Академический Документы
Профессиональный Документы
Культура Документы
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
ONTARIO
SUPERIOR COURT OF JUSTICE
BETWEEN:
RAYMOND FLOYD
Plaintiff
and
NOTICE OF MOTION
(White Houses motion to amend amended statement of defence
and counterclaim, and for interim recovery of personal property - Rule 44)
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
in writing under subrule 37.12.1 because it is (insert one of on consent, unopposed or made
without notice);
orally;
(i)
an order for leave to amend the amended statement of defence and counterclaim
of White House further by adding thereto the paragraphs appearing in Schedule
A hereto;
(ii)
an interim order that White House recover possession from the plaintiff
(Floyd) of an Armada Laptop computer bearing serial number 12345ABCDE
(the Computer) that Floyd is unlawfully detaining; and
(iii)
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
Section 104 of the Ontario Courts of Justice Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chap.C.43.
White House is the owner of the Computer, having purchased it in Yr-3. White House provided
the Computer to Floyd to use during his employment, on the understanding that it remained the
property of White House and that Floyd would return it to White House if and when he ceased
being an employee.
White House dismissed Floyd in April, Yr 0. White House thereafter repeatedly asked Floyd to
return the Computer, but Floyd refused to do so, taking the position that the computer belonged
to him.
There are substantial grounds to support White Houses position that it is the owner of the
Computer and that Floyd is unlawfully detaining it.
The Computer contains confidential customer information that White House has good reason to
believe Floyd is using to contact White Houses clients for his competitive business, in breach of
Floyds obligations. Floyd has no legitimate reason to detain the Computer, and no pressing need
for it. The balance of convenience therefore favours White House, and it should be entitled to
interim possession of the Computer.
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
White House is prepared to post such security as may be ordered by the court.
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
Date:
August 20, Yr 0
TO:
(905) 555-9876
(905) 550-2647
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
12.
(d)
computer (the Computer) bearing serial number 12345ABCDE, and an order requiring
Floyd to return the computer to White House;
20.
In Yr-3, White House purchased the Computer, along with a number of other similar
computers, for the use of its sale personnel, including Floyd. White House provided the Computer to
Floyd to use during his employment, on the understanding that it remained the property of White House
and that Floyd would return it to White House if and when he ceased being an employee.
21.
After Floyd was dismissed from his employment, White House requested that Floyd
return the Computer on several occasions, but on each occasion Floyd refused to do so.
22.
Floyd is unlawfully detaining the Computer, which is the property of White House, and
White House is entitled to the return of the Computer and a declaration that White House is the lawful
owner.
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
ONTARIO
SUPERIOR COURT OF JUSTICE
BETWEEN:
RAYMOND FLOYD
Plaintiff
and
WHITE HOUSE SIDING COMPANY LTD.
Defendant
AND BETWEEN:
WHITE HOUSE SIDING COMPANY LTD.
Plaintiff by counterclaim
and
RAYMOND FLOYD and R.F. ALUMINUM INC.
Defendants to the counterclaim
1.
support of a motion brought by White House for an interim order for recovery of certain personal
property belonging to White House. I have personal knowledge of all facts stated in this affidavit, except
where I have been informed of such facts, in which case I have stated the source of such facts and I
hereby state that I believe such facts to be true.
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
2.
computer (the Computer), bearing serial number 12345ABCDE. White House owns the Computer,
which the defendant Raymond Floyd is unlawfully detaining and refuses to return to White House.
3.
4.
After this dispute arose with Mr. Floyd, I called Gus Greene, White Houses former sales
director, to ask him about the laptop computers that White House had bought for its sales force. I had
heard from a couple of people that it had been Mr. Greenes idea to buy the computers in the first place.
Mr. Greene had left White House some years earlier, but he comes around the plant and offices every
once in a while. Mr. Greene told me as follows:
(a)
Several years ago, Mr. Greene had the idea of White House buying and
providing to its salesmen portable computers on which they could keep customer
information for use when they were on the road visiting White Houses customers.
(b)
Mr. Greene arranged for White House to purchase five Armada laptop computers
for the salesmen, and this purchase was made in January, Yr-3.
(c)
Mr. Greene told all of the salesmen, including Mr. Floyd, that White House was
providing them with laptop computers, but that the computers belonged to White House,
and would have to be returned to White House if at any time in the future any of
salesmen left White Houses employ.
