Use Siri Dictation Commands to Punctuate Your Life (Or at Very Least, Your Email)

BY GARRY J. WISE
I’ve previously blogged at Slaw Tips on the virtues of using Siri’s dictation functions to draft letters, emails and other documents typically created in day-to-day legal practice.

In short, dictation with Siri has increased my productivity, precision  and the overall quality of my work product.

For those who are similarly inclined, I wanted to share a great list of Siri commands that can be used for punctuating as you dictate.  With kudos and credit to iPhone Tricks, here is a partial excerpt:

Punctuation and Commands

Below you can find an extended list of punctuation and commands that iPhone’s voice recognition software can detect and apply.

Command                   Result
Period (Full stop).              .
Comma.                             ,
Exclamation point.             !
Question mark.                 ?
Colon.                                :
Semi-colon.                       ;
Dash (Hyphen)                 –
Forward slash.                  /
Equal sign                         =
Dollar sign                        $
Euro sign                          €
Percent sign                     %
Registered sign                ®
Copyright sign                  ©
Trademark sign               ™
Ampersand                       &;
Smiley                              
Open quote                       “
Close quote                      “
Open / Close paranthesis.             ( / )
Open / Close brackets                   [ / ]
Open / Close curly bracket.           { / }
New line                                         new line
New paragraph                              new pgh

Another good list of Siri Dictation Commands is here via CrushApps.

Sorry if the iPhone-centricity of this post has left anyone feeling bored or left out. Android and Blackberry users, feel free to entertain yourselves here.

(Cross posted at Slaw Tips)

- Garry J. Wise, Toronto

Visit our Toronto Law Office website: www.wiselaw.net

Ontario First Time Home Buyers' Programs: A Primer

BY VARUN ROBBY SHARMA, ASSOCIATE LAWYER

Those purchasing real estate for the first time will quickly realize that the costs can add up quite fast !

Luckily, there are some government programs in place to assist first-time home buyers. 

Here is our primer on these programs.

1. First-time Home Buyers' Tax Credit (HBTC)

The HBTC provides a new, non refundable tax credit mechanism  for certain home buyers  who purchased a home after January 27, 2009. 

The general requirement is that you may qualify for HBTC if: 

• you or your spouse / common law partner acquire a qualifying home; and 

• you did not live in another home owned by you or your spouse / common law partner in the year of acquisition or in any of the four preceding years. 

Further details and requirements of the HBTC can be found here.

2. Home Buyers' Plan (HBP)

Under this federal government initiative, you may borrow up to $ 25,000.00 tax free from your RRSP to fund your purchase. 

It is important to note that you must intend to occupy the property as your principal place of residence within one year of buying or building the home. 

If both you and your spouse qualifies, you may each borrow $ 25,000 from your RRSPs for a total of $ 50,000. 

The Home Buyers' Plan requires that you are either a first time buyer or if, in a four year period, you did not live in a home owned either by you or your spouse. 

The HBP requires that you repay the money borrowed from the RRSP within 15 years. 

Full details of the HBP can be found here. 

3. Ontario Land Transfer Tax Rebate

To help ease the burden of land transfer tax on first-time home buyers, the government of Ontario offers a refund of up to $ 2,000.00. 

In order to qualify, you: 

• must be at least 18 years old;

• must occupy the home as your principal residence within nine months of the date of transfer;

• cannot have ever owned an eligible home, or an interest in an eligible home, anywhere in the world 

Further requirements and particulars can be found here. 

4. Toronto Municipal Land Transfer Tax Rebate

Purchase of a property in the City of Toronto attracts a separate land transfer tax, effectively creating a double tax for those wishing to live in the city. However, the municipal government also offers a rebate mechanism of up to $ 3,725.00 for the tax for a first-time purchaser of a newly constructed or re-sale residential property. 

