SCC won’t weigh in, for now, on how chronic judge shortages may impact Charter speedy trial right
Toronto defence counsel Chris Sewrattan said he believes that if a case arises where the unavailability of judges contributes to trial delay above the Jordan ceilings, the Supreme Court of Canada ‘has an appetite to deal with systemic delay caused by under-resourcing . . . the court system generally, and judicial vacancies in particular.’
Thursday, May 22, 2025 @ 1:20 PM
Last Updated: Thursday, May 22, 2025 @ 2:27 PM
The Supreme Court of Canada has declined to rule on whether chronic judicial vacancies can contribute to criminal charges being thrown out for unconstitutional trial delay; however the top court appears to be open to grappling with that persistent problem in a future Charter s. 11(b) case, according to counsel for an accused whose Toronto jury trial was postponed for 10 months due to the lack of a judge to preside at the first scheduled trial date. ... [read more]
B.C. judge rejects proposed class action over alleged mall privacy breaches by Cadillac Fairview
Friday, May 23, 2025 @ 3:36 PM
A proposed class action against Canadian mall owner Cadillac Fairview Corp. Ltd., alleging the covert collection of biometric data from visitors to its shopping centres, has been denied certification by the British Columbia Supreme Court. ... [read more]
Manitoba, Ottawa to fund hate-crime education for prosecutors
Friday, May 23, 2025 @ 11:20 AM
Manitoba is partnering with the federal government to invest in “specialized training” for the province’s Crown lawyers in their prosecuting of hate crimes — and will turn to two Jewish advocacy groups to help “co-ordinate and support” the initiative. ... [read more]
Federal Court grants standing to P.E.I. fishers, upholds ‘broad discretion’ of minister: lawyer
Thursday, May 22, 2025 @ 4:10 PM
A fishing body in P.E.I. was recently granted standing by Canada’s Federal Court — but that victory was tempered by the court’s decision to not interfere with the federal government’s refusal to review the province’s catch limit for bluefin tuna. ... [read more]
Alberta Court maintains financing statement registration for contingent claims citing ‘broad’ GSA
Thursday, May 22, 2025 @ 3:59 PM
The Alberta Court of King’s Bench has held that contingent claims arising from ongoing litigation were sufficient to allow a creditor’s financing statement registration to be maintained under the Personal Property Security Act (PPSA), citing a broadly worded general security agreement (GSA). ... [read more]
