The Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta (CPLEA) undertook a trial of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to explore ways to improve both internal workflows and its public legal education and information resources.The 2022–2023 Bridging the Gaps Legal Needs Assessment from the Alberta Law … [Read more...]
Greenwashing: What it is and what you can do about it
The rise in demand for “green”, or more environmentally friendly, products corresponds with an increase in greenwashing – producers creating the impression that their products are “greener” than they really are.Many Canadian consumers consider the environment when making buying decisions. In … [Read more...]
When Silence Speaks Volumes
Low reporting rates for sexual violence reveal a lot about the need for specialized services that prioritize safety, choice and long-term support beyond the traditional justice system.Despite decades of advocacy, public awareness campaigns, and law reform, the vast majority of sexual violence … [Read more...]
Justice Navigators: The quiet helpers in the legal system
Justice navigators are non-lawyer professionals working in community agencies that support their clients’ engagement with the legal system. Their work is varied, and their impact is great.Community justice helper. Service provider. Intermediary. Intake worker. Court support worker. Settlement … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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. … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
