Rule of law depends on boosting public’s understanding & confidence, SCC hears as new session opens
The Supreme Court of Canada’s nine justices, seen in their ceremonial black robes with red piping, pose for a photo Oct. 5 in the top court’s Grand Hall, along with court staff and legal dignitaries, after the judges sat on the bench for the first time in their new courtroom in the West Memorial Building on Wellington Street in Ottawa.
Monday, October 05, 2026 @ 5:27 PM
Last Updated: Monday, October 05, 2026 @ 7:37 PM
Canada needs to find new ways to sustain and strengthen its democratic institutions, especially to drive home to Canadians how much their independent justice system benefits them in their daily lives, top jurists say. At the Oct. 5 ceremonial opening of the Supreme Court of Canada’s judicial year in Ottawa, Chief Justice of Canada Richard Wagner told the audience of lawyers and judges he appreciated that “across the country, I’ve seen many of you speak out publicly to reiterate the importance of the rule of law and of an independent judiciary.” ... [read more]
Taxes preventing small businesses from expanding: CFIB
Wednesday, October 07, 2026 @ 4:32 PM
According to new research from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) only seven per cent of small businesses plan to grow or diversify significantly over the next 12 months, while 31 per cent say they remain stagnant due to cost and economic pressures. Of the latter group, 59 per cent cited the tax burden hindering their expansion. ... [read more]
B.C. top court to examine whether Arbitration Act tolling provision covers contractual deadlines
Wednesday, October 07, 2026 @ 3:29 PM
The B.C. Court of Appeal has agreed to hear an appeal over whether an Arbitration Act provision that suspends limitation periods when an action is stayed in favour of arbitration applies to contractual deadlines as well as statutory ones. ... [read more]
Court denies cancellation of pending litigation certificate in drainage dispute
Wednesday, October 07, 2026 @ 2:49 PM
The B.C. Supreme Court has dismissed a builder’s bid to cancel a certificate of pending litigation in a dispute relating to alleged non-compliance of home and unfinished drainage works. ... [read more]
Alberta lawyer says law society violating its duties through ‘ideological’ training programs
Tuesday, October 06, 2026 @ 4:56 PM
An Alberta lawyer is calling a number of mandatory training and professional requirements from the provincial law society ideologically driven as part of an appeal of a decision that dismissed his constitutional challenge against the regulator last year. ... [read more]