Background: The plaintiffs, Guo Law Corporation and its principal, Hong Guo, accused Zixin Li (Jeff Li), Qian Pan (Danica Pan), Jun Da Li, Cai Li Chen (Caili Chen), Ming Fu Wu (Mingfu Wu), Bank of Montreal (BMO), Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Limited, and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) of misappropriating over $6.6 million from Guo Law Corporation's trust account. Hong Guo was disbarred in January 2024 for professional misconduct, including the failure to supervise her staff and misappropriation of trust funds.

Legal Arguments/Issues:

• Forgery: The plaintiffs claimed that Cheque 1117, worth $887,562, deposited into an account held by Qian Pan, bore a forged signature of Hong Guo.
• Holder in Due Course: BMO contended it was a holder in due course under the Bills of Exchange Act and sought enforcement of the cheque.
• Summary Judgment: The plaintiffs sought summary judgment to dismiss part of BMO’s counterclaim, arguing there was no genuine issue for trial.

Held: The court found that genuine issues for trial existed regarding the forgery of Hong Guo's signature on Cheque 1117 and whether BMO was a holder in due course. The plaintiffs failed to meet the high bar required for summary judgment. Consequently, the court dismissed the plaintiffs' application for summary judgment.

Costs/Damages Awarded: The document did not specify the total amount of costs or damages awarded in favor of the successful party.