you understand your rights. Deadlines to accept an offer are often short, but you usually have time to obtain legal advice. Once you sign a release, it’s hard to undo—get advice first.

Negotiation, mediation, and arbitration can resolve many disputes faster and at lower cost than a full trial. Mediation is widely used in civil cases and can be scheduled early to explore settlement while evidence is gathered.

Smaller money or property disputes can proceed in Small Claims Court (with a set monetary limit). Larger or more complex cases are heard in the Superior Court of Justice, using either ordinary or simplified procedures depending on the claim size and issues.

Typical steps include: pleadings (claim/defence), document exchange and examinations for discovery, mediation/settlement events, pre‑trial conference, and trial. Many cases settle before trial once the facts and risks are clear.

Fee structures vary—hourly billing, flat fees for defined steps, contingency fees for certain injury cases, and hybrid options. Ask for a written retainer agreement explaining rates, disbursements, taxes, and how cost awards (if any) are handled.

Common pathways include Express Entry (such as the Canadian Experience Class for those with skilled Canadian work), family sponsorship, and provincial nominee programs. Each has specific eligibility rules around education, language, work experience, and admissibility.

Yes—eligible sponsors can apply to bring a spouse/partner and certain close relatives as permanent residents. Sponsors must meet income and undertaking requirements, and the applicant must be admissible (medical, criminal, security).

If your work permit names a specific employer, you generally must apply for a new work permit before changing employers. Some programs have streamlined steps; always check the conditions on your current permit.

An open work permit lets you work for most employers without getting a new permit each time (subject to conditions and program eligibility). Examples include certain post‑graduation work permits and spousal open work permits linked to study or skilled work.