(cf SCR Part 15, rule 21; DCR Part 9, rule 15)
(1) A pleading may expressly join issue on a previous pleading.
(2) If there is no reply by a plaintiff to a defence, there is an implied joinder of issue on that defence.
(3) If there is no answer by the opposite party to a reply or subsequent pleading, there is an implied joinder of issue on the reply or subsequent pleading.
(4) There can be no joinder of issue, express or implied, on a statement of claim.
(5) An implied joinder of issue on a pleading operates as a denial of every allegation of fact made in the pleading.
(6) An express joinder of issue on a pleading operates as a denial of every allegation of fact made in the pleading other than an allegation that is expressly admitted.