A call to podcast hosts and journalists to stop using constitutional rights as an ominous plot point As a true crime podcast and documentary connoisseur by night, and a criminal defence lawyer by day, declaring that my world is saturated with true crime content is an understatement. I enjoy … [Read more...]
Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence: How to respond positively and with compassion
When someone shares they have experienced sexual violence, we can respond by listening, showing belief, letting them know it wasn’t their fault, validating their feelings, and offering information, choice and control. Sexual violence can be difficult to talk about. It can be hard to know what … [Read more...]
Slow Down, Move Over: How the law has changed
The law changed on September 1, 2023 for how drivers pass stopped vehicles with flashing lights and moving snowplows, though the changes are not as robust as once promised. EDITOR'S NOTE CPLEA originally published this article on August 23, 2023. It incorrectly described the current law. … [Read more...]
2022 Criminal Law in Review
Over the past year, important criminal law developments came from several changes Parliament made to Canada's Criminal Code. The law is always changing. So, it is challenging to list the most significant developments over the last 12 months. Others might have different choices, but what follows is … [Read more...]
Say Yes to Understanding Drug Legislation
Drug legislation in Canada is complex with four main pieces of legislation governing drug offences and processes. Most of us educated in the Canadian public school system have been told to say no to drugs. It is a slogan often stuck on the back of bathroom stall doors in bright coloured posters. … [Read more...]
A Brief History of Drug Criminalization in Canada
Canada's legal history of drugs has evolved since the late 1800s, coming almost full circle with current calls to decriminalize possession for personal use. As I write this short history of the criminalization of drugs in Canada, the federal and British Columbia governments have announced that in … [Read more...]
Decriminalization of Drugs in Canada: What does it mean and how would it work?
Drug policy is changing in Canada, with Bill C-5 and requests for exemptions under section 56(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. There is a growing acknowledgement in Canada that drug use is a health issue and not a criminal justice problem. This is an important distinction given the … [Read more...]
Drug Decriminalization: How attitudes toward drugs are changing the social and legal landscape
Today, attention is on decriminalizing possession of “harder” substances, with an emphasis on compassion, care and support for people who use drugs. Attitudes toward drug use are changing. Gone are the days of “Reefer Madness” of the 1930s and “dope fiend” references finding their way into … [Read more...]
CPLEA Resources: Canada’s ban on conversion therapy
June is Pride Month but the need for LGBTQ+ resources continues year-round, including about Canada's recent ban on conversion therapy. On January 7, 2022, Canada banned conversion therapy. Canada's Criminal Code now includes four new criminal offences banning conversion therapy and related conduct. … [Read more...]
What Powers Do Police Have to Stop Me?
Questions often come up around police stops, including whether police can stop you and whether you have to speak to them or follow their instructions if they do. DISCLAIMER | This article is meant to be a guide, not specific legal advice for your situation. Always consult a legal clinic or speak to … [Read more...]
