Manjit Virk Law Office, Ontario, Canada

03/25/2026

Canada has officially extended its Innovation Stream under the Global Hypergrowth Project (GHP) until March 22, 2028—bringing great news for high-skilled foreign workers . This LMIA-exempt pathway allows eligible candidates with job offers from 8 selected high-growth companies to secure employer-specific work permits without the usual delays and $1000 LMIA process.

Targeting TEER 0–3 occupations, the stream also opens doors for faster processing in top-tier roles and even provides opportunities for spouses to obtain open work permits

This move highlights Canada’s ongoing push to attract global tech talent, especially amid rising U.S. H-1B costs and shifting immigration trends . For skilled professionals, this could be one of the easiest and fastest ways to enter Canada’s workforce right now.

12/12/2025

📉 New data shows outcomes for injured people at the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT) continue to deteriorate.

According to inHEALTH’s updated statistical analysis, injured applicants succeeded on all issues at a hearing just 8% of the time in 2024, down from 33% in 2017.

OTLA is calling on the Government of Ontario to commission an independent review of the LAT to examine why outcomes have fallen into the single digits and whether the Tribunal is meeting its legislative mandate.

Injured Ontarians deserve a dispute resolution process that is fair, accessible and accountable.

🗞️ Read the full news release: https://bit.ly/3KitFEO.

12/06/2025

Starting July 1, 2026, Ontario will implement new auto insurance regulations.

Under these changes, injured victims may lose income-replacement benefits if they choose to opt out, potentially leaving them without coverage for lost wages. Skipping caregiver or home-maintenance benefits could make it more challenging to afford assistance during recovery. Students, non-earners, or part-time workers who do not opt in might lose access to non-earner benefits, missing out on expected support.

Because these coverages are now optional, the risk of being underinsured increases. What might seem like a small premium savings could lead to a significant coverage gap after an accident.

We strongly advise all insured individuals to review their auto policies carefully with their insurance broker before enrolling in the new policy in 2026.

If you're thinking about filing a claim (for personal injuries, property damage, or slip and fall) in Ontario, contact our law firm.

Manjit S. Virk
Barrister & Solicitor

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M.S. Virk Law Office
218 Export Blvd., Suite 503
Mississauga, ON, L5S 0A7
Tel: (905) 595-0656 | (905) 956-0566
Fax: (905) 956-6065

Email: [Contact our law office for the email address]
Web: www.msvlawyers.com

We have been handling civil and insurance claims litigation in Ontario since January 2010.

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04/05/2025

03/13/2025

Denial of Property Insurance Claims Due to Exclusion Clauses in Ontario

This year's harsh winter weather has significantly affected homes across Ontario, leading to a notable increase in insurance claims. This winter's primary issues are snow load and ice buildup, commonly called ice damming.

Unfortunately, many policyholders are discovering that their insurance policies do not always cover these problems.

Homeowners should review their policies with their insurance broker to understand the specifics of their coverage, including potential damages to their property and belongings. Coverage for winter-related issues is inconsistent; it varies by insurance company and specific policy. In fact, even different policies from the same insurance company may offer varying levels of protection. Therefore, homeowners must be proactive to ensure they are adequately protected.

If you've had a claim denied, it’s advisable to contact our law office or consult with an experienced litigation lawyer before contesting the decision with your insurance company or broker. Although our lawyer's hourly rate is $400, we may be willing to handle your insurance litigation matter on a contingency basis.

Thank you,
Manjit Singh Virk Law Office

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02/22/2025

Heading south for a winter break or heading for a week at a ski resort? Before you leave, take steps to help ensure your return home is safe and secure.

-Ensure snow is being cleared from your driveway and walkways
-Have a trusted friend or neighbour look after mail, flyers and packages
-Ask neighbours to keep an eye on your home
-Have lights around the house connected to timers
-Ensure all your windows and doors are locked
-Make sure your home surveillance/doorbell camera are functioning properly
-Don’t advertise your absence on social media – share those pics when you get home
-If you are away for an extended break, have someone do periodic walkthroughs of your home
-Review your home insurance policy

02/13/2025

In 2019, the government announced a return to the $2,000,000 benefit for catastrophically impaired individuals but has not implemented that official government policy.

