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News & Publications


Judson recognized as a 2026 Benchmark Litigation Star
Join us in celebrating Douglas W. Judson for his recognition as a 2026 Benchmark Canada Litigation Star. A Benchmark Litigation Star is a top-tier lawyer recognized by Benchmark Litigation for having an exceptional reputation, strong case record, and positive client feedback in litigation and dispute resolution. This distinction is based on peer reviews and in-depth analysis of high-stakes, impactful cases. Benchmark Litigation is the only legal accreditation publication on t
Apr 29


Court awards occupation rent to part-owners and strikes defences as abuse of process
Case Summary Jolicouer et al v. Scheibler, Court File No. SC-24-00000030-0000 (Fort Frances) On April 6, 2026, the Ontario Small Claims Court awarded nearly $30,000 in occupation rent to the two-thirds owners of a rural home that had been occupied by the trustee of the estate that owned the remaining one-third. The trustee had unlawfully occupied the home for nearly five years before being evicted by court order in June 2023. The decision is a useful—and at times striking—i
Apr 20


Court denies airlines' intervention in air passenger rights case
Case Summary Air Passenger Rights v. Attorney General of Canada, Court File No. CV-25-00100065-0000 (Ottawa) The Ontario Superior Court of Justice has dismissed a motion by four of Canada's major airlines for leave to intervene in a Charter application commenced by Air Passenger Rights (APR). APR is small, volunteer-driven not-for-profit advocate for Canadian air travellers. The motion, brought by Air Canada, WestJet, Jazz Aviation LP, Air Transat, and the National Airlines C
Mar 14


Judson Howie LLP Welcomes Law Student Silas Young
Announcement For immediate release: January 8, 2026 Judson Howie LLP is pleased to announce that Silas Young has joined the firm to complete his law school integrated practice placement. Silas Young (he/him) is completing his legal studies with us, as a part of the curriculum at the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law. Silas has gained a wealth of legal experience by working as a caseworker for the criminal and provincial offences division of Lakehead University Community Legal
Jan 8


Pride marks anniversary of human rights victory by suing online harassers
Media Release For immediate release: December 1, 2025 A small Pride organization in Northwestern Ontario and one of its corporate directors have launched multiple legal proceedings in response to a wave of harassment, death threats, and other reprisals that followed their landmark human rights victory against a local municipality last year. Background On November 20, 2024, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario released Borderland Pride v. The Corporation of the Township o
Dec 1, 2025


Court orders self-rep to remove online libels of opposing counsel
Case Summary Judson Howie LLP et al v. Blackwell, 2025 ONSC 6689 In Judson Howie LLP et al v. Blackwell , 2025 ONSC 6689 , Newton RSJ granted our firm’s application for a permanent injunction requiring the respondent—a self-represented litigant—to remove from publication more than one hundred defamatory online publications about our firm and its named partners. The respondent's publications appeared after the court had ordered a substantial defamation judgment against him, in
Nov 28, 2025


Lawyers React to Proposed Provincial Bail Reforms
Statement For immediate release: November 25, 2025 Peter A. Howie, a partner with Judson Howie LLP, made the following statement in response to the Government of Ontario's proposed bail reform (which were announced on November 24, 2025): "Fort Frances and the Rainy River District are reeling from the impact of the opioid crisis, which disproportionately affects the First Nations people in the region. Generally, people feel less safe than they did before the pandemic. It is u
Nov 25, 2025


Police inspector's libel suit against law student dismissed as SLAPP
Case Summary Cunningham v. Gibson, 2025 ONSC 5504 The Ontario Superior Court of Justice has dismissed a libel action brought by a Thunder...
Sep 26, 2025


Judson Howie LLP Welcomes Law Student Katelynn Rookes
Announcement For immediate release: September 11, 2025 Judson Howie LLP is pleased to announce that Katelynn Rookes has joined the firm...
Sep 11, 2025


Cassandra Spade awarded Justice Abella Prize
Announcement For immediate release: September 9, 2025 Judson Howie LLP is proud to announce that incoming associate lawyer Cassandra Spade...
Sep 9, 2025


Victim's family reacts to killer nurse's professional discipline
Statement on Behalf of a Client For immediate release: August 21, 2025 The following statement is issued on behalf of Melvin Fletcher...
Aug 21, 2025


Judson Howie marks 5th court victory against "groomer" libels
Media Release For immediate release: August 19, 2025 This week Judson Howie LLP marked its fifth consecutive court victory since December...
Aug 19, 2025


$1.75M in damages awarded to sexual health advocates smeared as “groomers”
Case Summary CATIE et al v. Blackwell, 2025 ONSC 4678 The Ontario Superior Court of Justice has awarded $1.75 million in damages, plus...
Aug 19, 2025


Judson recognized for leadership in 2SLGBTQ+ rights advocacy
Announcement For immediate release: July 27, 2025 On July 17, 2025, the Canadian Association of LGBTQ2S+ Lawyers (CALL) recognized...
Jul 27, 2025


Law Firm Denounces Practice Interference by Police and Prosecutors
Statement from Judson Howie LLP For immediate release: May 14, 2025 Judson Howie LLP says police 'investigation' of defence counsel for...
May 14, 2025


May 8, 2025


Statement on Behalf of Deputy Grand Chief Narcisse
Statement on Behalf of a Client For immediate release: April 15, 2025 Judson Howie LLP has been retained by Deputy Grand Chief Bobby...
Apr 15, 2025


Defendant in libel suit ordered to pay $68K in costs to drag performers
Case Summary Rainbow Alliance Dryden et al v. Webster and Crichton et al v. Webster, 2025 ONSC 2164 The Ontario Superior Court of Justice...
Apr 7, 2025


Court adjusts distribution of mother’s estate to account for defrauding of father’s estate
Case Summary Spellman v. Spellman, 2025 ONSC 1187 A six-year, multi-province estate heist has ended with an Ontario court modifying the...
Feb 22, 2025
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