20/20: Looking back over the last 20 yearsIt is often said that the only constant is change. But some things move faster than others.With 5G in the offing, few people now remember the days of dial-up internet and the non-profit groups that sprang up twenty or so years ago to offer access to … [Read more...]
The Right to be Tried Without Undue Delay
20/20: Looking back over the last 20 yearsSince the turn of the century, there are many – too numerous to count – “important cases” in the field of criminal law. Some have dealt with procedure, some with the substantive law, and some with enhancing and protecting the basic rights of Canadians. … [Read more...]
Common Misconceptions about Family Law
It’s not unusual for someone to come see me and have some misconceptions about how the law or the legal process works. Previous articles and columns in LawNow have addressed many of these misconceptions. In this article, I’ll address a few others. 1. I can trade “parental rights” for the obligation … [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...]
Important Changes to the Law Are Coming: Mark your calendar!
EDITOR'S NOTE | Changes to Canada's Divorce Act now come into effect on March 1, 2021 (not July 1, 2020).Two big changes to the legislation on family law are coming next year: one that’s important if you live in Alberta and another that’s important if you’re getting divorced no matter where … [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...]
44-2: Family Break-ups & the Law
Volume 44-2 Nov/Dec 2019Full PDF of this issue Table of ContentsFeature Articles: Family Break-ups & the LawSpecial Report: GlobalizationDepartmentsColumnsBoth federal and provincial legislation are changing with respect to family law. This issue highlights the … [Read more...]
In Loco Parentis
… only minor corrective force of a transitory and trifling nature. [No] corporal punishment of children under two or teenagers. Degrading, inhuman or harmful conduct is not protected. Discipline by the use of objects or blows or slaps to the head is unreasonable. Teachers may reasonably apply force … [Read more...]
Gay-Straight Alliances
Gay-straight alliances (GSAs) are groups formed in schools and run by students with teacher support or sponsorship. The purpose of a GSA is to create welcoming, caring, respectful and safe spaces for LGBTQ2S+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Two-Spirit, Intersex, … [Read more...]
Distracted Driving and the Traffic Safety Act
As the new school year begins, it is important to be even more alert on the roads while driving and particularly in school zones and playground zones. Distracted driving has become a major public safety issue with the proliferation of mobile technology and the in-dash features of modern … [Read more...]
