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...]
Assurer l’éducation en français : les Franco-Albertains et leurs droits linguistiques
See below for English translation. Les droits linguistiques ont toujours été et sont toujours un sujet de discussion important dans de nombreux secteurs de la société canadienne, notamment : la promotion de l’accès aux services gouvernementaux et non gouvernementaux dans les deux langues … [Read more...]
Other Official Languages in Canada
Canada is known around the world as an officially bilingual country. Federally, French and English share equal status as the “official languages.” The same is true in some of the provinces and territories. What is perhaps not known as widely (in southern Canada, at least) is that there are other … [Read more...]
Distracted Driving and the Traffic Safety Act
As the new school year begins, it is important to be even more alert on the roads while driving and particularly in school zones and playground zones. Distracted driving has become a major public safety issue with the proliferation of mobile technology and the in-dash features of modern … [Read more...]
BenchPress – Vol 44-1
Right to B.C. Provincial Court Trial in French Bessette v British Columbia (Attorney General), 2019 SCC 31 Mr. Bessette was charged with a traffic offence in British Columbia under the province’s Motor Vehicle Act. He asked that his trial in the Provincial Court be held in French. Mr. Bessette … [Read more...]
Note from the Publisher
Hello LawNow readers, From all of us here at the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta (CPLEA), we hope you had an enjoyable and relaxing summer! As many of you know, LawNow is published six times per year by CPLEA. This issue marks the start of LawNow’s forty-fourth year of … [Read more...]
