Entries by Geoff Rabideau

Transfer of Real Estate Between Trustees in Ontario

When real estate is held in trust, there may come a time when the trustee needs to be changed—due to resignation, incapacity, death, or a planned transition. In Ontario, transferring real property from one trustee to another involves specific legal procedures to ensure title remains properly held in trust and the Land Titles records stay […]

Mortgage Defaults and Enforcement in Ontario: What You Need to Know About Power of Sale, Foreclosure, and Credit Impact

The Early Signs: Late or Skipped Payments Missing a mortgage payment doesn’t automatically trigger enforcement, but it does start a chain of potential consequences: Impact on Credit: The first missed payment can drop a borrower’s credit score by 80–100 points. These notations (e.g., M2 or R2) remain on a borrower’s credit report for six years. […]

What a Homeowner Must Do Before Using Force in Canada

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, […]

The “Stand on Guard Doctrine”: Could Canada Adopt a Castle Doctrine for Real Estate?

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 […]

Why the LP/GP Structure Is the Gold Standard in Private Equity

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 […]

What Is Private Equity, and Why Is It Booming in Canada?

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 […]

Supporting GST Reform: What Proposed Changes to the New Home Rebate Could Mean for Ontario Buyers

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 […]