Annexation is one state forcibly acquiring another state’s territory, usually through a treaty or use of force. It is illegal under international law. Recently, there has been increased discussion in the media about annexation. Many are now asking what this term really means and how it comes … [Read more...]
About Myrna El Fakhry Tuttle
Imposing Adult Sentences on Young Offenders
In some cases, Crown prosecutors can ask the court to sentence offenders under the age of 18 years like adults under Canada's Criminal Code rather than as youth. The legal system in Canada treats young offenders differently than adults. The Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) regulates the … [Read more...]
Privacy and Medical Information in the Workplace
How can we balance an employer's right to know about illness or disability and an employee's right to privacy? EDITOR'S NOTE A version of this article first appeared in LawNow in 2019. It has been reviewed for legal accuracy in 2024 by the author. Requesting medical information from … [Read more...]
Why is Canada a Bilingual Country?
Canada has two official languages: French and English. We always wonder why. EDITOR'S NOTE A version of this article first appeared in LawNow in 2019. It has been reviewed for legal accuracy in 2024 by the author. Canada’s two colonizing peoples are the French and the British. They … [Read more...]
Right to Protest on Canadian University Campuses
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms includes the freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly and association. But the courts have not been clear whether the Charter applies to protest encampments at universities. Protest encampments on Canadian university campuses have been dealt with … [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...]
The Protection of Human Rights in Armed Conflicts
During times of armed conflict, international humanitarian law (IHL) and human rights law (HRL) are meant to protect human beings and reduce their suffering. Armed conflicts are happening in various parts of the world. Unfortunately, serious violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) … [Read more...]
Are Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations Working?
Canada's Air Passenger Protection Regulations protect passengers traveling to, from or within Canada, including by setting out compensation rules for when flights are delayed or cancelled. When something goes wrong with our flight, we get very annoyed. Nowadays, there are a lot of … [Read more...]
Public Trust Doctrine and Climate Litigation in Canada
The right to a healthy environment is making headway thanks to case law against governments arguing the public trust doctrine and with changes under Bill S-5 to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. AUTHOR'S NOTE (September 2023) On August 14, 2023, the Montana First Judicial District … [Read more...]
Sexual Assault is on the Rise in Canada
Though sexual assault is the only violent crime in Canada not declining, many incidents are not reported to police for reasons including victim blaming and low confidence in the justice system. In August 2022, Statistics Canada reported that sexual assault is the only violent crime in Canada … [Read more...]
