A dive into international space law, how it affects Canada, and what Canada does within its own borders to regulate space exploration. The universe encompasses planets, stars, galaxies, and other forms of matter and energy. Every point in space is a storyteller, unveiling distant realms and … [Read more...]
Where are my Charter rights?
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...]
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...]
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...]
Public Trust Doctrine and Climate Litigation in Canada
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. AUTHOR'S NOTE (September 2023) On August 14, 2023, the Montana First Judicial District … [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...]
