Groups in Manitoba must work together to break down A2J barriers: law society
Law Society of Manitoba chief executive officer Leah Kosokowsky told Law360 Canada that while the cost of legal services remains ‘the number one barrier’ to justice in the province, another contributor is the fact that legal service providers ‘have all become so siloed in what we’re doing.’
Thursday, August 27, 2026 @ 1:18 PM
The inability to afford a lawyer remains the biggest barrier to legal services in Manitoba, but obstacles also arise when various bodies operate in silos rather than coming together to serve the “whole person,” an official says following the release of a survey on access to justice in the province. Earlier this month, the Law Society of Manitoba (LSM) released its “What We Heard from Community Report” as part of its ongoing Access to Justice (A2J) Initiative. ... [read more]
Federal Court of Appeal upholds Human Rights Act’s $20,000 compensation caps
Friday, August 28, 2026 @ 5:38 PM
The Federal Court of Appeal has dismissed a constitutional challenge to two $20,000 compensation caps under the Canadian Human Rights Act — one for pain and suffering and the other for wilful or reckless discrimination — rejecting arguments that the limits violated successful complainants’ equality rights. ... [read more]
Ontario court rules on estate case centring on ‘shortfall’ of cottage worth more than ‘estate residue’
Friday, August 28, 2026 @ 4:53 PM
Ontario’s Appeal Court has ruled that the son of a deceased woman must pay his siblings for a “shortfall” after he inherited a cottage worth more than what the rest of the estate left behind. ... [read more]
Canada highlights 50% counter-tariffs, $7.5B in support for businesses and workers
Friday, August 28, 2026 @ 4:28 PM
As of Sept. 8, Canada will impose counter-tariffs of 15, 25 and 50 per cent on products drawn from the list of those targeted by U.S. tariffs, with the rate for each product matching the corresponding U.S. rate. The number of tariffed goods has dropped by nearly 200, from over 800 to now 629. ... [read more]
Lawyers for homeless man eyeing options after N.S. changes its rules on enhanced welfare benefits
Thursday, August 27, 2026 @ 5:37 PM
Lawyers in Nova Scotia are examining whether a legal challenge could be launched against the province after it made what they called the “cruel” move of amending income assistance regulations to make homeless people living in tents and cars ineligible for an enhanced welfare benefit. ... [read more]