When you visit a lawyer in Canada you both expect, and are entitled, to have your communications remain confidential. This right, known as the solicitor-client privilege rule, is long established and the rationale for it is solid.

Lawyers are charged with promoting and protecting their client’s best interest. Without free and open communications, this would be virtually impossible. In order to build a relationship of trust, client’s need the security of knowing that information cannot be disclosed, without their express permission. Full and complete knowledge of a client’s situation, allows their lawyer to examine every angle of the case. A defense or alternative, perhaps unknown to most, may well be available, and without full disclosure it could never surface.

As with all things in life, there are exceptions to the rule. For example, discussions involving criminal conduct on the part of the solicitor would not be covered. However, in most situations, you can speak quite freely to your lawyer, secure in the knowledge that your disclosure will forever remain confidential, unless you choose otherwise.