"We are living in extraordinary times," opined Anglin J in Re Gray (1918) 57 SCR 150, "which necessitate the taking of extraordinary measures." It was 1918, the final year of the First World War, and the extraordinary measures at issue were powers exercised by the government pursuant to the federal … [Read more...]
Updated Rules Protect Albertans from Disaster
The Emergency Management Amendment Act is now in effect, providing communities with an easy reference as they develop and refine their emergency management plans and programs. “We have all seen the number and severity of disasters increase over the years – and every time a major event happens, we … [Read more...]
The Emergency Medical Aid Act and Emergency Situations
The New Testament story of the Good Samaritan is familiar to most people with even a basic knowledge of Christian teachings. Briefly, Jesus is reputed to have been asked “who is my neighbour?” In other words, give us an example of what would constitute an act of compassion for a stranger in trouble. … [Read more...]
Liability of Volunteers in Natural Disaster Emergencies
Introduction Alberta has recently suffered several sudden, prominent, ruinous natural calamities: the 2012 wildfires in Slave Lake, the 2013 flood in southern Alberta, and the 2016 wildfire in Fort McMurray. The 2013 flood affected hundreds of thousands of people and took five lives. It is the … [Read more...]