$1,000,000 for a lifetime of care for a quadriplegic is simply not enough. It leaves the funding of necessary treatment, rehab and attendant care to the taxpayers.

OTLA strongly urges all parties to move forward with this recommendation.

02/13/2025

income replacement benefits (IRBs) have been frozen at $400/week since 1996?

Given the current cost of groceries and the current rate of inflation, injured claimants and their families are in crisis. Claimants cannot live and support their families on $400 a week. They cannot afford food and other basic necessities.

Ask your candidate: Will they adjust IRBs to reflect inflation?

12/18/2024

Tort Claims: Statutory Deductible for Injuries from Motor Vehicle Accidents in Ontario.

Suppose you are injured in a motor vehicle accident in Ontario. In that case, it is crucial to understand your legal right to pursue a lawsuit against the parties at fault for the incident. The framework governing motor vehicle claims in Ontario is primarily outlined in the Insurance Act. This Act sets out the processes for filing claims and includes specific provisions that affect the compensation you may receive.

One significant aspect of the Insurance Act is the statutory deductible for pain and suffering awards. This deductible discourages lawsuits related to minor or modest injuries, thereby reducing the number of motor vehicle claims in Ontario.

As of January 1, 2024, the statutory deductible is set at $46,053.20 for plaintiffs whose awards for pain and suffering total less than $153,509.39. For example, if your claim results in an award of $100,000 for pain and suffering, the defendant can deduct the statutory amount of $46,053.20. This means that the actual amount you would receive after the deduction would be $53,946.80. However, if your pain and suffering claim is valued at $153,509.39 or higher, the statutory deductible does not apply, allowing you to receive the full award amount.

The insurance legislation surrounding motor vehicle collisions can be quite complex and is often perceived as unfair. Many accident victims are unaware of the existence of statutory deductibles and other critical details within the legislation that could significantly impact the outcome of their claims.

To fully comprehend your legal rights and navigate the complexities of the system effectively, it is essential to seek guidance from an experienced and knowledgeable insurance litigation lawyer in Ontario. A Lawyer with expertise in this area can provide valuable insights, help you assess your situation, and advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

12/05/2024

**Assessing the Nature of Your Injuries: Catastrophic vs. Non-Catastrophic** ( as per current guidelines in Ontario- only basic information and not a piece of legal advice)

Given that the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS) is subject to ongoing changes, consulting with a personal injury lawyer to clarify the current criteria and processes involved in establishing catastrophic impairment is advisable.

Upon submitting a claim to the auto insurance company, they are responsible for reviewing the application and determining whether the injured individual is deemed catastrophically impaired.

In some cases, the insurer may request that the accident victim undergo a series of medical assessments to evaluate if the criteria for catastrophic impairment are satisfied.

These evaluations are conducted per the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS) and are commonly referred to as "section 44 assessments" or “Insurer Examinations.” Suppose the results of these assessments indicate that the criteria have indeed been met. In that case, the insurer must classify the injured individual as catastrophically impaired and provide the corresponding CAT benefits.

Conversely, should these assessments conclude that the injuries are non-catastrophic, the injured party retains the right to challenge this decision. They may do so by enlisting their own medical experts and securing independent reports.

In these instances, a personal injury lawyer can effectively advocate for his client that the injuries are catastrophic, supported by expert testimony. On the contrary, the insurance company may contend that the injuries do not fulfill the CAT criteria. Ultimately, it falls to an adjudicator at the Appeal Tribunal to make a final determination.

Commonly assessed criteria for catastrophic impairment claims can include spinal cord injuries, paraplegia, quadriplegia, amputations, loss of vision, traumatic brain injuries and other significant disabilities that collectively meet a specified threshold of whole-person impairment.

Various considerations are assessed to establish whether an individual’s injuries should be classified as catastrophic.

It is not unusual for the plaintiff’s legal representation to assert that the injuries meet the catastrophic threshold. At the same time, the defendant may present a differing viewpoint, potentially resulting in multiple evaluations from both sides.

Engaging with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can provide valuable insights into navigating the complexities of determining whether injuries are classified as catastrophic according to the latest Accident Benefits guidelines.

Don't hesitate to contact our law firm if you need legal advice on a personal injury claim or insurance litigation matter in Ontario.

Law Office of Manjit Singh Virk
Tel: 905.956.0566, 905.595.0656

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