All online; combination of live and asynchronous learning.
Online (Replay)
A scheduled replay of a past program, with the ability to submit questions.
Ontario Construction Liens – The Essentials
Program Chairs
Jason Annibale
Partner, McMillan LLP
Sandra Astolfo
Partner, WeirFoulds LLP
Learn the essential framework and mechanics for navigating Ontario’s technical construction lien process.
Engage with leading construction law practitioners and litigators and solidify your understanding of the core legal and procedural aspects of the construction liens process in Ontario, and get real-world examples, procedural tips and expert insights to apply on your next liens matter.
Whether you’re a lawyer in private practice or in-house, or a professional in construction, finance, or real estate, understanding the basics of Ontario’s construction lien process is essential. This program delivers the core knowledge and practical tools you need to navigate the complexities of lien law with confidence.
Can’t Make the Date? Registration includes 120-day unlimited, online access to the recorded program.
What You’ll Learn
What is a lien? When do rights arise and expire? Including with different types of liens
How construction liens work and why they matter
Key timelines, documentation, and procedural steps
How to preserve, perfect, and enforce a lien
Understanding liens, the holdback system, and the key players
Troubleshooting tips for liens involving leases, condos, municipalities and subdivisions
Overview of a breach of trust action and remedies, including key issues and challenges and strategies if your matter ends up in court
Lien actions and mortgage priorities – who gets named in the lien action, and who gets paid first?
Common lien mistakes and how to avoid or repair them and manage client expectations, including LAWPRO insights
Lien trials and arbitration – how to prepare and what to expect, including how to handle common evidentiary issues
PLUS! Program includes access to three online modules (available on demand on November 4, 2025):
· Construction Liens in Ontario: The Essentials
· Ted’s Lien Talk: Key Changes to Complex Liens under Ontario’s Construction Act
· Breach of Trust and Companion Remedies: Moving Beyond the Usual and Other Risks
PLUS! Take advantage of special bundle pricing when you register for both this program and OsgoodePD’s Ontario Construction Liens – Advanced Issues and Strategies program at the same time, where you’ll build on the essentials and gain additional knowledge and strategies to tackle the more nuanced and high-stakes aspects of lien processes, litigation and enforcement.
Who Should Attend
Lawyers (private practice or in-house)
Construction professionals
Real estate and finance professionals
Project managers and consultants
Anyone involved in construction contracts or disputes
Faculty
Program Chairs
Jason Annibale
Partner, McMillan LLP
Sandra Astolfo
Partner, WeirFoulds LLP
Program Advisor
Geza Banfai
Counsel, McMillan LLP
Instructors
Brendan Bowles
Glaholt Bowles LLP
Paul Hancock
Daoust Vukovich LLP
Robert (Rob) Kennaley
Principal, Kennaley Construction Law
Martine Morin
Unit Director and Counsel, Lawyers’ Professional Indemnity Company (LawPRO)
Theodore (Ted) Rotenberg
Drudi Alexiou Kuchar LLP
Tushar Sabharwal
Drudi Alexiou Kuchar LLP
Neeta Sandhu
Pallett Valo
Michael Swartz
WeirFoulds LLP
Lena Wang
Partner, Glaholt Bowles LLP
Nisar Patel
Law Office of Nisar Patel
“Very good. All faculty were very experienced in construction lien matters, and I valued learning more about the process to register a lien and lienable vs. non-lienable costs and services.”
Agenda
Program includes three online modules designed to clarify foundational and complex lien concepts, and provide you with practical insights, guidance and materials. We strongly recommend viewing all three modules prior to attending the program.
Construction Liens in Ontario: The Essentials (70m, 2021)
What is a lien? When do rights arise and expire?
Understanding the different types of liens
How to preserve, register and give a lien – vacate, discharge and perfect
What is the liability for exaggerated liens?
