Preventive law (also known as “preventative law”) is an approach to law that empowers people about their legal rights and responsibilities, while minimizing the risks of litigation.In the cyberpunk science fiction film, The Matrix, there’s an iconic scene where the main character, Neo, meets … [Read more...]
To Bail or Not To Bail? That is the Question
Bail reform in Canada is once again a hot topic. Understanding Constitutional protections and what the Criminal Code says about bail and the bail process is a critical first step to the discussion.The political cries for bail reform are once again ringing through the streets of major cities in … [Read more...]
Canada’s Legal Leaders in Human Rights Continue the Fight for Fairness
The recent passing of Canadian human rights lawyer Susan Eng provides an opportunity to reflect on the status of human rights in Canada as well as the work of Eng and other human rights lawyers fighting for fairness.Many people may think of human rights as being shaped by David-versus-Goliath … [Read more...]
Shedding light on economic evictions
There is developing case law in Alberta that says landlords cannot raise rent to indirectly evict a tenant, known as an "economic eviction".Economic evictions happen when a landlord tries to evict a tenant by raising the rent. It is common knowledge that Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act … [Read more...]
Significant Compensation for Workplace Sexual Harassment: Employers should take note
Sexual harassment at work is a form of discrimination under human rights laws, and recent significant awards from the Alberta Human Rights Commission should encourage employers to address this behaviour in the workplace.The Alberta Human Rights Act (the Act) protects Albertans from … [Read more...]
Shaping Employment Law: 6 Ontario Court of Appeal decisions in 6 months
The courts continue to shape employment law, and six decisions of the Ontario Court of Appeal from January to June of 2025 clarify the law on enforcing contracts, mitigating losses, fiduciary duties and termination clauses.In the first half of 2025, the Ontario Court of Appeal issued a series … [Read more...]
A Day in the Life of Alberta Law Libraries
Did you know that Alberta Law Libraries offers services to the public, not just the legal profession? Each day, staff support Albertans by answering questions about court forms, legal research, processes and more.Working for Alberta Law Libraries (ALL) is an engaging and rewarding career, but … [Read more...]
The State of Academic Freedom in Canada
Academic freedom is a central value of university life that allows students and scholars to question and share ideas without fear of punishment, though it's protected in Canada largely through collective agreements, not statute law.Academic freedom is vital to the advancement of knowledge and … [Read more...]
Artificial Intelligence in Public Legal Education: An experiment from the bottom up
The Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta (CPLEA) undertook a trial of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to explore ways to improve both internal workflows and its public legal education and information resources.The 2022–2023 Bridging the Gaps Legal Needs Assessment from the Alberta Law … [Read more...]
Greenwashing: What it is and what you can do about it
The rise in demand for “green”, or more environmentally friendly, products corresponds with an increase in greenwashing – producers creating the impression that their products are “greener” than they really are.Many Canadian consumers consider the environment when making buying decisions. In … [Read more...]
