LL.B., Queen’s University, 2008

Honours Bachelor of Science (Kinesiology), McMaster University, 2004

TFI International Inc.: Successful 14-day trial before the Honourable Justice R.J. Nightingale. This trial involved complex pre-accident medical conditions, post-accident damages as well as a stroke suffered after the subject accident. Michael successfully argued that the plaintiff’s subsequent stroke and all ancillary damages were not caused by the underlying motor vehicle accident.

TD Insurance, Meloche Monnex: Michael acted for TD Insurance in this preliminary issue hearing at the LAT to challenge the reasonableness of the applicant’s request for the insurer to fund responding CAT reports. The LAT Adjudicator Jesse A. Boyce agreed with Michael and ordered that unapproved CAT items in the OCF-18 treatment and assessment plan are not reasonable and necessary.

Chubb Insurance Co. of Canada/Stock Transportation: Michael successfully represented Stock Transportation in this priority dispute private arbitration hearing before the Arbitrator Shari L. Novick and secured costs award for his client. The Arbitrator ruled in Michael’s favour by concluding that Stock Transportation did not make the bus in question available for the driver’s regular use at the time of the accident, and he was therefore not a deemed named insured under the insurance policy with Chubb Insurance.

AIG Insurance Co. of Canada: Michael represented AIG in this loss transfer private arbitration hearing. The issue was whether the applicant was entitled to loss transfer reimbursement from AIG for accident benefits paid to or on behalf the insured.

TD Insurance, Meloche Monnex: Michael represented TD Insurance in an action commenced by a self-represented party and was able to secure costs for his client. He successfully argued a summary judgment motion resulting in the dismissal of the plaintiff’s entire claim. The presiding Honourable Justice H.K. O’Connell praised Michael by indicating in his decision: “[l]et me end by saying that counsel Mr. Blinick was very fair in his argument to the court”.

TD Insurance, Meloche Monnex: Michael successfully represented TD Insurance on behalf of a Third Party before the Honourable Justice Diamond in a summary judgment motion. He was successful in getting the Third-Party Claim dismissed for his client and managed to secure costs for his client.

AIG Insurance Co. of Canada: Michael successfully represented AIG in a summary judgment motion relating to an indemnity provision in a lease agreement and secured a costs award in the amount of $17,000.00 for his client. This decision was then appealed by the opposing counsel and Michael was yet again successful with the leave to appeal rejected by the Divisional Court and another costs award in the amount of $6,500.00 awarded to his client.  (https://www.canlii.org/en/on/onsc/doc/2015/2015onsc4579/2015onsc4579.html)

Pharmacist Confidential Client: Michael acted for Pharmacist in a legal proceeding initiated by the Ontario College of Pharmacists before the College’s Discipline Committee.

Law Society of Ontario

Ontario Bar Association

It’s Not Over Until It’s Over: Settlement & Negotiating Confidentiality Clauses

Be careful when playing “hardball”: you could strike out! The risks of attempting to recover defence costs

Reacting in the Agony of the Moment: Can a party challenge Liability?

From Bystander to Plaintiff: Claiming Damages after Witnessing a Traumatic Accident

Equity in Priority Disputes: The Changing Landscape of Reimbursing Expenses

Yatar v. TD Insurance Meloche Monnex – SCC Confirms that Claimants have Expanded Access to Judicial Review