- Case Date: October 25, 2023 - Parties: Plaintiff: Desjardins Securities Inc. ("Desjardins") Defendant: Avant Brands Inc. ("Avant") **Key Points:** **Case Conference and Motion:** - The case was sent to a case conference as per practice direction for short motions. - Defendant sought to strike plaintiff's Statement of Claim due to a lack of a valid cause of action. **Contract Interpretation Dispute:** - The case centers around the interpretation of a contract between Desjardins and Avant. - Desjardins claims the contract was for assisting Avant in acquiring Flowr Corporation. - Contract entitled Desjardins to $1,000,000 in cash and shares if Avant or its affiliates acquired Flowr within six months of contract termination. **Breach of Good Faith Allegation:** - Desjardins alleges a breach of duty of good faith performance by Avant, claiming Avant circumvented the contract. **Complexity of the Case:** - The case involves intricate contract interpretation and surrounding circumstances. - Legal questions about the contract's "affiliate" definition require further examination. **Efficient Resolution:** - A motion to strike was deemed inefficient. - A two-day summary trial was proposed for January 13, 2025, agreed upon by both parties. **Pretrial and Amendment:** - Parties will schedule a pretrial at least three months before the trial date. - Plaintiff must inform the defendant of any amendments to the pleading by January 1, 2024. **Outcome:** - The case will proceed to a summary trial in January 2025, aiming for an efficient resolution.