Since the introduction of the Federal Child Support Guidelines (FCSG) in 1997, custody arrangements have affected child support obligations for Canadian parents. The greatest flexibility applies to “shared custody” situations. Under the FCSG, a child is in shared custody where each parent “exercises … [Read more...]
Common Misconceptions about Family Law
It’s not unusual for someone to come see me and have some misconceptions about how the law or the legal process works. Previous articles and columns in LawNow have addressed many of these misconceptions. In this article, I’ll address a few others. 1. I can trade “parental rights” for the obligation … [Read more...]
Moral Rights in Canadian Copyright Law
One of the better known copyright lawsuits in Canada surrounds the Michael Snow sculpture of geese attached to the ceiling of the downtown Toronto Eaton Centre. In this case, the Eaton Centre tied red ribbons around the necks of the sixty geese in Flight Stop as a Christmas decoration. The artist, … [Read more...]
In Loco Parentis
… only minor corrective force of a transitory and trifling nature. [No] corporal punishment of children under two or teenagers. Degrading, inhuman or harmful conduct is not protected. Discipline by the use of objects or blows or slaps to the head is unreasonable. Teachers may reasonably apply force … [Read more...]
Senate Report Offers Blueprint for Federal Charity Law Reform
With a federal election slated for this October, there is little chance we will see any major changes to the Income Tax Act (ITA) rules governing registered charities in the coming weeks.Once the election is over, however, whichever party forms government could do worse than use the … [Read more...]
Gay-Straight Alliances
Gay-straight alliances (GSAs) are groups formed in schools and run by students with teacher support or sponsorship. The purpose of a GSA is to create welcoming, caring, respectful and safe spaces for LGBTQ2S+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Two-Spirit, Intersex, … [Read more...]
The Constitutional Basis for Bilingualism in Canada
Language is not merely a means or medium of expression; it colours the content and meaning of expression. It is ... a means by which a people may express its cultural identity. It is also the means by which the individual expresses his or her personal identity and sense of individuality.- Ford v … [Read more...]
Student Legal Services
Celebrating 50 Years of Providing Access to Justice in Edmonton and Area From September to June of each year, over two hundred and fifty law students at the University of Alberta provide free legal information and assistance to low-income individuals in Edmonton and area. These students volunteer … [Read more...]
Student Legal Assistance
Celebrating 40 Years of Providing Access to Justice in Calgary and Area In 1979, a small group of law students at the then newly minted law school at the University of Calgary formed a non-profit society to focus on access to justice for low-income Calgary and area residents. Forty years later, … [Read more...]
Something Old Becomes Something New: Alberta’s Employment Standards Code
Employers and employees in Alberta should be aware of changes made to the Employment Standards Code, most of which will take effect this fall.As expected, the new government has reversed many of the changes that the NDP implemented to employment standards in 2017. However, not all the changes … [Read more...]
