The obligations we have identified are binding obligations under the Constitution of Canada. However, it will be for the political actors to determine what constitutes "a clear majority on a clear question" in the circumstances under which a future referendum vote may be taken. - Reference Re … [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...]
Alberta’s New Condominium Regulations: Rental deposits
This article is part of a multi-part article series on Alberta’s new condominium regulations. Stay tuned for our next article on condominium insurance. On January 1, 2020, revised condominium governance regulations came into effect in Alberta. One of the changes has to do with rental deposits. As … [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...]
Kids facing effects of climate change are taking their governments to court
In November, more than 11,000 scientists declared that the climate emergency has arrived and drastic action is required. Frustrated by government failure to respond adequately, citizens are taking to the courts. The Sabin Center for Climate Change Law reports at least 1,390 … [Read more...]
The Crown’s Duty to Consult
20/20: Looking back over the last 20 years What is the most important environmental law case in Canada since the turn of the century? Twenty years is a long time in Canadian environmental law, given that this area of law has only existed as a ‘thing’ for a little more than twice that length of … [Read more...]
New at CPLEA (Vol 44-3)
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. Domestic Violence: Toolkit for … [Read more...]
Canada’s Law on Consumer Product Safety
20/20: Looking back over the last 20 years In the past 2 months alone, you’ve probably heard about the recent food recall warnings on beef and romaine lettuce. Did you know that we have a law in Canada that deals with product safety and recalls? The Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (“CCPSA”) … [Read more...]
DBS v SRG: Retroactive child support claims
20/20: Looking back over the last 20 years I was not short of choices when LawNow asked me to write about one of the most important family law cases in the last twenty years. After consulting with Sarah Dargatz, my fellow columnist on family law issues, I decided to talk about DBS v SRG, a … [Read more...]
