In this issue of LawNow we are highlighting a few updated resources and two upcoming workshops.Updated Resources The following CPLEA resources have been updated. They are available for download from our website or for order (for free!) from our store.How Old Do I Have to Be In … [Read more...]
Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
There is clear scientific consensus that anthropogenic climate change is happening and will cause unavoidable and irreversible impacts. Despite the full implications of climate change remaining uncertain, there is a recognized need to act locally, provincially, nationally and internationally in … [Read more...]
BENCHPRESS | Challenges to the Constitution, Canada Labour Code and an insurance policy
Constitutional Challenge: Third parties can profit from sex work R v Anwar, 2020 ONCJ 103Hamad Anwar and Tiffany Harvey were charged for running an escort service in London, O.N. They employed several adult women, providing vacation time and benefits. Specifically, they were charged with offences … [Read more...]
What to do with Your Conscience at Work?
We hear a lot today about people following their conscience. Conscience is more than mere preferences and choices. It is about one’s values, spiritual worldview and visceral sense of right and wrong. Few employees want to compromise on their deepest conscientious beliefs for their jobs. These … [Read more...]
Criminal Acts in Children’s Stories
Many years ago I defended a young man on a charge of “criminal harassment”. This was shortly after the federal government added this crime to our Criminal Code. The offence involves repeatedly following or communicating with another person when you know that the other person does not want to hear … [Read more...]
Searching for Hopeful Signs in a Dark Wood, Rapidly Shrinking: Laws to address the climate emergency
Missing In ActionDonald Trump continues to audition for the job of World’s Greatest Practical Joker. You may have heard about the pending release of a new book by Edward Russo, entitled Donald J Trump: An Environmental Hero. Russo is a consultant who has advised Trump. He is also a staunch Trump … [Read more...]
Editing Tools
Using tools to analyze and measure language simplifies plain language writing and editing. At CPLEA, we use a combination of tools to look at where and how to clarify our writing:Microsoft Word: The most common plain language editor has some powerful built-in features. Hemingway Editor: Loyal … [Read more...]
What’s a member and what rights does a member have?
A recent Ontario Court of Appeal case, Aga v. Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church of Canada (Aga), provides some insight into the vexing question of the extent of “member” rights in not-for-profit organizations. Although the idea of such rights seems straightforward, it is anything but.The … [Read more...]
Solitary Confinement is a Human Rights Issue
Mahatma Ghandi once said: “A nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members.” Canada has used solitary confinement for prisoners for decades. In the past several years, solitary confinement has been the subject of criticism from civil libertarians and mental health … [Read more...]
Social Media Terms of Use: I agree?
We’ve all done it. Scrolled quickly through legal terms and clicked “I Agree” without reading a word. If you’re like me, you think, well how bad can these terms and conditions be? Everyone is using this app. But what exactly are you agreeing to?In this column, we’ll look at the terms of use for … [Read more...]
