It is an outcome that is anchored in parliamentary intention, statutory language, arbitral jurisprudence, and labour relations practice. To decide otherwise would fundamentally undermine Parliament’s remedial purpose. - Wilson v Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd., 2016 SCC 29 at para 69 Employment … [Read more...]
Richard Wright’s Native Son: Dread in Chicago’s desolate South Side
As I write, impassioned protests in Kenosha and elsewhere attest to the anguish experienced by many Americans at the racialized violence meted out to African Americans. The incomprehensible shooting in the back of Jacob Blake, father of three, by a white police officer is the latest in a string of … [Read more...]
Mechanisms for Relief from Contractual Obligations in the Realm of COVID-19
The novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) has directly impacted society as a whole. But what really is COVID-19? It is a member of the coronavirus family of viruses. When virologists first studied this class of viruses, they used microscopy to view these viruses. The viruses appeared to have a faint halo, … [Read more...]
Charity and Non-Profit Law Case Update
The COVID-19 pandemic lead to numerous court proceedings being postponed. So, some important charity and non-profit cases may well remain in limbo as I write this. But, both internationally and domestically, the last few months have also seen some major decisions on a range of sector issues. Aga v … [Read more...]
Lights! Camera! Music!
For over a century, music has been used in film to not only enhance the viewing experience, but it has become very much an integral part of the film. For example, it is hard to imagine watching Star Wars without the score by legendary composer John Williams. Songs, by especially popular artists, can … [Read more...]
Aftershocks: COVID-19 and the “new normal” for family lawyers
When the world feels like it is off its axis and everything is changing at an unprecedented pace, sometimes it helps to remember what has NOT changed as we grapple with what has. Things that have not changed: Families continue to require compassionate and thorough assistance to get their lives in … [Read more...]
My Brain Needs a Rating System!
In the past few months, lack of access to my regular activities has “forced” me to make significant behavioural changes to my daily routine. Some people may have taken the opportunity to get in better physical shape or learn a new language. I will be the honest voice and admit that I have mostly … [Read more...]
COVID-19 Tracing Apps: Are they secure enough to protect the right of privacy?
It is almost impossible to know somebody who does not have a smartphone they use for almost every purpose: to send e-mails, to search for a new apartment or to navigate using the map features. The technology seems limitless. If a new problem arrives, technology can present an answer or an effective … [Read more...]
Two Steps Forward, One Step Back?
One Ontario Court of Justice judge says accused cannot plead guilty by phone In R. v. Candelaria, 2020 ONCJ 194, Justice Downes ruled, amidst the adjustments the courts have had to make due to the COVID-19 pandemic, that an accused cannot plead guilty via telephone. This means, according to Justice … [Read more...]
Getting Your Film onto the Screen
So, you have an idea for a great movie and think it has “legs”. Where do you start? Let’s look at it like any product to be sold in the marketplace. To understand how to make and market your movie, there are three basic questions that you need to answer: What are you selling? Who is the … [Read more...]
