Drug policy is changing in Canada, with Bill C-5 and requests for exemptions under section 56(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. There is a growing acknowledgement in Canada that drug use is a health issue and not a criminal justice problem. This is an important distinction given the … [Read more...]
Drug Decriminalization: How attitudes toward drugs are changing the social and legal landscape
Today, attention is on decriminalizing possession of “harder” substances, with an emphasis on compassion, care and support for people who use drugs. Attitudes toward drug use are changing. Gone are the days of “Reefer Madness” of the 1930s and “dope fiend” references finding their way into … [Read more...]
Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL): Do you know what you are getting into?
As BNPL gains popularity among Canadian shoppers, here are three things you should know about it plus some words of caution. You may notice that many online retailers (also known as merchants) now allow you to buy goods and services through a buy now, pay later (BNPL) option. Thinking of buying a … [Read more...]
Regulating Paralegals in Alberta
The Alberta Association of Professional Paralegals is advocating for regulation of paralegals and is already working to develop quality education programs. In response to the growing access to justice issue in Alberta, legal stakeholders are trying to figure out what they can do to ease the … [Read more...]
Racial Profiling in the Retail Industry
Consumer racial profiling is usually built on the misconception that certain ethnic groups are more likely to shoplift than others. Consumer racial profiling is a serious issue that has not been researched enough in Canada. Different terms are used to characterize consumer racial profiling, such as … [Read more...]
CPLEA Resources: Canada’s ban on conversion therapy
June is Pride Month but the need for LGBTQ+ resources continues year-round, including about Canada's recent ban on conversion therapy. On January 7, 2022, Canada banned conversion therapy. Canada's Criminal Code now includes four new criminal offences banning conversion therapy and related conduct. … [Read more...]
What Powers Do Police Have to Stop Me?
Questions often come up around police stops, including whether police can stop you and whether you have to speak to them or follow their instructions if they do. DISCLAIMER | This article is meant to be a guide, not specific legal advice for your situation. Always consult a legal clinic or speak to … [Read more...]
A Faith Perspective: Canada’s ban on conversion therapy
An essay on what Canada’s ban on conversion therapy means to me as an advocate for inclusion and safety for 2SLGBTQ+ people in faith communities. My name is Pam Rocker. I am the Director of Affirming Connections, an organization based in Southern Alberta. We support the voices of people of faith, … [Read more...]
Alberta’s New Surrogate Forms
The new GA Forms came into effect on June 15, 2022 for all grant applications in Alberta. The Surrogate Rules of Court set out many of the rules that personal representatives must follow and the forms they must complete when applying to the Court of Queen’s Bench in Alberta for a grant of probate … [Read more...]
Supporting Canada’s Ban on Conversion Therapy: A cisgender, straight woman’s perspective
I am a cisgender, straight woman. So, what does the ban on conversion therapy mean to me? A lot! Given how I just identified myself, you may be wondering why I would be so supportive of something that is seemingly outside of my reality. Well … if one wonders that, one may not get the point of … [Read more...]