The definition of a first-time purchaser is: 

• The purchaser is at least 18 years of age; 

• The pruchaser must occupy the home as his / her principal residence within nine months after closing; 

• the purchaser cannot have previously owned a home, or had any ownership interest in a home, anywhere in the world, at any time; 

• if the purchaser has a spouse, the spouse cannot have owned a home, nor had any ownership interest in a home, anywhere in the world while he / she was the purchaser's spouse. If this is not the case, no rebate is available to either spouse.

Further information and requirements can be found here: 

At Wise Law, our Toronto real estate lawyers are available to assist you with further information about these programs and incentives.  Visit our website for more information. 

Please note that when completing a real estate closing, we may be able to claim your land transfer rebate directly through the Teraview software at the time of closing.

-Varun Robby Sharma, Associate Lawyer

Flooding of Dollars at Muskoka Waterfronts

BY VARUN ROBBY SHARMA, ASSOCIATE LAWYER

After a long and difficult winter and with warmer days ahead, spending time in a picturesque and well-maintained property right on the water's edge sounds ideal to many Canadians. 

For those wishing to realize their dreams, the District of Muskoka appears to have it all. 

A recent Toronto Star article highlighted the growing demand for luxury waterfront real estate in Muskoka. Surrounded by the big three of Lake Joseph, Lake Rosseau, and Lake Muskoka, Sothby's Realtor Ross Halloran states that there's a renewed interest in Muskoka, an area which is now also known internationally. 

In citing Christie's Interational Real Estate global luxury white paper, Halloran provides that there has been a 66 per cent increase in high-end Muskoka waterfront purchases in 2014 over 2013. Much of this is attributed to the weak Canadian dollar along with growing international interest. 

The article provides that sales of properties over $ 2 million have hit a record high in 2014. The pace seems to have been even faster this year with 27 waterfront properties being sold along the big three Muskoka-area lakes, when compared to only 17 waterfront sales year over year. Storey Badger, a realtor in the Muskoka area believes that with the type of volume taking place, this year can set new records.  

With renewed interest within both the GTA as well as internationally, it is no wonder some are calling the region "Hamptons of the North" for luxury cottages. 

If you are buying or selling a cottage, our Toronto real estate lawyers can provide you with closing services and ensure a smooth closing process. Visit our website for more information. 

- Varun Robby Sharma, Associate Lawyer

Canadian Real Estate Trends 2015

BY VARUN ROBBY SHARMA, ASSOCIATE LAWYER

With the spring real estate season in full bloom, we track trends within the real estate industry. The Globe and Mail has recently reported that despite reaching a new peak last month, growth in the Canadian real estate market appears to be slowingin comparison to the year before. 

The Teranet-National Bank House Price Index reported its weakest April with a rise of only 0.2 per cent from March. Compared to March, which saw a year over year growth of 4.7 per cent, April reflected a slowdown with a gain of only 4.4 per cent when compared to the same month last year. 

Although not framed as a cause for concern, the index has reported its weakest April (excluding 2009 recession) since its 17 year tracking history. The driving factors are noted to be the real estate markets of the big cities like Toronto and Vancouver, combining for nearly half the national average. 

Despite the hot hand of the Toronto and Vancouver markets, other Canadian cities appear to be lagging behind seeing an annual gain of only 3.4% without the two major contributors. 

Whether the market is hot or slow, our Toronto real estate lawyers assist with all your real estate needs, including buying, selling, refinancing as well as title transfer services. 

Visit our website for more information.  We invite you to contact us for you real estate law needs. 

- Varun Robby Sharma, Associate Lawyer

==============================================

Sources: 

1. http://www.bnn.ca/News/2015/5/13/Home-prices-reach-new-peak-but-growth-slows.aspx

2. http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/average-house-price-in-canada-up-9-5-to-448-862-1.3075567

Points to Consider When Buying Into an Existing Company

BY VARUN ROBBY SHARMA, ASSOCIATE LAWYER

Lawyers often get inquiries from potential clients related to a proposed arrangement where an individual is offered a chance to tie up with an existing company. Often, the idea involves an exchange of shares for either some consideration and / or services to be provided. This may involve a shareholder agreement to be prepared on the person's behalf. 