5.
I have caused a search to be done of White Houses financial and purchasing records.
Attached hereto as Exhibit A is a copy of the invoice, dated January 7, Yr-3, from C.E. Computers Co.,
relating to White Houses purchase of the five laptop computers referred to above. The Computer that
was provided to Mr. Floyd is the fourth one from the top of the list, bearing serial no.12345ABCDE.
6.
White House dismissed Mr. Floyd from his employment, with just cause, on April 16,
Yr 0. Soon after, Mr. Floyd started this lawsuit against White House for what he is claiming was
wrongful dismissal. White House has defended the lawsuit, and has counterclaimed against Mr. Floyd on
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
a number of bases. Most important, White House is counterclaiming because Mr. Floyd is operating a
business in competition with White House, directly contrary to a restriction in the employment contract
that he signed with White House, and in addition is breaching his fiduciary duty to White House by
soliciting White Houses customers.
7.
After Mr. Floyd was dismissed from his employment, I contacted him and asked that he
immediately return the Computer, and any other property of White Houses that he still had in his
possession, to White House. Attached hereto as Exhibit B is a copy of my letter to Mr. Floyd, dated
May 22, Yr 0. Mr. Floyd did not reply to my letter.
8.
I wrote again to Mr. Floyd on June 19, Yr 0 (copy of letter attached as Exhibit C),
again demanding that he return the Computer. This time Mr. Floyd replied, by letter dated June 28, Yr 0,
a copy of which I have attached hereto as Exhibit D. In Exhibit D, Mr. Floyd took the position,
which he had never taken before, that the Computer belonged to him.
9.
In response to Mr. Floyds letter (Exhibit D), I telephoned Mr. Floyd on June 28, Yr 0
to ask him to return the Computer. Mr. Floyd repeated his position that the Computer belonged to him
and that he had no intention of returning it. Attached hereto and marked as Exhibit E is a copy of the
notes of my telephone conversation with Mr. Floyd.
10.
I believe that the Computer contains confidential information relating to White Houses
customers. This is because the entire purpose for White House salesmen to have these computers in the
first place was to keep such information readily available for them to use when they were on the road.
Many of the salesmen talked about how they would update the customer lists and other customer
information on their computers monthly, when the updated lists became available on White Houses
computer system. Mr. Floyd was no different than the other salesmen in this regard. I often saw him
leaving the White House premises to visit customers carrying his computer or arriving back from a twoor three-day business trip with his computer.
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
11.
The customer information that I am referring to, and that was kept on the salesmens
computers, included (i) customer names, (ii) customer addresses, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail
addresses, (iii) information as to each customers past orders, and (iv) pricing information (that is, the
particular price structure that White House offered to each customer). This is all highly confidential
proprietary information belonging to White House.
12.
When White House discovered that Mr. Floyd had set up a competing business and had
been soliciting White Houses customers, we were very concerned that he had copied and kept this
information. This is one of the reasons why I sent the letters and made the telephone call to Floyd
(referred to in paragraphs 7 to 9 above).
13.
I believe that Mr. Floyd is unlawfully detaining the Computer, that he is improperly
using confidential customer information belonging to White House, and that Mr. Floyd has no legitimate
claim to the Computer.
14.
White House is prepared to post such security as may be ordered by the court, as a
)
)
)
CHUCK CASE
Henry P. Stewart
Commissioner for Taking Affidavits
10
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
CONTACT:
PHONE #:
Gus Greene
416 - 555 - 6431
DATE:
January 7, Yr-3
P.O #:
123
INVOICE:
700
QTY.
ORDERED
ITEM
SERIAL
NUMBER
16473BAFDS
$4,304.35
$4,304.35
16537BAFSD
$4,304.35
$4,304.35
63728BCDEF
$4,304.35
$4,304.35
12345ABCDE
$4,304.35
$4,304.35
63527BDGAA
$4,304.35
$4,304.35
SUBTOTAL
This is Exhibit A referred to in the affidavit of 10% Discount
CHUCK CASE sworn before me, this 17th day
Net Total
of August, Yr 0.
