Happy May- it may not feel like Spring- but this is what our calendar tells us. Now Census data tells us that the number of seniors over age 85 is expected to triple in the next 25 years- YIKES. The Atlantic provinces will have the highest proportion of seniors (over…
I have found it uncommon for a family member or beneficiary to exert undue influence to pressure a patient to pursue MAiD. What worries me is the vulnerability of patients to undue influence from physicians who may embrace therapeutic nihilism and bias patients unduly towards MAiD. I suggest that, for capacity to consent to MAiD, the test of “ability to appreciate” should be expanded to require an appreciation of the views and wishes of supportive family members and friends.
This blog was written by Adam Settecase We are living in the hyper-digital age. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the formalities for executing wills have been modified in many jurisdictions to allow for virtual witnessing via videoconference. An attestation by a witness who is not even remotely in…
The background to the unopposed motion was lurid: a prominent lawyer cut down before her time and a last-minute Las Vegas marriage to a former Russian child star. In Estate of Tanya Claudia Davies, 2022 ONSC 2009, the court stayed an application for a certificate of appointment of estate trustee…
I spent much time yesterday reading the National Standard of Canada guidelines from the Health Standards Organization draft report on developing new standards for Long Term Care. This draft document is titled “Long-Term Care Services” (CAN/HSO 21001:2022). I also read the Globe and Mail and Toronto Star articles nicely packaged…
Last week, my colleague Yvonne Mazurak wrote a blog post about a recently-released television show, And Just Like That, discussing the estate planning issues highlighted by the events of the show. So, I thought I would provide a bit of a television recommendation show of my own…although my taste is…
Today’s blog has been written by Jessica J. Butler, Law Clerk at Fasken LLP Betty Marion White was born on January 17, 1922 and passed away at her home on December 31, 2021 – just 17 days shy of her 100th birthday. “I feel like crawling under the covers and eating…
Betty White was one of those rare celebrities that everyone loved. Working in the estate industry, we can’t help but talk about the wills of the rich and famous. You would be surprised to know about the planning considerations that have come up with Betty’s estimated $75 million dollar estate….
Do digital assets e.g. cryptocurrencies (such as bitcoin, ethereum) non-fungible tokens, qualify as investments in deferred tax vehicles such as Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSP’s), Tax Free Savings Accounts (TFSA’s), Registered Education Savings Plans (RESP’s) and Registered Disability Savings Plan (“RDSP’s). The simple answer is no and maybe. This issue…
This month there has been several very interesting announcements relating to Long Term Care. On a Federal level, Kamal Khera is the new Minister of Seniors. Mr. Raymond Cho, continues on as Ontario Minister of Seniors and Accessibility, although I have not heard or seen much from his office. I wonder…