Why our Justice System Works The Mike Duffy trial, now adjourned to November, has revealed the inner workings of our highest political office. The trial has unearthed raw material that will be analyzed by political scientists for years to come, making the trial a seminal contributor to the … [Read more...]
No Man’s Land: Responses to the Despair of the 1930s
Move then with new desires, For where we used to build and love Is no man’s land, and only ghosts can live Between two fires -C Day Lewis, The Conflict The 1930s was a pivotal decade for the whole sweep of European and, indeed, world history. The decade saw the fascist forces move from strength … [Read more...]
How Debt Can Impact Your Ability To Sponsor An Immigrant To Canada
With the well-documented problems occurring now in many areas of the world, an increasing number of Canadians are considering sponsoring a relative or other person to immigrate to Canada. But is it possible to be a sponsor if you have debt? The answer is yes, but there are limitations. First, … [Read more...]
Preventing Financial Abuse of Seniors: My little Johnny would never do anything to harm me!
There is something very sad about reaching your golden years, thinking that you will enjoy golf, grandchildren and giving sage advice, but instead, you are faced with abuse by those you trusted the most. Financial abuse of seniors by family members is becoming common and creates great family … [Read more...]
Tax Issues for Older Adults
In our working years, determining our personal tax burden can be quite simple – earn income and pay personal tax at the graduated rates. In our senior years, the formula is less straightforward. Though seniors pay tax at the same graduated personal tax rates as the rest of the population, … [Read more...]
BenchPress – Vol 40-2
Talking to Siri The Nova Scotia Supreme Court has upheld a ruling by a provincial court judge about the definition of “using” a cellphone. Dr. Ajirogho Ikede is a medical officer in the Canadian Forces. A policeman observed him driving his car while holding his cellphone in his hand. He was … [Read more...]
The Emergence of a Human Rights Legal Culture: A Quick Tour Through 800 Years of Western History
The river of refugees from Syria reminds us that human history is full of examples of how states have abused their unlimited sovereign power against their citizens. They may have denied them basic rights to express themselves or to vote for their political leaders. People may have been tried and … [Read more...]
How Magna Carta Came to Canada
Let us begin with a confession. When presented with the opportunity four years ago to become involved in bringing Magna Carta to Canada for its 800th anniversary commemoration, we were not very well-versed in what exactly Magna Carta was. For starters, we were still calling it “the Magna Carta” … [Read more...]
Magna Carta: A Guide for Educators
In a world that increasingly asks our students to tweet, post, snapchat, google, and otherwise digitize their educational experiences, Magna Carta Canada has done the extraordinary by bringing to Canada a document that provides a direct link to eight centuries of legal history, including humanity’s … [Read more...]
Estate Administration Act : Significant Changes in the Law
Introduction The Estate Administration Act was proclaimed in force June 1st, 2015. It replaces the Administration of Estates Act. As such, the new Act applies to the administration of all estates, applications and grants. For many seniors, whose Wills stipulate that they will act as their spouse’s … [Read more...]
