The COVID-19 pandemic lead to numerous court proceedings being postponed. So, some important charity and non-profit cases may well remain in limbo as I write this. But, both internationally and domestically, the last few months have also seen some major decisions on a range of sector issues. Aga v … [Read more...]
Two Steps Forward, One Step Back?
One Ontario Court of Justice judge says accused cannot plead guilty by phone In R. v. Candelaria, 2020 ONCJ 194, Justice Downes ruled, amidst the adjustments the courts have had to make due to the COVID-19 pandemic, that an accused cannot plead guilty via telephone. This means, according to Justice … [Read more...]
Richard Wright’s Native Son: Dread in Chicago’s desolate South Side
As I write, impassioned protests in Kenosha and elsewhere attest to the anguish experienced by many Americans at the racialized violence meted out to African Americans. The incomprehensible shooting in the back of Jacob Blake, father of three, by a white police officer is the latest in a string of … [Read more...]
Freedom of Movement during COVID-19
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 – an infectious disease caused by a new coronavirus – a global pandemic. With no vaccines or treatments to control the disease, the WHO asked governments “to take urgent and aggressive action to stop the spread of the … [Read more...]
When is Shared Parenting Appropriate?
When the parents of a child separate, they must make decisions about where the child should live on a day-to-day basis. Many parents prefer some form of “shared parenting” which usually means that each parent has day-to-day care of the child at least 40% of the time. However, shared … [Read more...]
HAVE YOU HEARD? | Introducing CPLEA TV
Welcome to the first instance of HAVE YOU HEARD? Here, we will share updates on the law - cases, legislation and processes - as well as highlight access to justice issues and our public legal information resources. Today, we are introducing CPLEA TV and passing on a recent Court of Queen's Bench … [Read more...]
The Importance of Distinguishing Racism from Racial Discrimination
Recently, anti-racism has received extensive media coverage. Instead of addressing what can be done about it, there has been much discussion about whether racism—particularly systemic racism—exists in Canada, and apparent confusion about the meaning of important terms. For example, on June 9, 2020, … [Read more...]
Your Land is My Land: Reeder v Woodward
[T]he appellants ... were, after all, the registered owners of the disputed parcel, which the respondents have now acquired through adverse possession. The litigation was necessary to resolve this dispute, even though it was undoubtedly expensive and unfortunate for both sides. - Reeder v Woodward, … [Read more...]
The Art of Canadian Taxation
Jean-Baptiste Colbert said, “The art of taxation consists in so plucking the goose as to procure the largest quantity of feathers with the least possible amount of hissing.” I suspect that this is the closest that most would equate tax and the arts. But the arts provide the livelihood of … [Read more...]
Hit the Gas!
You passed the test. You practiced driving in your parents’ car. You were set to take the road test to get your license. And then COVID-19 hit. And your road test was cancelled. The good news: As of June 30th, you can now book a road test in Alberta! The bad news: Road tests are booking four to … [Read more...]
