Split SCC sheds light on Indigenous sentencing in intimate partner violence cases & role of sentencing circles
Supreme Court of Canada Justice Michelle O’Bonsawin held for the majority that the Indigenous offender’s sentence ‘is severe enough to denounce and deter this intimate partner violence, a form of violence that has been overlooked for far too long, while also offering a real chance to address [his] long-term pattern of offending rooted in mental health challenges and substance abuse.’
Friday, October 09, 2026 @ 5:39 PM
The Supreme Court of Canada has explained how three Criminal Code sentencing provisions should interact and be interpreted when both the victim and offender are Indigenous, and how sentencing circles fit into the mix. On Oct. 9, the top court split 5-4 to dismiss the Nova Scotia Crown’s appeal from a majority Nova Scotia Court of Appeal decision that reduced the five-year sentence a provincial court judge imposed on respondent Harry Arthur Cope to three years (less remand credit of 18 months): R. v. Cope, 2026 SCC 32. ... [read more]
Ottawa adds Express Entry points for high-wage occupations, drops LMIA requirements
Friday, October 16, 2026 @ 4:55 PM
The federal government has announced changes to the Express Entry system to prioritize candidates for permanent residence with eligible Canadian work experience or a qualifying job offer in a high-wage occupation. ... [read more]
Manitoba introduces legislation on hydro rates, WCB financial reporting
Friday, October 16, 2026 @ 1:40 PM
On Oct. 15, the Manitoba government introduced the Budget Implementation and Tax Statutes Amendment Act (BITSA 2), which has measures to help keep Manitoba Hydro rates affordable and improve accountability and transparency in the province’s financial reporting. ... [read more]
B.C. chiefs urge stronger water rights, jurisdiction beyond reserves in federal bill
Friday, October 16, 2026 @ 1:32 PM
The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) has written an open letter urging the federal government to substantially amend the proposed First Nations Clean Water Act to guarantee First Nations’ access to clean drinking water and recognize their jurisdiction over water sources beyond reserve boundaries. ... [read more]
Federal impact assessment law still unconstitutional despite amendments: Alberta Court of Appeal
Thursday, October 15, 2026 @ 4:01 PM
Alberta’s top court has once again ruled against the federal government’s legislation for reviewing natural resource projects, saying amendments it made after parts of the law were struck down by the Supreme Court of Canada still do not pass constitutional muster. ... [read more]