Absolute and conditional discharges are types of sentences in Canada's criminal justice system. Want to learn more?What is a discharge?A discharge is a legal sentence in Canada set out in section 730(1) of Canada’s Criminal Code. Both absolute and conditional discharges are a finding of guilt … [Read more...]
Wills, Personal Directives and Powers of Attorney: What’s the difference?
A complete estate plan includes three documents: a Will, Enduring Power of Attorney, and Personal Directive. Are you prepared?A complete estate plan includes three documents: a Will, Enduring Power of Attorney, and Personal Directive. Each province and territory has its own laws about these … [Read more...]
Should Non-Citizen Residents be Allowed to Vote in Canada?
Canadians voted federally in September, and Albertans head back to the polls in October for municipal elections. But who has the right to vote in these elections?The right to vote is the foundation of democracy, and democracy cannot be established without it. Voting allows individuals to affect … [Read more...]
A Troubled Prosecutor on a Quest in Fujimori’s Peru
Santiago Roncagliolo's Red April offers a gripping and insightful look into the terrors in Peru in 2000, especially towards Indigenous peoples.Like Canada, Peru has a long and troubled colonial relationship with its Indigenous peoples. Today, Canada is making strides in the vital process of … [Read more...]
A Few Facts on … Equalization
Let's fact check a few common misconceptions on equalization and transfer payments.The terms “equalization” and “transfer payments” have been floating around in the news recently. The sheer volume of information thrown at us makes it difficult to figure out what is fact and what is … [Read more...]
Myths about Child Support
Debunking the myths and legends that haunt family law, including those about getting out of your obligation to pay any or more support.This article continues our series on debunking the myths and legends that haunt family law. Today’s topic: myths on ways to avoid paying child support.A note … [Read more...]
A Primer on Municipal Law in Alberta
With local elections approaching, it’s a good time to brush up on municipal law and government in Alberta.Municipal governments play an important role in shaping Albertans’ daily lives – from taxes to transit, bike lanes to bylaw enforcement, and development permits to dog licenses.Albertans go … [Read more...]
Ride at Your Own Risk: Amusement parks and liability
What does it mean to do something at “our own risk”? And who is ultimately responsible when accidents do happen?When I was young, winter officially ended with family outings to (the now closed) Wild Rapids waterslide park in Sylvan Lake or to Calgary’s Callaway Park. These amusement parks offer … [Read more...]
Are Vaccine Passports Controversial?
Vaccine passports could be required to travel, to access some locations, or to receive goods and services. What should we be concerned about?As the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines speeds up in Canada and around the world, we are talking about going back to our pre-pandemic lifestyles. But to return … [Read more...]
Heading into Alberta’s Great Outdoors This Summer? Passes and permits to know about
It's your responsibility to know the rules before you head out to enjoy parks, camp, hunt or fish, and operate off-highway vehicles or boats.One positive thing to come out of COVID-19 is that more Albertans are exploring the beautiful outdoors of our province.Before venturing out though, you … [Read more...]