GST
Henry P. Stewart
Commissioner for Taking Affidavits
PST
TOTAL
UNIT
PRICE
TOTAL
PRICE
$21,521.75
-$2,152.18
$19,369.57
$1,355.87
$1,549.57
$22,275.01
11
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
Chuck Case
Vice President, Marketing
Direct Phone: 416-555-6436
E-Mail: ccase@whitehouse.com
May 22, Yr 0
Raymond Floyd
66 Maple Lane,
Toronto, Ontario
M7K 4K7
Re: Laptop Computer
Dear Raymond,
It is standard policy at White House that employees return all company property received during
their employment after they cease to be employed by White House. It has been over 1 month since your
termination with White House and you have not returned the laptop that you were loaned. Please return
our laptop at your earliest convenience.
I hope that everything has worked out for you in the end and you are successful in finding new
employment.
Yours truly,
Chuck Case
VP Marketing
This is Exhibit B referred to in the affidavit of
CHUCK CASE sworn before me, this 17th day of
August, Yr 0.
Henry P. Stewart
Commissioner for Taking Affidavits
12
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
Chuck Case
Vice President, Marketing
Direct Phone: 416-555-6436
E-Mail: ccase@whitehouse.com
June 19, Yr 0
Raymond Floyd
66 Maple Lane,
Toronto, Ontario
M7K 4K7
Re: Laptop Computer
Dear Mr. Floyd,
This is now the second letter that I am writing to request the return of the laptop that is the
property of White House. You have not responded to my first letter dated May 22, Yr 0. Please return the
laptop immediately as it and the information it contains are the rightful property of White House. Please
be advised that if you do not return the laptop A.S.A.P., we will have to explore other avenues of
recourse.
Yours truly,
Chuck Case,
VP Marketing
This is Exhibit C referred to in the affidavit of
CHUCK CASE sworn before me, this 17th day of
August, Yr 0.
Henry P. Stewart
Commissioner for Taking Affidavits
13
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
Raymond Floyd
66 Maple Lane,
Toronto, Ontario
M7K 4K7
June 25, Yr 0
Mr. Chuck Case
VP, Marketing
White House Siding Company Ltd.
441 Industrial Park
Toronto, Ontario
M6R 7P2
Re: Laptop Computer
Chuck,
I was unaware that even you could stoop to such a level. I was promised that the laptop was to be
mine in full ownership if I continued working at White House two years from the date which I received it
as a Sales Manager. If you ever cared about anyone but yourself maybe you would have taken the time to
find this out. I shall not comment any further on this matter as the laptop is mine, and currently I am in
the process of pursuing my own avenue of recourse in connection with my dismissal.
Sincerely,
Raymond Floyd
This is Exhibit D referred to in the affidavit of
CHUCK CASE sworn before me, this 17th day of
August, Yr 0.
Henry P. Stewart
Commissioner for taking affidavits
14
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
MESSAGE
CONCERNING:
TELEPHONE:
Raymond Floyd
416 - 555 - 5555
MESSAGE:
Chuck Case
Henry P. Stewart
Commissioner for taking affidavits
15
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
ONTARIO
SUPERIOR COURT OF JUSTICE
BETWEEN:
RAYMOND FLOYD
Plaintiff
and
AND BETWEEN:
1.
I am the plaintiff in this action, and also one of the defendants in the counterclaim that White
House Siding Company Ltd. (White House) has brought. I am making this affidavit in response to a
motion brought by White House for an interim order for recovery of a computer that White House says
belongs to it.
LAW SOCIETY OF UPPER CANADA:
NOT TO BE USED OR REPRODUCED WITHOUT PERMISSION
16
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
2.
I have read the affidavit that Chuck Case swore for this motion. Whereas Mr. Case has no
personal knowledge of most of the information that he put in his affidavit, I have personal knowledge of
all of the facts that I am swearing to in my affidavit.
3.
I was employed by White House for approximately fourteen years, from Yr-14 to Yr 0. I worked
as a warehouse supervisor from Yr-14 to Yr-9 and then as a salesperson from Yr-9 to Yr-3. I was
promoted to the position of sales manager in August Yr-3, which position I held until White House
abruptly fired me on April 16, Yr 0.
4.
As sales manager at White House, my responsibility was to oversee a sales force of four and to
5.
