We are thrilled to announce Erin Pleet’s significant victory at the Court of Appeal for Ontario in Bridging Finance Inc. v. Sharpe, 2026 ONCA 432. Erin Pleet and co-counsel Scott McGrath, acting for the court-appointed Receiver, PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc., successfully resisted the appeal of a Commercial List jurisdiction decision in the Bridging Finance litigation.
The appeal arose from two related actions alleging that the former principals of Bridging Finance Inc. misappropriated investor funds and channeled them offshore to settle a trust in Liechtenstein. The Trustee challenged Ontario’s jurisdiction, arguing that the dispute lacked a real and substantial connection to the province.
Writing for a unanimous Court, Justice Pomerance found no error in the motion judge’s analysis and dismissed the appeal on all issues raised. This case affirmed that Ontario courts have jurisdiction over claims against the Liechtenstein-based trustee of the Trust. The Court’s analysis reinforces that plaintiffs whose funds have been wrongfully taken from Ontario should not be forced to pursue multiple proceedings in foreign jurisdictions merely because a defendant transferred those funds abroad.
We congratulate Erin on this outstanding result!