An explainer on the Charter's notwithstanding clause and its modern uses. The notwithstanding clause has gotten more popular in recent years. It's been a hot topic with the Saskatchewan government using it recently. But what does the notwithstanding clause do? What is the notwithstanding … [Read more...]
Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence: How to respond positively and with compassion
When someone shares they have experienced sexual violence, we can respond by listening, showing belief, letting them know it wasn’t their fault, validating their feelings, and offering information, choice and control. Sexual violence can be difficult to talk about. It can be hard to know what … [Read more...]
Beyond ‘High Conflict’: The need for domestic violence awareness and assessment in family law interventions
Confusing domestic violence for high conflict can pose significant risks to the family, something family law professionals need to be aware of and assess in their clients. In family law, 'high conflict' often describes challenging relationships between parents. However, beneath this label … [Read more...]
Electronic signatures and digital leases
More and more people are signing documents electronically, including digital leases, but are these documents legally binding the same way paper copies and ink signatures are? What happens when you electronically sign a document like a digital residential lease? Is it legally binding like a … [Read more...]
Are Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations Working?
Canada's Air Passenger Protection Regulations protect passengers traveling to, from or within Canada, including by setting out compensation rules for when flights are delayed or cancelled. When something goes wrong with our flight, we get very annoyed. Nowadays, there are a lot of … [Read more...]
Slow Down, Move Over: How the law has changed
The law changed on September 1, 2023 for how drivers pass stopped vehicles with flashing lights and moving snowplows, though the changes are not as robust as once promised. EDITOR'S NOTE CPLEA originally published this article on August 23, 2023. It incorrectly described the current law. … [Read more...]
Alberta Court Forms: A form of art
If you are going to court to deal with a legal issue, you likely have to fill out forms. While even finding the right forms can be a challenging and overwhelming process, Alberta Law Libraries has a few tips. If you have gone to court, you probably have a memory, story or reaction to court … [Read more...]
Think Before You Post – A Primer on Online Defamation
Posting online can lead to a defamation claim if the statement refers to an identifiable person, is communicated to someone else, and may lower the target's reputation in the minds of others. On the internet, anyone can make written statements that may potentially be viewed by a large … [Read more...]
Bone up on the law before collecting fossils
Finders keepers is not the case in Canada when it comes to the popular pastime of fossil hunting, with each province and territory having laws that protect and preserve fossils found within its borders. If a leg of lambeosaurus or a woolly mammoth tusk might look good on your fossil-picking … [Read more...]
The Iraq War 20 Years Later: Those who spoke out and those who didn’t
With 20 years having passed since the start of the Iraq War, it is fascinating to look back at who spoke out against the war and who didn’t, including most surprisingly, left-wing journalist Christopher Hitchens. This year marks 20 years since the start of the Iraq War. Reading some … [Read more...]
