Unlike the U.S. castle doctrine, Canadian law does not presume that a homeowner can automatically use force when an intruder enters. Instead, the Criminal Code (ss. 34–35) requires that several conditions be met. 1. Assess the Situation The homeowner must first believe, on reasonable grounds, that they or another person are being threatened with force, […]
At Rabideau Law, we spend much of our time helping clients secure and protect their real estate. For many Canadians, their home is their most important asset—financially and emotionally. But when it comes to defending that property from intruders, Canadian law takes a very different approach than the United States. In the U.S., most states […]
When it comes to launching a private investment fund, one structure stands out: the Limited Partnership (LP) with a General Partner (GP). It’s flexible, investor-friendly, and — when done right — highly tax efficient. At Rabideau Law, we help clients build these structures from the ground up to raise capital, protect the general partner, and […]
Private equity isn’t just a buzzword thrown around on Bay Street — it’s a powerful investment model that’s reshaping how Canadians build wealth, fund businesses, and diversify portfolios. At Rabideau Law, we help clients cut through the complexity and launch investment structures designed for long-term success. Whether you’re an entrepreneur raising capital or an investor […]
Separation marks a major transition, not just emotionally, but also financially and legally. One of the most common questions we receive is whether someone can buy a new home in Ontario after separation but before a divorce is finalized, especially when no separation agreement has been signed. The short answer is yes. Yes, you can […]
As housing affordability continues to dominate national headlines, one proposed federal measure could offer immediate relief for many homebuyers: a full GST rebate on newly built homes priced up to $1 million. If enacted, this would represent a major update to Canada’s long-standing Goods and Services Tax (GST) housing rebate rules under the Excise Tax […]
The new Build Canada Homes initiative signals a return to direct federal participation—on public land, with federal coordination and financing, and through partnerships with private builders. While the details are still emerging, the core promise is bold: to double the country’s homebuilding output. But will it work? The answer depends on several key factors: 1. […]
Canada’s housing affordability crisis is not new, but a new national initiative, Build Canada Homes, aims to tackle it head-on. Set to launch later in 2025, the program is part of a larger federal strategy to double the country’s annual housing output to 500,000 homes per year. The government plans to act as a developer […]
A recent decision by the Tax Court of Canada has made it clear that turning your long-term rental into an Airbnb could trigger a significant and unexpected GST/HST liability on resale. In 1351231 Ontario Inc. v. The King, 2024 TCC 37, the Court upheld a CRA assessment of over $80,000 in GST/HST, finding that a […]
Can someone really take ownership of your land just by using it long enough? In Ontario, under specific conditions, the answer is yes. The legal doctrine of adverse possession—often dubbed “squatter’s rights”—remains valid, though its application has narrowed significantly in recent decades. As courts continue to strictly interpret these claims, a recent case from 2025 […]