In his affidavit, Mr. Case refers to Gus Greene, former sales director of White House. Mr. Case
didnt come to White House until long after Mr. Greene had left, whereas I knew Mr. Greene on a firstname basis for many years. One thing that Mr. Case is correct about is that it was Mr. Greenes idea to
buy laptop computers for the salesmen, and also for me as Sales Manager. This was done in January, Yr3, and I know that all of the salesmen were happy to have them, and I was too. Mr. Green told us that all
sales personnel were to get laptop computers due to the travel demands associated with the job and the
need to get access to and record information easily while out of the office. That applied to me as well,
because I sometimes visited customers, and I also worked at home on company business.
6.
I received an Armada laptop computer, serial number 12345ABCDE (the Computer) from
White House at the same time as all of the other salesmen, in January, Yr-3.
7.
When I received the Computer, Mr. Greene informed me that if I remained employed with White
House for a period of at least two years, the Computer would belong to me. As I recall, the exact words
that he used were, Ray, stay for two more years and this laptops yours. I think that Mr. Greene may
LAW SOCIETY OF UPPER CANADA:
NOT TO BE USED OR REPRODUCED WITHOUT PERMISSION
17
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
have been concerned that I would leave White House, because I was a conscientious employee and a
good salesman, and he was offering me a little incentive to stay.
8.
Two years after I received the Computer, I assumed that it belonged to me, based on what
Mr. Greene had told me. In fact, one time I wrote a letter to Mr. Greene and mentioned the fact that the
computer now belonged to me. Attached hereto and marked as Exhibit A is a copy of my letter dated
July 18, Yr-1.
9.
Mr. Greene never responded to my letter, and certainly never challenged the fact that the
computer belonged to me. In fact, no one at White House ever suggested to me that the computer did not
belong to me until I received the first letter from Mr. Case, which he refers to in his affidavit.
10.
In his affidavit, Mr. Case states that he believes that my Computer contains confidential customer
information. Mr. Case is mistaken. While I certainly did keep White House customer information on the
computer when I worked at White House, I deleted all of that information from the Computer as soon as I
was fired, and well before I began to operate my business seriously. If I had really wanted to steal White
Houses customer information, I would simply have printed out the information in hard copy. There is
simply no reason why I would want or need to keep the Computer in order to have access to this type of
information.
11.
As Mr. Case knows perfectly well, but didnt state in his affidavit, I also kept all of my customer
information on the desktop computer that I used at home. This desktop computer did in fact belong to
White House. When I was fired, I returned the desktop computer to White House, complete with all of
the customer information that it contained.
18
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
12.
I believe White House is requesting the return of the Computer only in order to harass me and
make it more difficult for me to run my business. White House knows that the Computer is fundamental
to my business and is trying to harass me and increase my legal fees. As White House knows, I rely on
the Computer to solicit business over the Internet, and I use it to also maintain administrative and
financial information for my business. It is an integral component of my business operations, and I
simply cant afford to buy a replacement right now.
19
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
13.
I confirm that I received the two letters from Mr. Case that he refers to in his affidavit, in which
he asked me to return the Computer. When I received the first letter, I assumed that Mr. Case had been
mistakenly informed that the Computer was the property of White House, but I was so busy that I didnt
bother to reply. When I got the second letter, I did reply to Mr. Case and informed him that the Computer
was my property.
14.
In summary, White House is just plain wrong in stating that it owns the Computer. In any event, I
have a much greater need for the computer than White House does, and I ask the court to dismiss White
Houses motion.
)
)
_____________________________
RAYMOND FLOYD
____________________________________
Ruby Sartor
Commissioner for Taking Affidavits
20
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
Raymond Floyd
Direct Phone: 416-203-4450
E-Mail: Rfloyd@whitehouse.com
Dear Gus,
Yes, I know you told me to relax on my vacation but I figured I would send you a brief letter
from my new laptop. Its great, I can do work while I am away, and if I lose the damn thing I no longer
am in debt to White House (or as you call it the devil). Anyhow, I will help with the Pemberton matter
as soon as I return from holidays after the August long-weekend.
In the meantime, I just wanted to say that its been great working together over the last few
weeks. It sure does pay to be loyal. The last two years have just seemed to fly by and all I have to show
for it is the laptop! Just kiddinglife could not possibly be better for me right now.
