Access to Justice
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April 20, 2026
New OBA campaign brings rule of law understanding to public
This month, the Ontario Bar Association (OBA) launched its Rule of Law campaign in which local lawyers host discussions in their communities to help the public better understand the rule of law and its everyday importance to democracy.
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April 20, 2026
UWindsor establishes Vivian Ntiri Memorial Scholarship
The University of Windsor has established the Vivian Ntiri Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund in honour of Vivian Ntiri, a member of the bars of Ontario and Saskatchewan, who died in June 2025.
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April 20, 2026
Successful murder appeal includes assessment of ‘expert-like’ evidence and personal opinion
After a six-week jury trial, Evan Wright, 19, was convicted of first-degree murder, and Philip Fitzpatrick, 21, his first cousin, was found guilty of manslaughter. They successfully appealed their convictions, and the Ontario Court of Appeal set out its reasons in R. v. Fitzpatrick, 2026 ONCA 262.
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April 17, 2026
Manitoba giving public safety funding to Brandon, Portage la Prairie
Building on its ongoing public safety strategy, Manitoba’s government is giving half a million dollars to two of its cities in the name of enhancing security and preventing crime.
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April 17, 2026
The case for in-person court attendances
My friend Steve Benmor made some excellent arguments recently in favour of Zoom attendances on motions (The Zoom paradox: When a judge’s words and his court’s actions collide). He backs it up by quoting the extremely persuasive comments of Justice Fred Myers of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. I recognize and respect their arguments but let me address a couple of matters not addressed in their submissions on this issue.
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April 16, 2026
Indigenous leaders object to ‘one project, one review’ agreement between Manitoba, Ottawa
First Nations leaders in Manitoba are claiming to have been wrongly left out of an agreement between the province and Ottawa designed to accelerate assessments of how development projects will impact the environment.
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April 16, 2026
The Zoom paradox: When a judge’s words and his court’s actions collide
There is something deeply ironic unfolding within Ontario’s family court system — an irony that cuts to the heart of what access to justice actually means in practice.
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April 16, 2026
Saskatchewan introduces limited licences for non-lawyers: What you need to know
As of Jan. 1, 2026, the Law Society of Saskatchewan (the Law Society) may now grant limited licences to practise law in the province. This new framework allows non-lawyers to obtain authorization to provide specific legal services under a limited licence.
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April 16, 2026
Murder appeal raises relevance of whether accused sits with lawyers or in prisoner box
An elderly, vulnerable woman was beaten, stabbed and killed in the confines of her own home. A Feb. 16, 2023, Toronto Sun report describes the attack in graphic detail:
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April 15, 2026
Manitoba giving more money for child and family services
Manitoba’s government is providing millions in additional funding to child and family welfare services in the province.