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BMO Faces $4‑Million Penalty for Long‑Running Customer Overcharges

The Bank of Montreal has been fined $4 million by Canada’s federal banking regulator after an internal review revealed the bank had overcharged more than 100,000 customers enrolled in discounted banking plans. The issue spanned over a decade and affected clients who were supposed to receive reduced or waived fees through specialized programs. According to the regulator, the bank failed to apply fee waivers correctly and did not clearly disclose when discounted pricing would begin. As a result, customers in programs for newcomers, students in medical and dental fields, Indigenous clients, and mortgage‑related plans were charged fees they should not have paid. BMO has refunded millions to affected customers and made additional donations in cases where refunds were not possible. The bank stated that it self‑reported the issue and has since updated its internal processes to prevent similar errors. The fine highlights the ongoing scrutiny of consumer protection practices within Canada...

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The One: Toronto's troubled luxury condo project


The One, a luxury condo project in Toronto that was supposed to be the tallest residential building in Canada, has been put into receivership by a court order. The developer, Mizrahi Developments, has been struggling to secure financing for the project, which has faced multiple delays and cost overruns. 

The project was originally announced in 2015, with a planned completion date of 2020. It was supposed to have 416 units, ranging from $1 million to $28 million, and feature amenities such as a sky lobby, a spa, and a pool. However, the project encountered several challenges, such as rising construction costs, engineering issues, and legal disputes. The court-appointed receiver, Alvarez & Marsal Canada Inc., will take over the management and completion of the project, which is only 64% done. The receiver will also try to find new investors or buyers for the project, which has an estimated value of $1.4 billion. 

The fate of the buyers who have already invested in the project is uncertain, as they may face losses or lawsuits. Some buyers have already filed a class-action lawsuit against the developer, claiming breach of contract and misrepresentation. 

The One is not the only luxury condo project in Toronto that has run into trouble, as the city's real estate market has been hit by the pandemic and oversupply. Several other projects have been cancelled, delayed, or downsized, leaving buyers frustrated and disappointed.

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