Recently, anti-racism has received extensive media coverage. Instead of addressing what can be done about it, there has been much discussion about whether racism—particularly systemic racism—exists in Canada, and apparent confusion about the meaning of important terms. For example, on June 9, 2020, … [Read more...]
Hit the Gas!
You passed the test. You practiced driving in your parents’ car. You were set to take the road test to get your license. And then COVID-19 hit. And your road test was cancelled.The good news: As of June 30th, you can now book a road test in Alberta! The bad news: Road tests are booking four to … [Read more...]
44-6: The “Super Powers”
Volume 44-6 July/Aug 2020 Full PDF of this issue Table of ContentsFeature Articles: The "Super Powers"Special Report: Home WorkDepartmentsColumnsDuring this global pandemic, governments in Canada have worked together to help keep us healthy and safe. This issue looks at … [Read more...]
New at CPLEA (Vol 44-6)
In this issue of LawNow, we are highlighting new and updated resources for landlords and tenants. New Resources We have prepared the following sample agreements in a fillable PDF format:Living with Your LandlordIf you are living with your landlord (as in sharing space with them), … [Read more...]
The Use of the Peace, Order and Good Government Clause in Canada’s Constitution
Recent events in Canada have caused a resurgence of reliance on the Peace, Order and Good Government (POGG) clause in section 91 of The Constitution Act, 1867. When federal and provincial governments seek to pass legislation, they must have authority under section 91 (federal government) or 92 … [Read more...]
Working from Home: Income tax issues
UPDATE FROM THE AUTHORS In the November 30, 2020 Economic Statement, the Government announced the following relief for Canadians working from home during the pandemic: To simplify the process for both taxpayers and businesses, the CRA will allow employees working from home in 2020 due to COVID-19 … [Read more...]
The Rise of the Digital Robber Barons: Is government up to the task at hand?
Given Canada’s history, we can anticipate that any plans for the federal government to use its “super powers” could erode our civil liberties. We must vigilantly protect fundamental rights and look to the courts to affirm, and in some instances extend, the reach of our Charter protections should … [Read more...]
BENCHPRESS | Sentencing, Supervising and Schooling
Systemic Racism in Sentencing R v Kandhai, 2020 ONSC 3580Mr. Kandhai was charged with and pled guilty to one count of possession of a prohibited firearm with accessible ammunition and one count of a breach of a firearms prohibition order. At the sentencing hearing, the defence asked for 3 years … [Read more...]
The Right to Housing as a Human Right
International human rights law acknowledges everyone’s right to an adequate standard of living, which includes the right to adequate housing.Many international legal instruments protect the right to adequate housing, including:the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 25); the … [Read more...]
The Emergencies Act
When I agreed to write about the Emergencies Act, I had no idea that I would end up doing so at a time when the federal government was actually considering resorting to this never-before-used legislation. But with the arrival and spread of COVID-19 in Canada, this Act is an option the government has … [Read more...]
