In 2022, Canada proposed the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act to attempt to regulate and promote the responsible use of artificial intelligence, though the framework is not yet law.Canada has become a leader in developing and using artificial intelligence (AI). AI has become increasingly … [Read more...]
Bill C-92’s Journey to the SCC
In February 2024, the Supreme Court of Canada decided Bill C-92, which allows Indigenous communities to exercise control over child and family services, is constitutional in its entirety.Reconciliation is the responsibility of every Canadian. The Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision on Bill … [Read more...]
Can You Buy a Home Without a Lawyer in Alberta?
While it may be tempting to DIY the homebuying process and save on legal fees, there are many benefits to hiring a lawyer, including having a faster and lower stress experience.It is springtime and the start of homebuying season is here. If you are thinking of buying a home, you may be … [Read more...]
Reclaiming the D-Word
In planning for end of life, we first need to be able to talk about it.Death—it’s a reality of life that on a certain level we know will come for us all, but one that in our modern world we have managed to push to the peripheries. The average lifespan for a Canadian in 2020 was a hair shy of … [Read more...]
Edmonton’s Encampment Case: What does it mean for future cases?
The Coalition for Justice and Human Rights' August 2023 constitutional challenge to the City of Edmonton’s encampment removals did not succeed, but this case wasn't the first of its kind and likely won't be the last.As housing in Canada and Alberta becomes increasingly expensive, many people … [Read more...]
Navigating Life or Health Insurance Complaints with OLHI
Most of the time, our life and health insurance work as expected: You file a claim, and your insurer covers the costs per your policy. But what if you have a complaint?Every day, insurance companies process thousands of life or health insurance claims for Canadian policyholders. However, … [Read more...]
Canada is not yet Ready to Expand its Medical Assistance in Dying Legislation
Canada's Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) laws were set to change in March 2024 to include mental disorders. But the federal government has once again delayed implementation until at least March 2027.Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) was legalized in Canada in 2016 and became available to … [Read more...]
Vicarious Trauma in Criminal and Family Lawyers: The unseen burden of advocating for victims
The work of criminal and family lawyers exposes them to abuse and trauma, which can lead them to experiencing vicarious trauma. But help is available.Lawyers practicing in family or criminal law are instrumental in advocating for and guiding their clients through some of the most traumatic … [Read more...]
Cohabitation Agreements: Making them enforceable under the Family Property Act
The Family Property Act says how adult interdependent partners (AIPs) divide their property on separation. But it seems to prohibit unmarried couples from signing a cohabitation agreement about property before they become AIPs.There is a gap in Alberta’s Family Property Act (the Act) that has … [Read more...]
Accessing the Justice System: Specialized support is critical for sexual violence survivors
For sexual violence survivors who choose to access the criminal justice system, working with a specialized police and court support advocate can have a huge positive impact on their experience.The criminal legal system is a crucial pathway to justice for victims of crime. It provides a … [Read more...]
