Mignaults v Palmer and Great West Life Insurance Company

Palmer sold insurance to Great West Life (GWL) The agency contract between Palmer and Great West Life described him as an independent contractor/broker

The Mignaults invested in several investments in GWL products recommended and arranged by Palmer.

Various documents received by the Mignaults from GWL described Palmer as their agent.

Palmer later persuaded the Mignaults to sell their GWL investments and invest in Raleigh & Co Ltd which he owned saying that they would get a higher interest rate. They assumed that it was another GWL investment but it was not.

Palmer did not invest the money rather he used it for personal living expenses. He was convicted of fraud and went to prison.

1. What is the legal question/issue?
2. What is the applicable legal principal/rule of law
3. Argument for the Plaintiff
4. Argument for the Defendant