Should I use a demand letter template I found online for an Ontario dispute?

Generic demand letter templates available online may give you a useful starting structure, but they come with real risks when applied to an Ontario dispute. Templates are often written for a different province or jurisdiction, reference statutes or procedures that do not apply in Ontario, or fail to account for the specific facts of your situation.

The most important function of a demand letter is to accurately state your legal position. A template that misstates your claim, invokes the wrong statute, or uses incorrect legal terminology can actually harm your case by suggesting you misunderstand your own rights. It can also create admissions or limitations you did not intend.

If you do use a template as a starting point, verify that every reference to law, regulation, or procedure is accurate and Ontario-specific. Remove any standard language that does not fit your facts. Make sure the deadline, remedy, and factual description are precise. At a minimum, have a lawyer review the final draft before sending it, especially in disputes involving significant money or where the relationship with the other party is important.

For straightforward, low-value disputes, a plain, factual letter you write yourself may be more effective than a dense template filled with unfamiliar legal language.