Recent events in Canada have caused a resurgence of reliance on the Peace, Order and Good Government (POGG) clause in section 91 of The Constitution Act, 1867. When federal and provincial governments seek to pass legislation, they must have authority under section 91 (federal government) or 92 (provincial governments). These sections list subject matters that […]
About Linda McKay-Panos
Linda McKay-Panos, BEd, JD, LLM, is the Executive Director of the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre in Calgary, Alberta.
The Use of the Peace, Order and Good Government Clause in Canada’s Constitution
July 2, 2020 By Linda McKay-Panos
HUMAN RIGHTS | Overt Discrimination and Hate Crimes are Increasing During COVID-19
July 2, 2020 By Linda McKay-Panos
Generally, when talking about the situation in Canada, the emphasis is on the prevalence of systemic discrimination —policies or practices that are part of an organization, which perpetuate disadvantage. This is pervasive in Canada and difficult to address because it is reinforced by acceptance as the “normal” way of doing things. However, while complex systemic […]
HUMAN RIGHTS | COVID-19: Human rights implications for Canadians held in remand, prisons and jails
May 1, 2020 By Linda McKay-Panos
We find ourselves in unprecedented times. As we scramble to “socially distance” and address the economic consequences of the global pandemic, inmates in Canadian institutions are particularly vulnerable to adverse effects by virtue of the conditions where they are held. On March 30, 2020, the Canadian Government announced that two inmates in the Port-Cartier Institution […]
HUMAN RIGHTS | Solitary Confinement is a Human Rights Issue
March 3, 2020 By Linda McKay-Panos
Mahatma Ghandi once said: “A nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members.” Canada has used solitary confinement for prisoners for decades. In the past several years, solitary confinement has been the subject of criticism from civil libertarians and mental health advocates. Usually, solitary confinement involves isolating inmates in a small cell […]
HUMAN RIGHTS | Access to Justice Given a Boost by Downtown Eastside Sex Workers Case
January 7, 2020 By Linda McKay-Panos
20/20: Looking back over the last 20 years In Downtown Eastside Sex Workers United Against Violence Society v Canada (Attorney General), 2012 SCC 45 (DESW), the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) adapted the rule on public interest standing. This resulted in the potential for better access to justice, especially for vulnerable peoples who may not otherwise have […]
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