A recent LawNow article outlined the constitutional history and framework of bilingualism in Canada. In this article, we focus on Quebec’s 1977 Charter of the French Language, popularly known as Bill 101.This legislation raised the question of whether a provincial government could broadly … [Read more...]
Reading Between the Lines: Implied terms in individual employment contracts
An overview of the unwritten and unspoken terms implied by law and by fact into employment contracts.In Canada, every non-unionized employee has a contractual relationship with their employer. What does that contract look like?Employment contracts may be written or oral, or both. When you sign … [Read more...]
Re-opening the Case of L’Etranger
Albert Camus’ early masterpiece The Stranger, published in 1942, is an enigmatic fable that has entranced generations of readers. One such reader, the Algerian journalist Kamel Daoud, has expressed his admiration for Camus’ writings. Despite his appreciation, he also poses serious questions about a … [Read more...]
Sexting: What’s the big deal?
What is sexting? Is it illegal? What is consent? Let's dive straight into one of the most controversial topics among youth today.Sometimes the laws are the same for youth, sometimes they are different. Our new Youth & the Law column aims to help readers better understand legal topics affecting … [Read more...]
An Update on Short-Term Rentals
I’ve been waiting for years to write this article. In the housing sphere, short-term rentals have been an issue for quite a while. Typically transacted through on-line platforms such as Airbnb, a short-term rental is a type of rental accommodation where a person (often referred to as a “host”) rents … [Read more...]
What is Plain Language?
"A communication is in plain language if its wording, structure, and design are so clear that the intended readers can easily find what they need, understand what they find, and use that information." - International Plain Language Working Group (IPLWG)A communication in plain language can be a … [Read more...]
From the Trenches of High-Conflict Family Litigation
Never have I ever: set out to engage in high-conflict family litigation. And when I say high-conflict, I mean cases where the parties can’t put their own emotions aside to make good decisions for themselves and their children. Somehow, though, it finds me. Time and again I have tried to minimize the … [Read more...]
Shared Custody Parenting: Income Tax Issues
Since the introduction of the Federal Child Support Guidelines (FCSG) in 1997, custody arrangements have affected child support obligations for Canadian parents. The greatest flexibility applies to “shared custody” situations. Under the FCSG, a child is in shared custody where each parent “exercises … [Read more...]
Senate Report Offers Blueprint for Federal Charity Law Reform
With a federal election slated for this October, there is little chance we will see any major changes to the Income Tax Act (ITA) rules governing registered charities in the coming weeks.Once the election is over, however, whichever party forms government could do worse than use the … [Read more...]
When is Reinstatement Possible for Employment Discrimination?
A worker experiencing discrimination must choose the legal avenue that will give them the result they want. For example, if pursuing the matter in court, the worker will have to start a contract claim (e.g., wrongful dismissal) or tort claim. One cannot sue in tort for discrimination, but one can … [Read more...]
