The right to a healthy environment is making headway thanks to case law against governments arguing the public trust doctrine and with changes under Bill S-5 to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. Today, climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing us globally. Climate change … [Read more...]
Alberta’s New Harassment Tort
In June 2023, the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta recognized a new harassment tort that allows those experiencing harassment to sue for damages in civil court. When I say “torts”, you probably think of a delicious dessert. In law though, the word has a slightly different meaning! Tort … [Read more...]
Canadian Legal System: The role of libraries in access to justice
There are many different kinds of libraries that support and provide access to our Canadian legal system, including courthouse libraries, legislative libraries, public libraries and more. Libraries are essential to sustaining democracy and accessing justice. They retain and preserve official … [Read more...]
A Look Back at Women’s Rights
International Women's Day celebrates the achievements of women and provides an opportunity to look back at the evolution of women's rights, including about voting, holding political office and owning property. Today is International Women’s Day, celebrated around the world each year on March … [Read more...]
Canada’s Constitution: What it is and why you should care
Understanding Canada's Constitution is a great first step in understanding the debate around Alberta's Sovereignty Act and the draft Saskatchewan First Act. EDITOR'S NOTE Alberta's Sovereignty Act came into effect on December 15, 2022 when it received royal assent from the Lieutenant Governor. … [Read more...]
Dealing Effectively with Self-Represented Litigants: A view from the bench
Nine tips for anyone involved with self-represented litigants (SRLs), including a look at the responsibilities of lawyers and the court. I can only speculate on the reasons for the surge over the last 20 years in people representing themselves in all forms of litigation. One may be the high cost … [Read more...]
Canada’s legal responsibilities on international human rights
If passed, Bill C-262 will hold Canadian companies accountable for adverse impacts on human rights in their business activities abroad. Human rights are embedded in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. They are also an essential component of Canada’s approach to both domestic and … [Read more...]
The Death of Her Majesty the Queen: What does it mean for us?
The passing of Queen Elizabeth II and ascension of King Charles III impacts Canadians in interesting ways. A lot of people will remember exactly where they were and what they were doing on September 8, 2022 when they learned of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing. Her Majesty’s death does not hold the … [Read more...]
Regulating Paralegals in Alberta
The Alberta Association of Professional Paralegals is advocating for regulation of paralegals and is already working to develop quality education programs. In response to the growing access to justice issue in Alberta, legal stakeholders are trying to figure out what they can do to ease the … [Read more...]
Assisting the Client Living with the Effects of Serious Mental Illness
What are the challenges involved when working with clients living with psychotic illnesses, and what is some practical advice for their lawyers and advocates? I was asked to write an article on the challenges that those experiencing mental illnesses face when engaging with the legal system. What … [Read more...]
