As I write this a controversy is playing out in the United States over apparent targeting of Tea Party and other conservative groups by local offices of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to determine if they met American statutory requirements for exemption from tax. Under U.S. law such groups must … [Read more...]
The Growth of Green Building
Even if you’re not directly involved in the construction industry, chances are good you’ve heard in recent years about a renewed interest in more environmentally sustainable buildings. Since the 1990s, there has been new attention given to “green” approaches to design and construction, resulting in … [Read more...]
Your Principal Residence and Taxes
Capital gains have been subject to taxation in Canada since 1972. At present, only half of any capital gain is included in income. While this includes property such as real estate, most Canadians are aware that there is a “principal residence exemption”, and believe gains on their home will not … [Read more...]
No Trespassers Allowed
At law, the term "trespass" encompasses much more than individuals creeping onto their neighbour's property without permission. The act of "trespassing" is often conceptualized as one person setting foot on another person's land without their consent. "Get off my property, you're TRESPASSING!" is a … [Read more...]
An Overview of Anti-bullying Legislation and Alternatives in Canada
Very few days seem to go by, of late, without Canadians hearing about the alarming consequence of bullying in some form or another. This is particularly true in relation to children and youth. A number of high profile cases have garnered much discussion over the past few years, the latest of which … [Read more...]
Bench Press 37-6: Mandatory Workplace Testing
The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that mandatory random alcohol and drug testing of unionized employees at the Irving Pulp and Paper plant in New Brunswick was unreasonable. The majority opinion stated “A unilaterally imposed policy of mandatory random testing for employees in a dangerous … [Read more...]
The Blackmailer’s Charter: Victims in British Film and Theatre
I recently saw the 1961 British film Victim, starring one of my favorite actors, Dirk Bogarde. Dirk plays the highly successful barrister, Melville Farr, expected by his staff to take silk very soon (that is, become an eminent Queen’s Counsel, with a judgeship in his bright future as well). We see … [Read more...]
Bench Press 37-6: Hooking Up with a Pretty Girl
Justice Fergus O’Donnell of the Ontario Court of Justice recently wrote: “Devon Brumble wanted a pretty girl and, as is sometimes the case, he got most of what he wanted, however briefly, and a whole pile of trouble besides”. Brumble’s friend had offered to set him up with a pretty girl with a long … [Read more...]
New Developments in the Area of Discrimination on the Basis of Family Status
Note: a portion of this article is reproduced with permission from Ablawg.ca “Accommodation for Family Status Required by Federal Human Rights Tribunal for Three Alberta Women” – Ablawg December 22, 2010 All provinces and territories, and the federal government, have human rights legislation to … [Read more...]
Legal Responses to Cyberbullying: The ‘Unsupervised Public Playground’
Should a student be suspended or expelled for posting a video on the Internet that mercilessly humiliates another student? Should a school principal be able to search a student’s cellphone much like a school locker? What should happen to those students who intentionally post information about a … [Read more...]
