Wondering about family issues, like searching for biological parents, living with someone, getting married and more? In Alberta, turning 18 means you are now an adult. You can make decisions for yourself. But you might also still feel like a kid. Chances are you are trying to figure out what your … [Read more...]
I’m Turning 18, Now What: Being an employee
Whether you already have a job or are looking for your first, you should know your rights as an employee. Employment is a contract between the employer and the employee. Each party agrees to do certain things. At its most basic, your employer agrees to pay you for the work you do. The employment … [Read more...]
I’m Turning 18: Planning for the Unexpected
Making plans in case something happens to you unexpectedly or you die is not just for older adults. You're turning 18. It's time to celebrate! But it's also time to face the responsibilities of adulthood. And one of those responsibilities is planning for the unexpected. Maybe you’ve heard your … [Read more...]
I’m Turning 18, Now What?
Being an adult might mean freedom. But it also means taking responsibility for your actions. You can hardly wait. You are just a few days (weeks?! months?!) away from turning 18. Freedom! You are dreaming of all the things you can legally do: Buy alcohol (if you are in Alberta, Manitoba or … [Read more...]
Money, Money, Money!
Maybe you have a part-time job. Maybe your parents pay you an allowance. Maybe you make money shoveling snow or cutting grass. In any case, you’ve got money! Opening a Bank Account First step, where do you put this money? Have you outgrown your piggy bank? Maybe a bank account would be more … [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...]
Medical Treatment: When can I give my own consent?
We are in the middle of a global health crisis – the COVID-19 pandemic. With health on everyone’s mind, now is a perfect time to talk about when you can give your consent to medical treatments, without your parents’ approval. To be clear, by youth we mean anyone under the age of majority in the … [Read more...]
But Do I Have To Go To School?: Education laws in Alberta
COVID-19 has changed everything! One of the biggest changes for youth? School buildings are closed. But school has not been cancelled! It has simply moved online. So just in case you’ve forgotten how to ‘do school’, this column focuses on the laws about school in Alberta. The Education Act … [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...]
Canada’s Youth Criminal Justice System
20/20: Looking back over the last 20 years In April 2003, the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) replaced the Young Offenders Act. The YCJA sets out the justice system that applies to young persons – aged 12 to 17 – charged with an offence in Canada. Children under 12 cannot be charged with a … [Read more...]
