Expert Evidence Reform in Ontario: Implications for Medical Negligence Litigation | CPDonline.ca

Expert Evidence Reform in Ontario: Implications for Medical Negligence Litigation

Watch the two minute teaser above before purchasing this video.
Also valid for Newfoundland and Labrador (posted in the last 365 days).

To purchase this video please click “Add to Cart”.

Login to watch this video if you have a subscription. Learn more about subscriptions.
Credits
Professionalism (Ethics, etc.): 0.25
15 minutes
Substantive: 0.25
15 minutes
Published
2025
Presenter(s)
Doug Wallace
Source
Middlesex Law Association
Provider
CPDOnline.ca
Language
English
Length
30 minutes
Price
$139.00 plus tax
MLA Health Law Conference
Includes Handouts

This session examines proposed reforms to the rules governing expert evidence and their impact on medical negligence litigation. Doug Wallace will analyze how the changes are expected to affect admissibility, disclosure, and the scope of expert testimony in health law cases. The session will also address practical challenges in adapting litigation strategy to the new framework, including managing multiple experts, avoiding duplication, and anticipating judicial scrutiny of expert reports. In addition to the procedural aspects, the program will highlight lawyers’ professional responsibilities when working with experts under the new regime, including ethical instruction, transparency in disclosure, and managing client expectations. Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, participants will be able to: Understand the proposed reforms to expert evidence rules and their implications for medical negligence litigation, assess how changes will alter admissibility standards and the use of experts in complex health law cases, apply strategies to adapt case preparation and trial advocacy under the new framework, identify risks of duplication, delay, or credibility issues in expert reports and  testimony, apply ethical and professional obligations when instructing, managing, and presenting expert evidence.

Presenters

Doug Wallace

Doug Wallace is an Amateur athlete, social media novice, husband and father of four children. Doug is the managing partner of Wallace Smith LLP. Born in Sudbury, Ontario he moved to London in 1986 to attend the University of Western Ontario where he obtained Bachelors and Masters degrees in history before attending law school. While attending school, Doug worked for Apple Canada and he maintains an avid interest in the adoption and use of new technologies. After graduation in 1994, Doug practiced civil litigation at a large firm where he represented both plaintiffs and defendants. In 2008, he founded Wallace Smith LLP as a civil litigation boutique where he focuses on personal injury, professional liability, and insurance law. Doug is experienced trial and appellate counsel and has handled cases in the Ontario Superior Court, Divisional Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court of Canada. He is also consulted regularly on complex coverage issues. Some notable cases include the Algo Mall collapse in Elliot Lake, the Sunrise Propane explosion in Toronto, and the tragic death of eleven migrant workers outside of Stratford. Doug advocates for professionalism and civility in all aspects of practice. He writes and presents papers in his area of expertise and speaks frequently at legal education and industry conferences. In his spare time, Doug plays hockey poorly and has an even less impressive golf and tennis game. He coached basketball and soccer for many years and supports the Oakridge and Norwest Optimist Clubs. He is a strong advocate for education and research into brain injury and is an active supporter of several community causes.