In British Columbia, an individual and a Society in Vancouver who have worked with prostitutes for over 30 years asked for standing to challenge Canada’s prostitution laws under the Charter. The Supreme Court of Canada said that in determining whether to grant public standing to applicants, courts … [Read more...]
Miss Julie’s Revenge, or Men Who Hate Women, Please Meet Lisbeth Salander
One of the great events of our summer in Edmonton is the Fringe Festival which offers an amazing assortment of acting talent, both local and international. While there is certainly something for everyone amongst the plays and musicals on offer, many are on the zany or surreal side. When I noticed … [Read more...]
Sexual Harassment is a Continuing Issue in Canada
Sexual harassment has long been recognized in Canada as a form of gender discrimination. For several years, gender discrimination (which includes discrimination based on breast feeding, sexual harassment, transgender and pregnancy) was the most commonly alleged ground of discrimination in both … [Read more...]
Whatever Happened To … Roncarelli v. Duplessis
[A]ction dictated by and according to the arbitrary likes, dislikes and irrelevant purposes of public officers acting beyond their duty, would signalize the beginning of disintegration of the rule of law as a fundamental postulate of our constitutional structure. – Roncarelli v. Duplessis, … [Read more...]
Privacy in Canada (Part 3)
New case law has arrived since the debate over the Lawful Access Bill ended this spring. Before commenting on it, I would like to make a small detour to clear up one point. The lack of a federal position paper that would canvass the rich body of case law might lead one to wonder about the approach … [Read more...]
The Complexities of Privacy and Social Networking Sites
Two cases, released in April 2012, from the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (“OPC”) demonstrate the privacy challenges facing users of social networking websites. The first allegation was made by a user who alleged that Facebook was collecting, using and disclosing his personal … [Read more...]
Privacy in Canada (Part 2)
From the time of the Code of Hammurabi in the 17th century BCE, societies that have aspired to some level of freedom and personal autonomy have expressed awareness of the need for privacy. In North America, the modern era of awareness of privacy as a right to be enshrined in the law might be traced … [Read more...]
Intrusion Upon Seclusion: The Tort of Invasion of Privacy
A person’s computer is a highly personal storage instrument. Many cases have concluded that an extremely high level of privacy is expected regarding the contents. One week after the Ontario Court of Justice made that observation in Pottruff v. Don Berry Holdings Inc., 2012 ONSC 311 (which … [Read more...]
37-1 | Sep-Oct 2012
Table of Contents Featured Articles: Tax Law A little knowledge about Canada’s tax system and the courts that administer it can alleviate some anxiety if you find yourself with a tax issue to resolve. The Tax Court of Canada: An IntroductionMike DolsonThe Tax Court, Canada’s newest superior … [Read more...]
Bench Press: Children and Cyber-bullying
A 15-year-old Nova Scotia girl discovered that someone had posted a fake profile about her on Facebook, using her photo, slightly changing her name and posting unflattering comments and sexually explicit references. She was successful in obtaining a court order that the Internet provider disclose … [Read more...]
