A Brief History of Drug Criminalization in Canada
Reading Time: 5 minutes Canada’s legal history of drugs has evolved since the late 1800s, coming almost full circle with current calls to decriminalize possession for personal use. As I write this short history of the criminalization of drugs in Canada, the federal and British Columbia governments have announced that in early 2023 they will stop charging persons who […]
Decriminalization of Drugs in Canada: What does it mean and how would it work?
Reading Time: 5 minutes Drug policy is changing in Canada, with Bill C-5 and requests for exemptions under section 56(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. There is a growing acknowledgement in Canada that drug use is a health issue and not a criminal justice problem. This is an important distinction given the way the opioid crisis is […]
Drug Decriminalization: How attitudes toward drugs are changing the social and legal landscape
Reading Time: 8 minutes Today, attention is on decriminalizing possession of “harder” substances, with an emphasis on compassion, care and support for people who use drugs. Attitudes toward drug use are changing. Gone are the days of “Reefer Madness” of the 1930s and “dope fiend” references finding their way into politicians’ speeches in the 1950s and ‘60s. Cheech & […]
Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL): Do you know what you are getting into?
Reading Time: 4 minutes As BNPL gains popularity among Canadian shoppers, here are three things you should know about it plus some words of caution. You may notice that many online retailers (also known as merchants) now allow you to buy goods and services through a buy now, pay later (BNPL) option. Thinking of buying a new electronic device? […]
Regulating Paralegals in Alberta
Reading Time: 3 minutes The Alberta Association of Professional Paralegals is advocating for regulation of paralegals and is already working to develop quality education programs. In response to the growing access to justice issue in Alberta, legal stakeholders are trying to figure out what they can do to ease the mounting pressure on our court system. One of the […]
Racial Profiling in the Retail Industry
Reading Time: 5 minutes Consumer racial profiling is usually built on the misconception that certain ethnic groups are more likely to shoplift than others. Consumer racial profiling is a serious issue that has not been researched enough in Canada. Different terms are used to characterize consumer racial profiling, such as “consumer marketplace discrimination” or “shopping while Black”. Consumer racial […]
CPLEA Resources: Canada’s ban on conversion therapy
Reading Time: 2 minutes June is Pride Month but the need for LGBTQ+ resources continues year-round, including about Canada’s recent ban on conversion therapy. On January 7, 2022, Canada banned conversion therapy. Canada’s Criminal Code now includes four new criminal offences banning conversion therapy and related conduct. The Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta (CPLEA) has created several legal […]
What Powers Do Police Have to Stop Me?
Reading Time: 4 minutes Questions often come up around police stops, including whether police can stop you and whether you have to speak to them or follow their instructions if they do. DISCLAIMER | This article is meant to be a guide, not specific legal advice for your situation. Always consult a legal clinic or speak to and/or retain […]
