The Responsible Housing Provider – lessons from court

July 21st, 2014 by Celia Chandler

We are often called on to give advice about neighbours who behave towards each other in ways that are less than constructive.  In previous blogs, we’ve referred to these neighbours as “the unco‑operative co‑oper”. But of course, unneighbourly behaviour goes way beyond the walls of housing co‑ops.   Landlords, condo boards, and boards of co‑ownerships are also routinely called upon to monitor behaviour that does not conform to the community standard.  Relationships that began cordially enough sometimes become tense over a simple misunderstanding and then left unchecked, tensions blossom into full disputes.

What should housing providers do?  Continue reading “The Responsible Housing Provider – lessons from court”

Brian Iler holds councillor Mammoliti accountable for improper fundraising

July 18th, 2014 by Iler Campbell

Brian was recently in the news after his complaint to Toronto’s integrity commissioner resulted in city councillor Giorgio Mammoliti, being docked three months of pay for violating council’s rules on accepting gifts and benefits.

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First Decision of the LTB related under Eviction Law Reform

July 9th, 2014 by Celia Chandler

On July 3, 2014,  a Hearing Officer with the Landlord and Tenant issued what we believe to be the first order of the LTB under the new co‑op eviction system – the file number is TNC‑00001‑14.

Continue reading “First Decision of the LTB related under Eviction Law Reform”

Elder Law: Law Commission to Consult the Public on Capacity Issues

July 8th, 2014 by Lauren Blumas

Making decisions on behalf of an elderly family member as he or she becomes incapable of doing so is a familiar issue for many of our clients. This is particularly fragile territory for housing providers as their tenant and member populations age. They have the tough job of working with tenants and members and their families as the issue of incapacity arises. This can lead to major conflict, some of which ends up in the courts.

Continue reading “Elder Law: Law Commission to Consult the Public on Capacity Issues”

Ontario Not‑for‑Profit Corporations Act – Not expected to come into force until 2016

July 7th, 2014 by Shelina Ali

With the recent provincial election, a bill containing amendments to the Ontario Not‑Profit Corporations Act (ONCA) died.  These amendments will now need to be put before the legislature in the form a new bill.  As a result, the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services states that ONCA is not expected to come into force before 2016.

Provincially incorporated organizations now have lots of time to familiarize themselves with ONCA.   Below are some helpful resources to assist organizations:

http://www.sse.gov.on.ca/mcs/en/pages/not_for_profit.aspx

http://theonn.ca/understanding-onca/

http://nonprofitlaw.cleo.on.ca/

Ontario Human Rights Commission launches policy on preventing discrimination based on mental health disabilities and addictions

June 18th, 2014 by Celia Chandler

This morning the Human Rights Commission formally launched its “Policy on Preventing Discrimination based on Mental Health Disabilities and Addictions.”  The policy is the product of many years’ work and flows directly from the Commission report, “Minds That Matter:  Report on the consultation on human rights, mental health and addictions”, a report, released in 2012, that made 54 recommendations in the areas of government, housing employment and services.

Continue reading “Ontario Human Rights Commission launches policy on preventing discrimination based on mental health disabilities and addictions”