How are delays in court processes due to COVID-19 considered when assessing the Jordan time limits for the right to be tried within a reasonable time? In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Since then, the pandemic has affected the functioning of many … [Read more...]
What Does “Freedom” Mean in Canadian Law?
The courts have interpreted and applied sections 1 and 2 of the Charter, including in the case of Occupy Toronto in 2011. In recent days, the word “freedom” has been used in the context of regulating protests and blockades at various locations in Canada. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms … [Read more...]
Pandemic Impacts Spur Immigration Changes
Even as COVID-19 continues to pose challenges, the flow of immigrants into Canada will continue. Among the proverbial game-changers in the life of the world, COVID-19 was a big one. The pandemic forced change to happen. We saw the vaccination of increasing numbers of people, the provision of … [Read more...]
What If Parents Do Not Agree on Vaccinating Their Children?
With children five years and older now eligible for the COVID vaccine, some separated parents who cannot agree on vaccinating their children are ending up in court. On November 19, 2021, Health Canada approved the use of a lower dose Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use in children aged five … [Read more...]
#WFH: Considerations from an employment lawyer
Remote work or hybrid work arrangements have become the norm for many office workers due to COVID-19, but what are the legal considerations? I started this article perched on a kitchen chair watching snow fall outside of my in-laws’ house in Calgary. And I am finishing it relaxing on a couch in … [Read more...]
Are Vaccine Passports Controversial?
Vaccine passports could be required to travel, to access some locations, or to receive goods and services. What should we be concerned about? As the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines speeds up in Canada and around the world, we are talking about going back to our pre-pandemic lifestyles. But to return … [Read more...]
COVID-19 Vaccines in the Workplace: Employers
As the COVID-19 vaccine begins to roll out across Alberta, employers may be wondering how vaccinations will be managed in the workplace. While this is a new issue that has yet to be tested in the courts or tribunals, there are guiding principles that employers should keep in mind when considering … [Read more...]
COVID-19 Vaccines in the Workplace: Employees
With COVID-19 vaccine roll-outs ramping up, employees may be wondering how to deal with vaccines in the workplace. In a companion article, our firm provides information for employers about COVID-19 vaccines in the workplace. In this article, we address questions employees may have. Can my … [Read more...]
Can Private Businesses Ask for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination?
Some employers and businesses may require vaccines for employers and customers. The federal and provincial governments in Canada have decided not to mandate COVID-19 vaccines. This decision comes despite high rates of vaccine hesitancy and even though the majority of people need to be vaccinated to … [Read more...]
How Inmates in Canadian Prisons Suffer
These are the tip-of-the-iceberg issues faced by inmates in Canada’s federal and provincial prisons. And according to advocates for better inmate treatment, much more needs to be done. According to Statistics Canada, in 2017/2018, Canadian prisons held just under 39,000 adults: Investigations by … [Read more...]
