Many years ago I defended a young man on a charge of “criminal harassment”. This was shortly after the federal government added this crime to our Criminal Code. The offence involves repeatedly following or communicating with another person when you know that the other person does not want to hear … [Read more...]
The Legal Status of the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines
The Divorce Act sets out the factors that a judge considers when ordering one ex-partner to pay spousal support (also knows as “partner support” or “spousal maintenance”) to the other ex-partner. The factors in provincial family law legislation that applies to unmarried couples, such as Alberta’s … [Read more...]
Bear With Me: Law for little ones
Children, even from infancy, learn about rules. They are told not to run with sharp objects, not to touch a hot stove, and that when darkness falls, they will be expected to go to bed. As children grow, they learn about the rules that govern the world around them. They begin to learn that they exist … [Read more...]
New at CPLEA (Vol 44-4)
In this issue of LawNow we are highlighting a few updated resources and two upcoming workshops.Updated Resources The following CPLEA resources have been updated. They are available for download from our website or for order (for free!) from our store.How Old Do I Have to Be In … [Read more...]
What to do with Your Conscience at Work?
We hear a lot today about people following their conscience. Conscience is more than mere preferences and choices. It is about one’s values, spiritual worldview and visceral sense of right and wrong. Few employees want to compromise on their deepest conscientious beliefs for their jobs. These … [Read more...]
BENCHPRESS | Challenges to the Constitution, Canada Labour Code and an insurance policy
Constitutional Challenge: Third parties can profit from sex work R v Anwar, 2020 ONCJ 103Hamad Anwar and Tiffany Harvey were charged for running an escort service in London, O.N. They employed several adult women, providing vacation time and benefits. Specifically, they were charged with offences … [Read more...]
Searching for Hopeful Signs in a Dark Wood, Rapidly Shrinking: Laws to address the climate emergency
Missing In ActionDonald Trump continues to audition for the job of World’s Greatest Practical Joker. You may have heard about the pending release of a new book by Edward Russo, entitled Donald J Trump: An Environmental Hero. Russo is a consultant who has advised Trump. He is also a staunch Trump … [Read more...]
Do Natural Objects Have Legal Rights?
In 1972, Christopher D. Stone wrote an article entitled “Should Trees Have Standing? - Towards Legal Rights for Natural Objects”. This article is still, even today, mentioned every time there is a discussion on legal rights and natural objects.In his article, Stone suggested that we give legal … [Read more...]
Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
There is clear scientific consensus that anthropogenic climate change is happening and will cause unavoidable and irreversible impacts. Despite the full implications of climate change remaining uncertain, there is a recognized need to act locally, provincially, nationally and internationally in … [Read more...]
Do Books Relieve Children’s Pain During Divorce?
Families are no longer as secure as they used to be. The process of divorce and separation can deeply affect children, as can exposure to new types of family structures. Children may feel stressed, frustrated and confused.When parents separate or divorce, children may:have difficulties … [Read more...]