Raymond
This is Exhibit A referred to in the affidavit of
RAYMOND FLOYD sworn before me, this 8th
day of September, Yr 0.
Ruby Sartor
Commissioner for taking affidavits
21
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
ONTARIO
SUPERIOR COURT OF JUSTICE
BETWEEN:
RAYMOND FLOYD
Plaintiff
and
WHITE HOUSE SIDING COMPANY LTD.
Defendant
AND BETWEEN:
WHITE HOUSE SIDING COMPANY LTD.
Plaintiff by counterclaim
and
22
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
The defendant (plaintiff by counterclaim), White House Siding Company Ltd. (White House)
brings this motion for an order (i) for leave to amend its amended statement of defence and counterclaim
further by adding certain paragraphs (appearing in Schedule A of the notice of motion) regarding the
unlawful detention by the plaintiff (Floyd) of an Armada laptop computer bearing serial number
12345ABCDE (the Computer), and (ii) for an interim order to recover possession of the Computer
from Floyd.
PART II FACTS
A.
2.
Floyd worked as a warehouse supervisor from Yr-14 to Yr-9 and then as a salesperson from Yr-9
to Yr-3. He was promoted to the position of sales manager in August Yr-3, which position he held until
his dismissal on April 16, Yr 0.
Floyd started this action, for damages for allegedly wrongful dismissal, one month after his
dismissal. White House defended the action on the ground that it had just cause to dismiss Floyd
summarily; specifically, that Floyd had improperly claimed reimbursement of several thousands of
dollars of business expenses that he did not actually incur. Thereafter, White House discovered that
Floyd was engaged in improper competition and solicitation of White Houses customers, amended its
defence accordingly, and also brought a counterclaim against Floyd for damages for breach of contract
and breach of fiduciary duty.
Statement of claim; motion record, Tab __.
Statement of defence; motion record, Tab __.
LAW SOCIETY OF UPPER CANADA:
NOT TO BE USED OR REPRODUCED WITHOUT PERMISSION
23
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
White Houses purchase of the Computer, and the Loan of the Computer to Floyd
Several years ago, White Houses former sales director (one Gus Greene) decided to provide its
sales personnel with portable computers on which they could keep customer information for use when
they were on the road visiting White Houses customers. Mr. Greene told all of the salesmen, including
Floyd, that White House was providing them with laptop computers, but that the computers belonged to
White House, and would have to be returned to White House if at any time in future any of salesmen left
White Houses employ. White House purchased the computers in January, Yr-3.
White Houses Demand for Return of the Computer, and Floyds Refusal
One month after Floyd was dismissed, Chuck Case (Case) sent a letter to Floyd requesting that
Floyd never answered Cases request. On June 19, Yr 0, Case wrote again to Floyd stating that
the Computer was the rightful property of White House and had to be returned.
Floyd then wrote back to Case and took the position, which he had never taken before, that the
24
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
In response to this letter, Case telephoned Floyd on June 28, Yr 0 and asked Floyd again to return
10.
Although Floyd denies this in his affidavit, there is good reason to believe that the Computer
contains confidential customer information belonging to White House. Cases evidence in this regard is
as follows:
(a)
The entire purpose for White House salesmen to have the computers was to keep such
information readily available for them to use when they were on the road.
(b)
Many of the salesmen updated the customer lists and other customer information on their
computers monthly, when the updated lists became available on White Houses computer
system, and Floyd was no different than the other salesmen.
(c)
Case often saw Floyd leaving the White House premises to visit customers carrying his
computer or arriving back from a two- or three-day business trip with his computer.
(d)
The confidential information that was kept on the salesmens computers, included
(i)
customer names,
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
pricing information (that is, the particular price structure that White House
offered to each customer).
25
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
11.
Floyd has set up a business in competition with White House and has been soliciting White
Houses customers.
information belonging to White House, and that Floyd has no legitimate claim to the Computer.
26
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
(b)
(c)
that the plaintiff is the owner or lawfully entitled to possession of the property;
(d)
that the property was unlawfully taken from the possession of the plaintiff or is
unlawfully detained by the defendant; and
(e)
the facts and circumstances giving rise to the unlawful taking or detention.
It is submitted that White Houses affidavit evidence has satisfied all of the foregoing requirements.
