More than a policy, CLEI is a complete service that gives companies immediate access to a lawyer, selected from an expert panel, whenever they need it. CLEI covers matters NOT covered by commercial liability insurance

What would you do if you were suddenly faced with defending your company against:

• Charges of wrongful dismissal?
• Human rights complaints or discrimination charges?
• Customer complaints?
• Claims of poor workmanship?
• Criminal actions?

• Pursue an action against a negligent supplier?
• File a claim against a negligent landlord or destructive tenant?

CLEI means that no business, however small, should be prevented from exercising its full legal rights in a court of law. CLEI provides coverage for the costs incurred by a lawyer and encompasses five crucial areas, not generally covered by other insurance.

1. Contract Disputes
Pursuit or defence of contractual disputes relating to the sale, purchase, lease or rental of goods or the provision of services (e.g. disputes with customers/suppliers, defence against claims of poor workmanship)

2. Employment Disputes
Defence of any dispute with an employee
(e.g. defence against wrongful dismissal charges, discrimination)

3. Criminal Prosecution
Defence of criminal or statutory proceedings
(e.g. Criminal Code (Canada), Occupational Health and Safety Act)

4. Property Disputes
Pursuit or defence of disputes relating to freehold/leasehold property including disputes following physical damage by a third party to that property
(e.g. landlord and tenant disputes, nuisance and trespass)

5. Personal Injury
Pursuit of claims for compensation relating to death or bodily injury sustained away from the workplace but while engaged in business activities

For added peace of mind, CLEI also provides policyholders with access to a toll-free Telephone Legal Advisory service. This service provides unlimited access to a lawyer for immediate advice on any business matter.

If the right steps are taken at the very start, problems can often be resolved quickly or a suitable compromise reached between the parties involved without costly settlements or long, drawn-out court cases that can take you away from the business of running your business!

• Pays up to $50,000 per claim, to an annual total expense of $250,000, for reasonable legal fees (at a rate of up to $ 275/hour)
• Legal proceedings must commence in Canada
• No deductible
• 10% co-insurance applies to all legal fees in excess of $ 10,000
• No payment for awards, damages, fines or penalties