Troubleshooting tips
Paul Hancock, Daoust Vukovich LLP
Ted’s Lien Talk: Key Changes to Complex Liens Under Ontario’s Construction Act (65m, 2020)
Leases – key steps, determining ownership and the pros and cons in your situation
Condominiums – key steps, entitlement and analyzing whether to lien work by or on behalf of the condominium corporation
Municipalities and Crown Agencies – key principles, mechanics and navigational tips
Subdivisions – entitlement, lot and by‑lot provisions, park lands and buffer zones, roads and residential homes
Substitution of registrants is permitted at any time prior to the start date of the program. If you are unable to find a substitute, a full refund is available if a cancellation request is received in writing 14 days prior to the start of the program. If a cancellation request is made with less than 14 days notice, an administrative fee equal to 20% of the program cost, to a maximum of $250 will apply per person. Payment is required to receive access to the program.
We will make every effort to present the program as advertised, but it may be necessary to change the date, location, speakers or content with little or no notice. In the event of program cancellation, York University’s and Osgoode Hall Law School’s liability is limited to reimbursement of paid fees.
As law evolves, we know how important it is to stay up to date. We also understand the financial implications of continuously upgrading your professional skills and knowledge. For more information on available options, including Job Grants, OSAP, please visit:
OsgoodePD is an accredited provider with the LSO, the Law Society of BC and NY CLE Board. Select your location to view the eligible hours you may claim.
A scheduled replay of a past program, with the ability to submit questions.
1 Day
You may also be interested in…
Deeper Learning Opportunities
LLMs
Are you a law graduate or an executive/senior professional with at least 5 years of specialized experience? Consider a full-time or part-time LLM degree.
Construction Law
Students typically complete the LLM in two years (6 terms).
Stay competitive with deep dives into the most critical issues in law. Taught by leading experts and designed for flexible learning, choose from multi-day programs or take courses at your own pace to build towards a certificate.
Do you have an LLB/JD? Consider taking a single LLM course for deeper learning in a specific area of practice – all credits will apply towards a Professional LLM.
Unfortunately, no. Effective for all 2019 filings and subsequent years moving forward, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has replaced T2202A’s with the T2202. Under the new CRA definition and criteria, our CLE short courses and certificate programs do not meet the definition of ‘qualifying educational program’. For this reason, we are unable to issue you a T2202. For more information, please visit the CRA site.
Once a program reaches capacity, a waitlist will be created. This does not guarantee your registration in the program; however, it places you on a priority contact list. If any spots become available, you may be notified by email or phone to confirm if you would like to proceed with the registration. Once contacted, you will typically be given 24 hours to confirm your interest. If you do not confirm interest within the provided timeframe, you will be removed from the waitlist and the next person will be contacted.
Many of our programs include 120-day unlimited, online access to view the recorded program. See the program page or brochure to find out if the program you’re interested in includes this access. If you need more time to view the content, or have questions about the access, please email: OPDSupport@osgoode.yorku.ca.
If the program includes access to the recording, you will have unlimited online access to the recorded content for 120-days from the end date of the program.
Access is only for the registered delegate. In the event of misuse, access can be revoked.
CPD hours for each program can be found on the program web page and program brochure. For questions regarding CPD hours, please email cpd@osgoode.yorku.ca
A limited amount of financial assistance is available for OsgoodePD Programs unless specific bursary information appears on the program page/program brochure. Head to our Financial Assistance page for more information.
Please reach out to the OPD Technical Support here.
Yes. We do offer group rates on our programs. Please visit our group rate page for more information. Some exceptions apply, and rates are subject to change.
In Person: Attendance for the program will take place at Osgoode Professional Development (1 Dundas Street West, Suite 2602, Toronto, ON M5G 1Z3) unless otherwise specified. Program Materials will be printed and available for pick up upon arrival.
Live Webcast: Designed for busy schedules, attend an online, live webcast using state-of-the-art video-conferencing. Attendance is via live stream with an opportunity to submit questions to the speakers throughout the program. Registration includes downloadable Program Materials and 120-day access to the program archive.
Online Replay: Watch a pre-recorded webcast, which includes a live Q&A with an instructor. Registration includes 120-day access to the program archive.
Program on Demand: Watch a pre-recorded session online, from the comfort of your home or office. Get unlimited access with our online subscription. Registration includes downloadable Program Materials and 120-day access to the program archive.
Unless a program is sold out or otherwise noted, registration closes at 12:00PM (noon) ET the business day before the scheduled program date.
Registration for webinars closes at 10:00 AM ET the morning of the session, unless sold out.
Client and Technical Support
Have questions? Get advice in person, by email or over the phone.
