In planning for end of life, we first need to be able to talk about it. Death—it’s a reality of life that on a certain level we know will come for us all, but one that in our modern world we have managed to push to the peripheries. The average lifespan for a Canadian in 2020 was a hair shy of … [Read more...]
Edmonton’s Encampment Case: What does it mean for future cases?
The Coalition for Justice and Human Rights' August 2023 constitutional challenge to the City of Edmonton’s encampment removals did not succeed, but this case wasn't the first of its kind and likely won't be the last. As housing in Canada and Alberta becomes increasingly expensive, many people … [Read more...]
Navigating Life or Health Insurance Complaints with OLHI
Most of the time, our life and health insurance work as expected: You file a claim, and your insurer covers the costs per your policy. But what if you have a complaint? Every day, insurance companies process thousands of life or health insurance claims for Canadian policyholders. However, … [Read more...]
Canada is not yet Ready to Expand its Medical Assistance in Dying Legislation
Canada's Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) laws were set to change in March 2024 to include mental disorders. But the federal government has once again delayed implementation until at least March 2027. Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) was legalized in Canada in 2016 and became available to … [Read more...]
Vicarious Trauma in Criminal and Family Lawyers: The unseen burden of advocating for victims
The work of criminal and family lawyers exposes them to abuse and trauma, which can lead them to experiencing vicarious trauma. But help is available. Lawyers practicing in family or criminal law are instrumental in advocating for and guiding their clients through some of the most traumatic … [Read more...]
Cohabitation Agreements: Making them enforceable under the Family Property Act
The Family Property Act says how adult interdependent partners (AIPs) divide their property on separation. But it seems to prohibit unmarried couples from signing a cohabitation agreement about property before they become AIPs. There is a gap in Alberta’s Family Property Act (the Act) that has … [Read more...]
Accessing the Justice System: Specialized support is critical for sexual violence survivors
For sexual violence survivors who choose to access the criminal justice system, working with a specialized police and court support advocate can have a huge positive impact on their experience. The criminal legal system is a crucial pathway to justice for victims of crime. It provides a … [Read more...]
There is No Such Thing as a Hate Crime Offence in Canada
But do not panic because Canada’s Criminal Code not only includes five hate-based offences but also allows a judge to consider during sentencing whether hate motivated any other offence. In Canada, we do not have an offence in our Criminal Code that is called a “hate crime.” Yet during a time … [Read more...]
Do I need a lawyer to make a Will?
A Will is a legal document that says what happens to your estate when you pass away. While you can make your own, there are many good reasons why a lawyer should prepare it for you. There are two ways to make a Will in Alberta. A person can make a holographic Will that is entirely in their own … [Read more...]
How to Avoid Your Day in Court: A few more tips
In most cases, there are things you can do to avoid court, including finding reliable information, noting up case law, understanding the general rules and exceptions, and knowing whether a law actually exists. If you are experiencing a legal issue, you might think court is the place to resolve … [Read more...]