The inter-generational nature of farms, and the need to keep enough farmland to make the farm viable, pose several unique challenges when families decide to separate.Farm families often experience the law in unique ways, and divorce is no exception. The inter-generational nature of farms, and the … [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...]
The Charter of Rights and Freedoms and Migrant Farm Workers
Each year, between 50K and 60K migrant farm workers come to Canada. But are their working conditions in violation of the Charter?“The fight is never about grapes or lettuce. It is always about people.”- Cesar Chavez, civil rights and farm labour activistChavez uttered those words in 1970 in the … [Read more...]
Is Incorporation Right for your Business?
Before incorporating, a business owner should think about tax implications, a corporation's perpetual existence, and protection from liability.A common question among small business owners is whether to incorporate a company to carry on their business. However, this simple query often leads to a … [Read more...]
46-2 | Dec 2021 & Jan-Feb 2022
December: 2021 in Review2021 Employment Law Alberta Year in ReviewJoel FairbrotherThe courts released several important employment law decisions in Alberta in 2021, including about bonuses, just cause, defamation and constructive dismissal.[Employment]Domestic Violence Resources from CPLEACentre … [Read more...]
What Does “Freedom” Mean in Canadian Law?
The courts have interpreted and applied sections 1 and 2 of the Charter, including in the case of Occupy Toronto in 2011.In recent days, the word “freedom” has been used in the context of regulating protests and blockades at various locations in Canada. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms … [Read more...]
Small Business Essentials: An employment lawyer’s perspective
Three essentials all small business owners should have in place are employment agreements, policies, and termination letters and releases.One of the most common mistakes small business owners make is assuming a small number of employees means proper employment documents are less important. On the … [Read more...]
What happens when a business owner divorces? Part 2
In this second part, let's look at protecting a business, and calculating child and spousal support.Part 1 of this article explained the various ways a divorcing spouse can be compensated for their family property claim to a business. Part 2 now looks at how to insulate a business from the … [Read more...]
What happens when a business owner divorces? Part 1
In this part, let's look at buying spouses out and corporate assets.Whether you are a business owner, the spouse of a business owner, or in business with another family, you may be curious about what impact a divorce can have on the business. If your business partner is divorcing or you are … [Read more...]
Alberta’s Critical Infrastructure Defence Act: How is it working?
In force since June 17, 2020, the law is meant to protect essential infrastructure from trespassers, damage or interference of any kind.No one can read or watch the news right now without some mention of the blockade in Coutts, Alberta, or protests in Ottawa, apparently related to the “Freedom … [Read more...]
