there are no specific provisions that automatically disqualify an heir from inheritance based on criminal actions like murder or violence. However, courts have applied the “slayer rule”, which is based on common law principles. The slayer rule prevents a person from benefiting from a crime, particularly if they are responsible for causing the death of the deceased. This rule follows the maxim: “a person cannot profit from their own crime.”

Here are some key points about how this applies in Canada:

1. Murder or Manslaughter: If an heir is found guilty of murdering or manslaughtering the deceased, they will typically be disqualified from inheriting any property from the victim’s estate. This includes both intestate succession (where there is no will) and situations where the heir is named in a will.
2. Civil Forfeiture: Even if a person is not convicted of a crime (for example, in a case of acquittal or lack of criminal charges), civil courts may still prevent them from inheriting if it is proven on a balance of probabilities (a lower standard than criminal law) that they were responsible for the death.
3. Impact on Wills: If the person responsible for the death is a beneficiary in the deceased’s will, courts may use the slayer rule to void their inheritance rights, treating them as if they predeceased the victim.

In summary, under Canadian law, individuals who are found to be responsible for the unlawful death of the testator (person making the will) or another heir can be deprived of their inheritance, but this rule comes from case law and legal principles rather than explicit statutory provisions.