Introduction Canada’s civil and social “infrastructure deficit” is estimated to be up to $125 billion which is approximately 6-10 times the level of all current annual government infrastructure budgets combined. In this context and facing a potentially protracted worldwide economic slowdown, many … [Read more...]
Parliamentary Democracy 101
In the Gettysburg address, Abraham Lincoln defined democracy as government “of the people, by the people, for the people.” He was, of course, referring to the democratic model of the United States. However, the same words can be used to define Canadian parliamentary democracy: government of the … [Read more...]
Prorogation: A Powerful Tool Forged by History
In early December 2008, the situation for Stephen Harper’s second government appeared dire. Although he had won the election of October 14, Canadians gave his Conservatives only a minority government. Now, in the few short days since he had convened Parliament, he had so angered the opposition … [Read more...]
Viewpoint 34-2: Parliamentary Fairy Tales
As we contemplate the pathetic spectacle of Parliament’s return after its prorogation in December, the name Eugene Forsey is once again being invoked by thoughtful Canadians. And well it should be. At no time in recent history has the need for my father’s constitutional and historical expertise been … [Read more...]
The Canadian Crown: The Role of the Governor General
In late 2008, Prime Minister Stephen Harper paid two notable visits to the Governor General of Canada at Rideau Hall and offered Her Excellency, Michaëlle Jean, advice which sparked controversy among intellectuals, pundits and editorialists. Canadians from across the country soon joined the … [Read more...]
Restrictive Covenants in Employment
“The public have an interest in every person’s carrying on his trade freely: so has the individual. All interference with individual liberty of action in trading, and all restraints of trade of themselves, if there is nothing more, are contrary to public policy, and therefore void. That is the … [Read more...]
What is an Employment Contract?
“Work is one of the most fundamental aspects in a person’s life, providing the individual with a means of financial support and, as importantly, a contributory role in society. A person’s employment is an essential component of his or her sense of identity, self-worth and emotional well-being.” – … [Read more...]
School’s In: Dogged Determination
Download this lesson plan as a PDF worksheet. To the Teachers: Activities in this lesson are designed for students taking Law Studies in high schools. The activities are created to teach students about becoming entrepreneurs of small businesses, a venture they could pursue during the summer … [Read more...]
Social Networking: Discretion Advised
The Internet has been one of the most transformative vehicles for change in recent history. For example, Web 2.0 phenomena, such as social networking, are indicative of a more profound social change as the first generation to grow up in an Internet world begins to change the rules of how we choose … [Read more...]
School’s In: Students, Social Participation, Charities, and Law
Download this lesson plan as a PDF worksheet. To the Teachers Many current programs of studies require students to develop skills that enable them to become involved collaboratively in social action for the benefit of their communities and the world. This edition of School’s In examines … [Read more...]
