Elizabeth Emily Charlotte Barrass

This is a costs endorsement following an appeal where the Court of Appeal set aside the order of the application judge dated October 5, 2015.

The parties had contested two issues on the application with divided success.

The application judge had reduced the respondent's costs from an agreed amount of $42,500 to $30,000 due to partial success.

On appeal, the Court of Appeal determined that the appellant succeeded on both issues argued at the application and therefore was entitled to the full agreed costs amount of $42,500 for the application below, in addition to $20,000 for the costs of the appeal.

The plaintiff brought a motion for summary judgment in an action for defamation.

The defendant, who was the managing director of a charity, published false statements on the internet accusing the plaintiff of stealing from the charity, after the plaintiff confronted him about misappropriating funds.

The defendant also engaged in a campaign of harassment and intimidation against the plaintiff and his family.

The court found that the elements of defamation were met and awarded the plaintiff $50,000 in general damages, $20,000 in aggravated damages, and $20,000 in punitive damages, plus substantial indemnity costs.

This partial judgment addresses cross-applications between the Fenwicks (purchasers) and Concierge Auctions ULC (auctioneer) regarding a $430,000 buyer's premium held in court.

The dispute arose after a real estate auction failed to close due to vendor mortgage issues, leading the Fenwicks to enter a second agreement to purchase the property directly from the vendors.

Concierge claimed the buyer's premium, arguing the second sale was an extension of the first, while the Fenwicks contended the original sale's failure negated Concierge's entitlement.

The court found the two agreements constituted one continuous transaction, entitling Concierge to the buyer's premium plus HST and pre-judgment interest, and dismissed claims of unjust enrichment and quantum meruit.

This partial judgment addresses cross-applications between the Fenwicks (purchasers) and Concierge Auctions ULC (auctioneer) regarding a $430,000 buyer's premium held in court.

The dispute arose after a real estate auction failed to close due to vendor mortgage issues, leading the Fenwicks to enter a second agreement to purchase the property directly from the vendors.

Concierge claimed the buyer's premium, arguing the second sale was an extension of the first, while the Fenwicks contended the original sale's failure negated Concierge's entitlement.

The court found the two agreements constituted one continuous transaction, entitling Concierge to the buyer's premium plus HST and pre-judgment interest, and dismissed claims of unjust enrichment and quantum meruit.

The appellant appealed from a Superior Court decision that found a commercial lease for fitness club premises did not include the basement, despite the tenant's long-standing use of it.

The Court of Appeal reversed, holding that when the lease is interpreted in light of all surrounding circumstances—particularly email correspondence between the parties' lawyers—the parties clearly intended to lease the entire premises, including the basement, on a lump sum basis.

The court found the application judge erred in law by failing to consider all relevant circumstances, despite acknowledging the need to do so.