If you find yourself in the middle of such a discussion, the questions listed below may guide you to make the right inquiries before confirming or committing to anything - either verbally or in writing. This information should then be taken to a business lawyer to assist you further.

The Business:

You want to gather various details of the business including, but not limited to:  

• How long has it been operation?

• How does it stand financially? Profit / loss in previous year and since existence. 

• How does the company generate business / leads?

• Is everything done locally or does it involve an out of province or international aspect (i.e. parts/ suppliers/ contacts)?

• Does it face or suffers from any liabilities / lawsuit?

• Is it incorporated federally / provincially and where does it operate from?

• Who is involved in the business ? Are there other parties and what are their roles in the business?

• Information re tax status: HST and Income tax. Are they up to date? Anything owing now or in previous years? Ideal to have it in good books of the CRA

• Company financial statements and income tax assessments for the last 3 years may be needed.

Your Role:

 Knowing what the other party's expectations are will provide clarity: 

• What is your role in the company? Is it strictly a sales role?

• Would you be an actual employee or independent contractor?

• Is yours to be a results based role (sales with commission) or will there be some other method of determining performance?

• What happens if you don't achieve certain targets - if imposed on you?

• How involved will you be in the company's day to day operation or from a management standpoint?

• Will you be required to participate in financing the business? To provide guarantees on loans etc.?

The Future: 

It will be important to figure out, as much as possible, where the company / business is heading: 

• What is the vision for the company?

• Where does the owner see it in: 1 year; 5 years?

• Are there any changes the owner can foresee if this arrangement is successful / unsuccessful?

Shares:

You may want an idea of what, if any, exchange is to take place: 

• What would be the potential percentage of the shares issued to you?

• What, if anything is the issuance of shares contingent on?

• Is there any expectation of capital upfront?

• Any special rights / privileges attached to the shares that the owner wants?

Additional: 

Any additional information will be of help: 

• Does the company use an existing accountant / lawyer - eventually we will require that information. 

• Do you retain the contacts that you may introduce to the company? 

Please note that the informatioin in this article is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. We urge you to consult with a business lawyer before entering into a transaction or agreement. 

At Wise Law Office. our business lawyers assist our clients with corporations and preparation of Shareholder Agreements.  Visit our website for more information on our services for businesses.

 - Varun Robby Sharma, Associate Lawyer

140 Law - Legal Headlines for Week of June 1, 2015

Here are the leading legal headlines from Wise Law on Twitter:

• Sorry Bell, accessing U.S. Netflix is not theft: Geist
• Toronto Mayor John Tory vows to end controversial carding tactic ‘once and for all’
• Manitoba family law changes bringing needed ‘clarity’
• LegalZoom files $10.5M antitrust suit against North Carolina bar, cites SCOTUS dental case
• Reconciling the Truth About Law Schools
• Kim Dotcom Wins Another Round in NZ Court
• ABA asks SCOTUS to overturn Florida law allowing divided juries to recommend death penalty
• Quebec bill calls animals ‘sentient beings’ and includes jail time for cruelty
• Omar Khadr should have served youth sentence, Supreme Court rules
• Legal Aid Lawyers Commence Action over Collective Bargaining
• Ontario cracking down on inappropriate use of police information
• Is the orgy planned for Trinity Bellwoods Park for real?
• Lien masters subordinate to judges, court finds
• Duffy trial lawyers squabble over confidential report - Toronto Sun
• Canada’s residential schools cultural genocide, Truth and Reconciliation commission says
• Communications breakdowns: When a lawyer has no sense of time
• LSUC ignored ‘binding precedent,’ argues TWU lawyer
• 2015 Law Society Award recipients share remarks
• Garth Drabinsky’s OSC hearing set for January
• You’d rather go after the Godfather: Judges admonishes Toronto for targeting Uber instead of its drivers
• Life without parole bill not likely to pass before election, MacKay says
• Tobacco firms ordered to pay Quebec smokers $15B in damages
• Warring parties in Robin Williams estate case make progress, with mediator’s help
• US Supreme Court says intent matters in Facebook threat case
• SCOTUS rules for hijab-wearing teen who sued Abercrombie for refusing to hire her
• Legal clinics plan to expand efforts to get justice for Ontario’s most vulnerable workers
• Lawyers fight ‘archaic’ ban on no-win no-fee arrangements in family court | The Toronto Star

