Case Overview:

• Plaintiffs, Mi5 Print & Digital Communications Inc. and 2214264 Ontario Inc., allege breach of fiduciary duty by Larmer, who allegedly misappropriated business opportunities and solicited clients.
• A one-year injunction (2017-2018) barred defendants, Craig Larmer, Lesley Ann Sharpe, LCS Imagining, Ronald Morgan, and Barrie Williams, from contacting plaintiffs’ clients.
• Despite being filed in 2017, the case has not progressed toward trial.

Legal Issues & Motion:

• Plaintiffs sought a status hearing to prevent administrative dismissal for delay under Rule 48.14(1).
• Defendants argued for dismissal, citing prejudice and lack of an acceptable explanation for the delay.

Court’s Findings:

1. Delay Justification:

   • Plaintiffs blamed former lawyer David Rubin, but evidence showed unpaid fees and communication issues may have contributed.
   • No evidence was provided from Rubin, making it premature to dismiss.

2. Next Steps Ordered:

   • Plaintiffs must serve the motion materials to Rubin.
   • The court will decide later if further submissions or arguments are required.

Conclusion:

• The court deferred ruling on dismissal until Rubin is given a chance to respond.
• The case highlights litigation delays and procedural fairness.
• No party was declared the successful party.
• No damages or additional monetary awards were granted in this decision.