The substantial grounds test on ownership of the property
B.
13.
On the issue of the moving party being the owner or lawfully entitled to possession of the
property in question (para. 12(c) above), such party must show substantial grounds to support its claim.
If the facts put forward by the moving party afford substantial grounds for its claim, then the order should
be granted.
Ryder Truck Rental v. Walker, [1960] O.W.N. 70, at p. 71 (Senior
Master), affd [1960] O.W.N. 114 (H.C., Ferguson J.)
followed in Clark Door of Canada Ltd. v. Inline Fiberglass Ltd. (1996),
45 C.P.C. (3d) 244) (Ont. Gen. Div., Molloy J.), at p. 251.
14.
The court should not engage in a trial of the issue of ownership on such a motion, but rather
should consider only whether substantial grounds exist to justify an order for interim recovery of
property. The substantial grounds test will be met if, on the evidence, the moving party is more likely
to succeed at trial on the issue of ownership than is the responding party.
Ryder Truck Rental v. Walker, supra (para. ), at p. 71.
Clark Door of Canada Ltd. v. Inline Fiberglass Ltd., supra (para. ) at
pp. 251-2.
LAW SOCIETY OF UPPER CANADA:
NOT TO BE USED OR REPRODUCED WITHOUT PERMISSION
27
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
15.
The fact that title to the property in question is contested, or that resolution of the issue of
ownership will involve issues of credibility, does not preclude an order for interim recovery of property
being granted.
Clark Door of Canada Ltd. v. Inline Fiberglass Ltd., supra (para. ) at
pp. 251-2.
C.
On the evidence, White House is the owner of and lawfully entitled to possession of
the Computer, and Floyd is unlawfully detaining it
16.
The evidence is clear that White House purchased and was the original owner of the Computer.
Floyd does not dispute this. Cases evidence is also clear and credible that the Computer was made
available to Floyd for business purposes alone. It is submitted that Floyds claim that he was told that the
computer would be his if he stayed at White House for two years is implausible and is unsupported by
any documentation.
17.
Although there is a dispute between the parties as to present entitlement to the Computer, the
undisputed fact that White House purchased the Computer and was the original owner of it constitutes
substantial grounds to believe that White House is the owner of the Computer and that Floyd is
unlawfully detaining it.
D.
18.
On a motion for interim recovery of personal property, the court must consider whether the
potential benefit in permitting the moving party to take possession of the property outweighs the harm
that it would cause to the responding party if the property were removed.
Clark Door of Canada Ltd. v. Inline Fiberglass Ltd., supra (para. ) at
pp. 251-2.
19.
In this regard, the danger to White House is clear. The Computer probably contains valuable
confidential customer information, which is available to Floyd to use improperly to solicit business. By
LAW SOCIETY OF UPPER CANADA:
NOT TO BE USED OR REPRODUCED WITHOUT PERMISSION
28
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
contrast, the inconvenience to Floyd of giving up possession of the computer is very slight. The
monetary value of the Computer is small, and Floyd could easily purchase or lease a replacement without
hardship. It is therefore submitted that the balance of convenience favours White House.
E.
20.
amend a pleading on such terms as are just, unless prejudice would result that could not be compensated
for by costs or an adjournment (emphasis added).
21.
In his affidavit, Floyd has not alleged that he would suffer any prejudice if White Houses
proposed amendments to its pleading are permitted. White House therefore submits that it should be
granted leave to amend its amended statement of defence and counterclaim as sought.
29
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
an order for leave to amend its amended statement of defence and counterclaim further
by adding thereto the paragraphs appearing in Schedule A of the notice of motion;
(b)
an order that White House recover interim possession of the Computer from Floyd; and
(c)
Henry P. Stewart
30
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
1.
Ryder Truck Rental v. Walker, [1960] O.W.N. 70, affirmed [1960] O.W.N. 114 (H.C.)
2.
Clark Door of Canada Ltd. v. Inline Fiberglass Ltd. (1996), 45 C.P.C. (3d) 244 (Ont. Gen. Div.)
31
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
ONTARIO
SUPERIOR COURT OF JUSTICE
BETWEEN:
RAYMOND FLOYD
Plaintiff
and
WHITE HOUSE SIDING COMPANY LTD.
