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...]
Racial Bullying in Schools
Studies show a majority of students have witnessed or experienced racism at school, with implications for both students and teachers. A majority of students in Canada have either witnessed or experienced racism at their schools, according to a 2021 survey by the Angus Reid Institute in … [Read more...]
Childcare Obligations and Self-Accommodation in Alberta
Under Alberta human rights laws, what do employees have to show in a case of family status discrimination relating to childcare obligations? Provincial, territorial and federal human rights legislation in Canada prohibits discrimination against employees based on family status. This protection … [Read more...]
Racial Profiling in the Retail Industry
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 … [Read more...]
Access to Justice During COVID-19 and the Jordan Case
How are delays in court processes due to COVID-19 considered when assessing the Jordan time limits for the right to be tried within a reasonable time? In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Since then, the pandemic has affected the functioning of many … [Read more...]
Canada Follows Other Countries and Bans Conversion Therapy
After two failed attempts, Canada passed legislation on December 8, 2021, banning conversion therapy and safeguarding the rights of LGBTQ2 individuals. After two failed attempts, Canada passed legislation, on December 8, 2021, banning conversion therapy. By doing so, Canada joins many countries … [Read more...]