Access to Justice
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February 17, 2026
Saskatchewan giving $1.46M to groups battling gender-based violence
Saskatchewan’s government is giving more than $1 million to various organizations as part of the province’s continued role in a national action plan to eradicate gender-based violence.
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February 17, 2026
Tumbler Ridge: When trying to make sense of the unimaginable causes unjustifiable harm
The death toll in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., is devastating. Children gunned down, teachers killed, dozens of people injured — the horror and tragedy are unimaginable in this country. The nation grieves.
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February 17, 2026
78-year-old inmate’s case against Corrections Canada will draw back curtain on system
A country song recorded by Charlie Rich, inspired by the Watergate scandal in the United States, includes the line, “No one knows what goes on behind closed doors.” That could be the theme for some incidents in Canada’s penitentiaries. It has been said that prison walls and fences are more for keeping the public out than for keeping prisoners in. However, from time to time, the public can gain insight into the inner workings of how prisoners are treated when a lawsuit is brought.
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February 17, 2026
‘Just a paralegal’: Clearing up some misconceptions about these officers of the court
There is a phrase that still circulates in court hallways, online comment sections and sometimes even in the quiet doubts of new licensees: “Just a paralegal.”
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February 13, 2026
Self-represented with duty counsel help wins new trial at Ontario Court of Appeal
When Abraham Lincoln was running for president of the United States in 1864, some advised him to change his vice-presidential running mate, while others cautioned him not to “change horses in midstream.” The adage persists to this day. Dismissing counsel during trial and retaining new counsel can also be risky. Yet that is what Kishoyian Kipusi did anyway.
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February 12, 2026
Ontario Court of Appeal decision informed by complainant’s motive to fabricate evidence
The fabrication of a story alleging that a crime was committed would necessarily result in an acquittal. Proving such motivation can be tricky. Defence counsel for Ryan Alexander Stuart chose to confront a complainant of sexual assault directly by asking a simple question: “Is it fair to say, ma’am, that you were concerned about having sex with Ryan and that it was going to interfere or harm your chances to get back with your ex?”
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February 11, 2026
Student paper snapshots in animal law: Limits of Canada’s animal welfare recognition
Next in my animal law student paper snapshot series, I’m highlighting a research paper on cetaceans by my animal law student at the Peter A. Allard School of Law at UBC, Isabella Schopper.
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February 10, 2026
Newfoundland Court of Appeal finds errors in lawyer’s acquittal, orders retrial
From 1989 to 2021, Robert Regular’s name appeared frequently in Newfoundland newspapers. In July 2021, Regular sought a publication ban on his name before the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador, arguing that he was a “prominent lawyer” with a career spanning more than three decades and a thriving practice that included several employees and associate lawyers. He said that having his name publicized would have significant professional, social and emotional impacts, especially since some allegations involved a minor.
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February 09, 2026
Parole hearing spotlights need to recognize reality of con code and rethink incarceration
Lawyers and professionals who work with inmates in penitentiaries have long been aware of an unwritten set of rules that, if broken, carries the death penalty. That set of rules is quickly learned by new arrivals at jails across Canada and is referred to as the “inmate code” or, more frequently, the “con code.” A news report published in the Toronto Star on Feb. 6, 2026, reminds the public that serving a prison sentence is far harsher than being locked away from society.
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February 06, 2026
B.C. launches free platform for virtual court services help
B.C. has introduced a new centralized virtual counter service for people to receive free help and advice in navigating the court system from anywhere in the province.