I Am Ariel Sharon by Yara El-Ghadban, is a timely novel that sheds light on the ongoing tragedy of the Palestinian people.Part 1 of this article described how Canadian politics, institutions and media have responded to the Israel-Palestine conflict, providing context for my review below of I Am … [Read more...]
Access to Justice During COVID-19 and the Jordan Case
How are delays in court processes due to COVID-19 considered when assessing the Jordan time limits for the right to be tried within a reasonable time?In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Since then, the pandemic has affected the functioning of many … [Read more...]
The (Sometimes Complicated) Rules that Apply to Farm Workers in Alberta
In January 2020, the rules changed to exempt farm and ranch employees on small farms from employment standards laws.Alberta’s Employment Standards Code (and the Employment Standards Regulation) applies to most workers in Alberta. But it creates all kinds of exceptions for farm workers, including … [Read more...]
What happens when farmers divorce?
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...]
