Doris Lessing left Africa – Southern Rhodesia to be precise, to journey by ship to England with the most meagre of personal possessions – a suitcase, a small sum of money and a manuscript. It was the manuscript which would transform the life of this fearless colonial from the margins of the … [Read more...]
BenchPress – Vol 42-2
'Til Law Do You Part In a recent case, the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench had to determine if a marriage was legally valid. In 1997, the couple in question travelled from Canada to Vietnam (where both were born) to get married in a traditional Vietnamese ceremony. However, no paperwork was filed … [Read more...]
42-2: Top 5 Legal Questions
Answers to top questions about the law to help make your life a little easier. Volume 42-2 Nov/Dec 2017 Full PDF of this issue Table of Contents Featured Articles: Top 5 Legal Questions Special Report: Access to Justice Departments Columns Featured Articles: Top 5 Legal … [Read more...]
Public Interest Law Clinic at the University of Calgary
The forces shaping the access to justice crisis are deeply connected to the forces shaping the future of legal practice and legal education. Marginalized people are chronically deprived of access to legal services. The expanding role of the administrative state has created opportunities for public … [Read more...]
Supreme Court of Canada Endorses A New Approach to Self-Represented Litigants
The steady rise in the number of self-represented litigants, individuals who are not represented by lawyers, presents challenges in the Canadian justice system. Generally, the justice system relies on lawyers to function efficiently. Individuals without lawyers often find it difficult to … [Read more...]
Defending the Court Challenges Program
After much anticipation, the federal government has announced the reinstatement of the Court Challenges Program. Set to cost $12 million over five years, the CCP will assist Canadians with legal challenges to advance and protect their Charter rights. The decision is a welcome one. The program’s … [Read more...]
Can I Leave Someone Out Of My Will?
The short answer to the question is yes, depending on the circumstances. In this article, I will be discussing the relevant parts of the Alberta legislation that pertains to the writing of Wills: the Wills and Succession Act, SA 2010, c. W-12.2 (referred to after as “the Act”). I will be addressing … [Read more...]
What You Should Do If You Are Injured in a Car Accident
AT THE ACCIDENT SCENE Call the police (911) if anyone appears to been seriously injured or damage to all the vehicles appears to be in excess of $2000. EMS will be alerted if deemed necessary. Also call police if any of the drivers involved appears to be impaired by alcohol and or drugs. … [Read more...]
Police Record Checks – What Can They Disclose?
Police Record Checks are increasingly requested by employers and other entities, including volunteer, educational, licensing, adoption, foster care, and foreign travel organizations or authorities. It is important to understand that Police Record Checks can and do reveal information that goes far … [Read more...]
What Do I Do With My Tenancy After I’ve Lost My Job?
I just got laid off and I can’t afford my rent. Can I just move out? No. If you have a fixed-term lease, you cannot leave before the lease ends or you risk paying damages to the landlord for breaching your lease agreement. If you have a periodic tenancy (which has no fixed end date), you still … [Read more...]