- Rachel Spence, Law Clerk

Visit our Toronto Law Office website: www.wiselaw.net

140Law - Legal Headlines for the Week of May 18th

Here are the leading legal headlines from Wise Law on Twitter:

• Ex-Israeli Premier Olmert Sentenced to 8 Months in Prison
• Change in overtime rules could lead to more suits over worker emails sent outside work
• Risk management strategies to reduce your risk of a claim under the new Ontario Rule 48.14
• Sony Terms With Spotify Uncovered in Contract
• Ontario employers get slap on wrist for mistreating employees
• National Post Interview With Chief Justice of Canada Beverley McLachlin
• “I’m not totally satisfied”: Dalhousie professor on dentistry report
• Ontario judge finds police tone deaf about right to counsel
• Why aren’t violent bikers in Texas labelled ‘thugs,’ when looters in Baltimore are?
• Petition to Re-Instate the Ontario E-Laws Detailed Legislative History Tables
• Nebraska lawmakers vote to end death penalty
• RCMP makes preventative terror-related arrests in Montreal area
• Bank robber’s jail term slashed by Ontario court so he would avoid deportation to Syria

- Rachel Spence, Law Clerk & Office Manager

Visit our Toronto Law Office website: www.wiselaw.net

140Law - Recent Legal Headlines

Here are the leading legal headlines from Wise Law on Twitter:

• Employee tracking apps raise worker privacy questions
• Editorial: Law Society failing vulnerable refugee claimants | The Toronto Star
• Ontario Passes Protecting Child Performers Act | Entertainment & Media Law Signal
• Presiding at Same-Sex Wedding, Ruth Bader Ginsburg Emphasizes the Word ‘Constitution’
• Bid to force articling positions shot down at LSUC
• 192 Arrested in Waco Biker Killings
• Ontario court asked to find cops posing as journalists a charter breach
• Starbucks not liable for burns sustained by police officer, jury finds
• Court rejects WikiLeaks founder's appeal
• 'Enough is enough,' says suspended N.B. student after halter dress deemed a 'sexual distraction'
• Engineer's dismissal for 'FHRITP' video the latest in off-duty conduct firings trend
• Judge Awards $27,000 To Man Beaten In Toronto Police Carding Incident
• Victim surcharges 'entrench cyle of poverty': lawyer
• Video: Sonia Sotomayor On Vicious Infighting At The High Court
• Quebec school officials no longer allowed to strip search students
• CSIS can’t keep up with ‘daily’ state-sponsored cyber attacks
• SCC: Filing Suit Amid Suspension Isn’t Wilful Resignation
• Labour law experts weigh in on firing of heckler
• Ontario First: Inter Jurisdictional Spousal Support - Family and Matrimonial - Canada
• Ontario seeks input on reform of key labour and employment legislation - Lexology
• LAWPRO Magazine archives: Practice Pitfalls – Wills and Estates
• The internet is almost out of IP addresses. Expect delays
• Stop plucking scalp and pubic hair from sexual assault victims: N.S. advocates demand updated rape kit
• Law Society suspension adds to Brampton ex-MPP’s troubles | Toronto Star
• Ontario allowing employers to fire workers without cause
• Critics want to see changes to 'rent-a-cop' programs in Canadian cities - Toronto - CBC News
• Widow and ex-soldier injured in Afghanistan move for final judgment on $134M suit against Omar Khadr
• Refugee board members' rulings varied widely in 2014, data suggests
• Supreme Court ruling makes it easier for judges to deny bail - The Globe and Mail
• Tom Brady suspension appeal to be heard by NFL commissioner
• Mistrial declared after lawyer wouldn’t let client testify
• Supreme Court Justice Marshall Rothstein bids an impromptu public farewell - Toronto Star
• RCMP illegally destroyed long-gun registry records, information watchdog says
• Do courts award increases to base salary during notice period? - Lexology
• Surreptitious collection of DNA from water bottle lands N.C. lawyer for exonerated inmate in hot water
• UVA dean files defamation lawsuit against Rolling Stone
• Charge dropped against alleged B.C. terrorists
• SCC rejects argument Omar Khadr was adult offender - CTV News
• Looking at your cell phone while driving not breaking Sask. law: judge
• Why elder abuse remains a ‘hidden epidemic’: Goar
• Barring evangelical law school’s graduates ‘not reasonable,’ argues federal government
• Shooting victim Kofi Patrong wins right to sue Toronto police
• The New York Times–Facebook Deal Is Here
• Man wins lawsuit against Toronto police board after 'carding' incident
• Steve Montador's family plans to sue NHL: reports
• Toronto lawyer suspended for five months for misconduct involving Roma refugees - CBC.ca
• Judge says Facebook has right to sue DLA Piper, other law firms for representing now-fugitive Ceglia
• Bankruptcy court rulings divide up Nortel billions - The Globe and Mail
• Two of seven sexual assault charges withdrawn in Jian Ghomeshi case - The Globe and Mail
• U.K. Supreme Court to offer on-demand video service of past cases
• California woman sues employer after being fired for deleting location-tracking app
• Legal innovation summit attendees are long on ideas but short in data
• Three Ontario boards ask for high school strikes to be declared ‘unlawful’

