The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter) is part of Canada’s Constitution, which is the highest law in Canada. The Charter protects basic rights and fundamental freedoms that are essential to keeping Canada a free and democratic … [Read more...]
Provincial Directives for Colleges and Universities: government overreach?
It looks good on paper: protect student mental health, fight against racism, and ensure that costs are transparent. But is it overreach? Bill 166 Explained In May of 2024, the Ontario government amended its Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Act with Bill 166 (the Strengthening … [Read more...]
Privacy and Medical Information in the Workplace
How can we balance an employer's right to know about illness or disability and an employee's right to privacy? Editor's Note: A version of this important article first appeared in LawNow in 2019. It has been reviewed for legal accuracy in 2024 by the author. Requesting medical information … [Read more...]
Why is Canada a Bilingual Country?
Canada has two official languages: French and English. We always wonder why. Editor's Note: A version of this important article first appeared in LawNow in 2019. It has been reviewed for legal accuracy in 2024 by the author. Canada’s two colonizing peoples are the French and the British. … [Read more...]
Right to Protest on Canadian University Campuses
Protest encampments on Canadian university campuses have been dealt with variously. Some universities have issued trespass notices and have ordered the encampment to be removed, with the help of the police, within hours of its set up. Other universities have filed for an injunction – that was … [Read more...]
Edmonton’s Encampment Case: What does it mean for future cases?
The Coalition for Justice and Human Rights' August 2023 constitutional challenge to the City of Edmonton’s encampment removals did not succeed, but this case wasn't the first of its kind and likely won't be the last. As housing in Canada and Alberta becomes increasingly expensive, many people … [Read more...]
The Protection of Human Rights in Armed Conflicts
During times of armed conflict, international humanitarian law (IHL) and human rights law (HRL) are meant to protect human beings and reduce their suffering. Armed conflicts are happening in various parts of the world. Unfortunately, serious violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) … [Read more...]
Ontario’s Fair Accommodation Practices Act: 70 years later and human rights legislation continues to evolve
1954 saw the passing of Ontario's Fair Accommodation Practices Act and, since then, human rights legislation has evolved across Canada, including with the passing of human rights codes and the Canadian Charter. To a passing tourist in the early 1950s, the town of Dresden might seem like the … [Read more...]
The Many Forms of Harassment
Harassment may exist in many forms, including discrimination under human rights laws, a workplace hazard, sexual harassment, and bullying. Harassment is the act of treating another person in a way that causes them to feel insulted, demeaned, sad and sometimes unsafe. It can take many … [Read more...]
Bullying of 2SLGBTQIA+ Students: The impacts and what educators can do about it
2SLGBTQIA+ students are at a higher risk of experiencing bullying and mental health concerns, but educators can take proactive and preventative steps to create inclusive learning environments. Students of all ages have first-hand experiences with bullying and harassment in schools. Their … [Read more...]
