The Taxpayer Bill of Rights is a set of fifteen statutory and administrative rights outlining the service standards that Canadian taxpayers can expect in their dealings with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The Bill was introduced in 2007 on the premise that increased accountability and … [Read more...]
Corruption and Scandals – A Modest Proposal for Electoral Reform
Anyone who follows politics or even just reads the news knows that great political questions and issues of public philosophy often get set aside from the political agenda because of the intervention of scandals involving a few individuals. The media, and therefore the public, are focused on whether … [Read more...]
Universities, the Charter and Freedom of Expression
The law has always been quite complex about whether (or when) the Charter of Rights and Freedoms (Charter) applies to universities. Recently, there have been several cases involving freedom of expression (Charter s. 2(b)) that have addressed this issue. Charter s. 32(1) says:32. (1) This Charter … [Read more...]
Resolving Conflict: Six Simple Steps to Keeping the Peace
One of the most challenging roles of an effective manager is that of “peacekeeper”. Resolving conflicts in the workplace takes negotiation skills, patience, and a healthy dose of emotional intelligence.Recently, I interviewed Susan Steinbrecher, an author, executive coach and speaker who is CEO … [Read more...]
Opening Closed Doors – The downside of suing your abuser
In the last issue of LawNow I outlined a number of good reasons why you might want to sue the person who is abusing you. However, there are an equal number of good reasons why you might choose to pass up a civil suit. Any one or a combination of the following options might be all you want or need. … [Read more...]
Employer Access to Your Social Media Life
IntroductionOver the last month, the legality of requests by prospective employers to access applicants’ Facebook and other social media accounts has arisen. These accounts may reveal a more complete picture of the employee, especially what the employee really thinks, says and does outside of … [Read more...]
2012 Federal Budget Features Tighter Reporting on Charities’ Political Activities
Now charities provisions in the 2012 federal Budget generated more attention than any measures relating to the sector have in a very long time. The government announced that it was tightening rules around charities’ political activities. The focus of the new requirements was mostly on enhanced … [Read more...]
Opening Closed Doors – When should domestic violence victims sue their abusers?
Mr. Dhaliwal hit his wife with a closed fist and a broom handle and was convicted of criminal assault. In the divorce, Ms. Dhaliwal included a tort claim for assault and battery and asked for damages (money). She won.Mr. Danicic intimidated and harassed his former partner by mailing her … [Read more...]
Mandatory Retirement in Canada Has “Gone the Way of the Kiki Bird” – It’s Very Rare!
One of the first human rights cases I worked on while articling at the Alberta courts involved mandatory retirement. In 1992, Dr. Olive Dickason unsuccessfully challenged the University of Alberta’s mandatory retirement policy (see: Dickason v University of Alberta, [1992] 2 SCR 1103). While Dr. … [Read more...]
Sentencing is Important
No aspect of criminal law gets as little attention as sentencing. And no aspect is as important. After all, almost 90% of all criminal cases end with a sentencing. Yet it’s the verdict that everyone usually focuses on. But this year may be different. The Conservative Government’s Bill C-10 has drawn … [Read more...]