- Rachel Spence

Visit our Toronto Law Office website: www.wiselaw.net

Migrating from Windows Live Mail to MS-Outlook

Which email client does your law office use?

I raise this question, as the purchase of a new computer for my desktop has necessitated the migration of all my emails – around 20 Gigs worth – to my new machine.

Out of habit, if nothing else, we have used Windows Live Mail as my office’s email client of choice.

While I suspect MS-Outlook has long been most lawyers’ preferred email software, I was always fond of Outlook Express, the predecessor to Windows Live Mail. When OE was discontinued, we migrated to Windows Live Mail as the path of least resistance.

Windows Live Mail, however, has become increasingly clunky over the years, and key, “can’t live without them” features, such as the ability to use email stationary, have for unfathomable reasons, simply been eliminated from the software.

We worked around these limitations by continuing our use of older, legacy versions of this software. And it worked just fine.

As we discovered, however, Windows 8.1 does not appear to allow the installation of these legacy versions.

As a result, I have made a long-avoided migration to MS-Outlook.

The migration process was a rather simple, if time-consuming, three-step process.

First, I exported all required emails from Windows Live Mail to a version of Outlook that was already installed on my old computer. Note that to use this method, it is necessary to have Outlook installed (with a profile set up) on the computer from which the export is being done;

Using Outlook on my old computer, I then exported all emails, via the resulting PST file, to our data server, where it will also be permanently archived for backup purposes;

Using Outlook on my new desktop, I imported the PST file from our data server, and my emails, including storage folders and subfolders, were restored.

My email life can now seamlessly carry on.

Outlook has numerous advantages over Windows Live Mail that were apparent even in this transition process.

Windows Live does not support exporting directly to our data server, for example. The software’s export function only allows saving to the desktop that hosts the program. This makes backing up and archiving a very cumbersome process.

The ability to export to a single PST file also has numerous advantages for archiving purposes.

So I am finally aboard the Outlook train.

Are there any other Windows Live Mail holdouts out there?

- Garry J. Wise, Toronto

(Cross posted at Slaw Tips)

Visit our Toronto Law Office website: www.wiselaw.net