Pensions: Division under Alberta’s Family Property Law
Dividing one spouse or partner’s pension when the relationship ends can be complicated. The end goal is a just and equitable division under Alberta’s Family Property Act. A common question I receive is whether the law treats pensions differently from other family property when dividing assets between separating spouses or partners. This is an understandable […]
Thumbs Up Emoji Seals the Deal
Can a thumbs up emoji create legally binding obligations? The Supreme Court of Canada may consider this in the case of Achter Land & Cattle Ltd. v South West Terminal Ltd. The Supreme Court of Canada is considering a leave to appeal application filed by Achter Land & Cattle Ltd. (Achter Land). Saskatchewan courts found […]
Cyberbullying: Bullying through social media
With Canadians spending increased time on social media platforms, cyberbullying has skyrocketed with 71% of young Canadians reporting seeing online hate content. Criminal and civil laws offer ways to deal with it. Cyberbullying on social media has become a major problem in the 21st century. Social media platforms are virtual gathering places that allow individuals […]
The Evolution of Canadian Law
Since Canada became a country in 1867, Canadian law has evolved from that of a British colony to a sovereign state, including major developments like the Charter, the Criminal Code and the Divorce Act. EDITOR’S NOTE This article was first published in LawNow on May 5, 2017. It was reviewed by the author in 2025. With […]
Tenant Move-Outs: Cleaning and security deposit deductions
A common issue when moving out of a rental unit is what charges, including cleaning charges, a landlord can deduct from the tenant’s security deposit. A tenant’s lease ends in one week, and the landlord has already notified them to move out. Everything in the rental looks clean, but should the tenant stay up all […]
When Can the Government Infringe Upon my Rights: The Oakes test
Courts in Canada use the Oakes test to decide whether a government’s law, policy or action is justified even though it infringes on someone’s Charter rights. When an individual believes a government’s law, policy or action has infringed on their Charter rights, courts use the Oakes test to decide whether the infringement is justified. (In […]
Magna Carta Informs Our Criminal Law
The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, includes important legal concepts found today in our justice system, including the Rule of Law, jury trials, appointing qualified judges, evidence and access to justice. EDITOR’S NOTE This article was first published in LawNow on November 2, 2015. It was reviewed by the author in 2025. Magna Carta was […]
Don’t Leave Pay Behind: Know your rights under Alberta’s employment standards laws
Alberta’s Employment Standards Code sets out minimum standards employers must follow about minimum wage, minimum hours of work, overtime hours and pay, and more.