Defendant
AND BETWEEN:
WHITE HOUSE SIDING COMPANY LTD.
Plaintiff by counterclaim
and
RAYMOND FLOYD and R. F. ALUMINUM INC.
Defendants to the counterclaim
32
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
Floyd does not oppose that part of White Houses motion in which White House seeks to amend
2.
Floyd does, however, strenuously oppose White Houses request for the interim recovery of the
Computer, for the following reasons, which are explained more fully below:
(a)
White House did not lend the Computer to Floyd, as it has claimed. Rather, White
House provided portable computers to all of its sales staff, and explicitly stated to Floyd
that the Computer would become his property if Floyd remained with White House for a
minimum of two years. Floyd remained with White House for more than three years
after he received the Computer. Accordingly, the Computer is the property of Floyd and
should be left in his possession.
(b)
In addition, White House alleges that the Computer contains confidential client
information that Floyd is using to solicit former clients. While Floyd did maintain
confidential customer information on his Computer during his tenure at White House, he
deleted all of that information from the Computer as soon as he was fired, and well
before he began to operate his business seriously.
(c)
The Computer is an integral part of Floyds new business, whereas White House has no
pressing need for it to be returned. The computer should therefore remain where it is,
with Floyd, until the issue of ownership can be determined at trial.
PART II FACTS
A.
3.
factum. Floyd disagrees with the facts stated in paragraphs 8, 10 and 11 thereof, and also states that the
facts set out in paragraph 5 of White Houses factum are incomplete.
33
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
B.
4.
Additional Facts
When Mr. Gus Greene of White House made the decision to purchase computers for the sales
force, he told Floyd that the Computer would become his property if he remained an employee of White
House for a period of at least two years. Most important to this motion, in its evidence White House has
not denied this statement by Mr. Greene.
On July 18, Yr-1, after two years had passed since he had received the computer, Floyd wrote a
letter to Mr. Greene, expressing his understanding that he now owned the Computer.
Mr. Greene never responded to Floyds letter, and neither Mr. Greene nor anyone else at White
House ever challenged the fact that the Computer belonged to Floyd.
White House has stated that it believes that the Computer contains confidential information. The
facts are these: While Floyd did keep White House customer information on the Computer when he
worked at White House, he deleted all of that information from the Computer as soon as he was fired,
and well before he began to operate his business seriously. As Floyd says in his affidavit, If I had really
wanted to steal White Houses customer information, I would simply have printed out the information in
hard copy. There is simply no reason why I would want or need to keep the Computer in order to have
access to this type of information.
34
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
8.
Floyd also kept all of his customer information on the desktop computer that he used at home.
This desktop computer did in fact belong to White House. When Floyd was fired, he returned the
desktop computer to White House, complete with all of the customer information that it contained.
Floyd believes that White House is requesting the return of the Computer only in order to harass
him and make it more difficult for Floyd to run his business. The Computer is fundamental to Floyds
business. Floyd relies on the Computer to solicit business over the Internet, and he also uses it to
maintain administrative and financial information for his business. It is an integral component of Floyds
business operations, and he simply cant afford to buy a replacement at present.
After his dismissal, when Floyd received the first letter concerning the Computer from Mr. Case,
he assumed that Case had been mistakenly informed that the Computer was the property of White House.
Floyd was so busy that he didnt bother to reply. When Floyd received the second letter, he did reply to
Mr. Case and informed him that the Computer was his property.
11.
White House must show substantial grounds for its assertion that it is the owner
the of the Computer
To be successful on a motion for an interim recovery of property, it is necessary to show
substantial grounds to support the allegations. The courts require the moving party to show the facts
upon which it bases its claim. Only if those facts afford substantial grounds for the moving partys claim
should such an order be granted.
Ryder Truck Rental v. Walker, [1960] O.W.N. 70, affirmed [1960]
O.W.N. 114 (H.C.)
Clark Door of Canada Ltd. v. Inline Fiberglass Ltd. (1996), 45 C.P.C.
(3d) 244 (Ont. Gen. Div.).
LAW SOCIETY OF UPPER CANADA:
NOT TO BE USED OR REPRODUCED WITHOUT PERMISSION
35
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
12.
The degree of proof necessary to meet the substantial grounds test is high. The moving party
must show more than a mere probability of success at trial. The test is substantial grounds, not
reasonable or probable grounds.
