On July 17, 2015, Globe and Mail reporter Sean Fine wrote an article about Christopher Brazeau, a 34-year-old prisoner at Edmonton Institution, who is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence. Brazeau became the focus of media attention this past summer for being at the centre of a class-action … [Read more...]
Signs of Safety
Signs of Safety is a child protection casework practice model currently being rolled out by Child & Family Services in Alberta. It was developed in the 1990s in Australia by Andrew Turnell and Steve Edwards in response to the question: “Is there a better way of doing child protection casework?” … [Read more...]
The Law of Leafleting and Picketing
Introduction Distributing leaflets to people and picketing are longstanding forms of employee expression, commonly to protest or draw attention to employment disputes. Primary picketing is attending at a place of business or employment with an object of persuasion, usually to dissuade others from … [Read more...]
Superintendent of Bankruptcy Changes Designation to Licensed Insolvency Trustee
Individuals able to provide debt relief services under the Bankruptcy & Insolvency Act (BIA) in Canada are licensed by the federal government through the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy (OSB). In December of 2015, the OSB announced a significant change in the designation of these … [Read more...]
Bench Press – Vol 40-3 Autism, Homeopathy and Custody
Two small boys with severe and profound autism spectrum disorder were at the centre of a custody dispute between their parents. The children have seen a myriad of medical and health care professionals. The father began giving the boys a series of homeopathic treatments after consulting with … [Read more...]
Privacy Considerations for Families Involved with Child and Family Services
Parents involved with Child and Family Services (“the Director”) may not want extended family members, friends, and the general public to know. The Child, Youth, and Family Enhancement Act (“CYFEA”) is the legislation under which intervention services are provided by the Director in Alberta. CYFEA … [Read more...]
Marriage Breakdown Affects Taxes and Child Benefits
Significant financial and non-financial issues arise during the breakdown of a relationship. This article addresses the various tax claims and related benefits for children that should be considered in the finalization of a separation or divorce agreement. These issues can also be relevant for … [Read more...]
Whatever Happened to … Lac Minerals v. International Corona Resources
Introduction We expect people to show good faith and fairness to each other. Corporate morality, on the other hand, is harder to put into law. Corporations, whose primary purpose is profit maximization, seek any advantage to gain on their competitors. Where does the law draw the line? In 1989, the … [Read more...]
Revisiting the Relationship between Parents and Child Protection Agencies in JP v British Columbia
There is an inherent tension in the relationship between parents and child protection agencies. Interactions often occur under the threat of litigation and apprehension. In JP v British Columbia (Children and Family Development), 2015 BCSC 1216 [JP], Justice Walker of the Supreme Court of British … [Read more...]
Vol 40-3: Protecting Children
Sometimes, the state needs to step in to protect children and support families. Full PDF of this issue Volume 40-3 January / February 2016 Table of Contents Featured Articles: Protecting Children Special Report: The State of our Jails Departments Columns Featured … [Read more...]