Clark v. Inline Fiberglass, supra.
Peco Tool & Die Ltd. v. 939991 Ontario Ltd. (1993), 19 C.P.C. (3d) 123
(Ont. Gen. Div., leitch J.), at p. 127.
13.
This high standard of substantial grounds has been adopted because an order for the interim
recovery of property is in the nature of a mandatory order and is a greater interference with the rights of
the responding party than is a prohibitive injunction.
Clark v. Inline Fiberglass, supra.
14.
If it is not possible because of credibility issues and competing affidavit evidence to find that the
moving party has shown substantial grounds then the moving party should not be successful on its
motion.
Clark v. Inline Fiberglass, supra.
Tuffy v. Schloendorf, [1993] O.J. No. 1581 (QL) (Ont. Gen. Div., Carter
J.) at para 9.
15.
Those cases in which there is clear documentation supporting the moving party are more likely to
meet the substantial grounds test. In contrast, those cases in which straight issues of credibility will
determine the action are less likely to meet the test. It is respectfully submitted that White House has not
meet the threshold necessary to satisfy the substantial grounds because (i) there is no clear
documentation of ownership, (ii) there is competing affidavit evidence, and (iii) there are substantial
credibility issues.
B.
White House cannot establish that it is the owner or lawfully entitled to possession
of the Computer
36
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
16.
In order to satisfy the substantial grounds test the moving party must also be able to satisfy all
the elements listed in rule 44.01(1). It is respectfully submitted that White House cannot prove elements
(c) and (d), namely, that White House is the owner or lawfully entitled to possession of the property and
that the property was unlawfully taken from its possession or is unlawfully detained by Floyd. As is
stated above, in its evidence on this motion, White House has not denied that Mr. Greene told Floyd that
the Computer would be his after two years.
17.
It is not appropriate to make an order for the return of property where title is not obvious,
apparent or most likely vested in the moving party, but instead where the whole case will turn on the
ownership of the property and where that issue depends on the interpretation of the contract.
Robert Cooper Productions Inc. v. J.S. Kastner Associates Ltd. (1982),
24 C.P.C. 269 (Master Donkin), at pp. 271-2.
C.
18.
The balance of convenience should result in the court refusing to grant an order for
interim recovery of the Computer
The court must determine whether the potential benefit in permitting the moving party to take
possession of the property until the issue is resolved at trial outweighs the harm that it would cause to the
responding party if the property were removed.
Clark v. Inline Fiberglass, supra.
19.
Even if the moving party has substantial grounds for its claim to ownership of the property, under
with rule 44.03(1) the court has the discretion to leave the property in the possession of the responding
party.
20.
It is respectfully submitted that the court should leave the Computer in the possession of Floyd
until trial, because it is an integral part of Floyds current business. White House offered no evidence
that it requires the Computer for any reason. If required, Floyd would be willing to post some security
court until trial in accordance with rule 44.03 (1).
37
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
White Houses requested amendments to its pleading be permitted, so that the issue of
ownership of the computer can be addressed at trial, where it should properly be
determined, but that
(b)
Ruby J. Sartor
38
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
1.
Ryder Truck Rental v. Walker, [1960] O.W.N. 70, affirmed [1960] O.W.N. 114 (H.C.)
2.
Clark Door of Canada Ltd. v. Inline Fiberglass Ltd. (1996), 45 C.P.C. (3d) 244 (Ont. Gen. Div.)
3.
Peco Tool & Die Ltd. v. 93991 Ontario Ltd. (1993), 19 C.P.C. (3d) 123 (Ont. Gen. Div., Leitch
J.), at p. 127.
4.
Tuffy v. Schloendorf, [1993] O.J. No. 1581 (QL) (Ont. Gen. Div., Carter J.) at para 9.
5.
Robert Cooper Productions Inc. v. J.S. Kastner Associates Ltd. (1982), 24 C.P.C. 269 (Master
Donkin), at pp. 271-2
39
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
40
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
41
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
42
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
43
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
44
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
45
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
46
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
47
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
48
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
49
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
50
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
51
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
52
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
53
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
54
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
55
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
56
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
57
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
58
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
59
CIVIL LITIGATION
48TH BAC: ACADEMIC PHASE 2005
60