Federal Protecting Victims Act proposes wide-ranging & some contentious criminal law changes
Federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser said the reforms proposed in Bill C-16 ‘confront the rise in coercive control, respond to the growing violence women are facing, and keep our kids safe from predators. They will make sure people who commit these horrific crimes face real consequences under the law.’
Tuesday, December 09, 2025 @ 6:23 PM
Last Updated: Tuesday, December 09, 2025 @ 6:43 PM
The federal government has introduced a wide-ranging “Protecting Victims Act,” which proposes, among many things: the expansion of various offences and punishments; new restrictions impacting the current interpretation of the Charter rights of accused persons to speedy trials and to make full answer and defence in sexual assault and other prosecutions; the creation of a number of novel Criminal Code offences; and the effective “restoration” for future sentencing (via a new judicial discretion “safety valve”) of “all” unconstitutional Criminal Code mandatory minimum penalties (MMPs) that were struck down as cruel and unusual punishment by various courts. ... [read more]
Court finds Canada owes a duty to First Nations regarding supply of clean drinking water
Tuesday, December 09, 2025 @ 3:00 PM
In a class action proceeding, the Federal Court has recognized a sui generis fiduciary duty owed by Canada to the Shamattawa First Nation, addressing the long-standing issue of inadequate access to safe drinking water on reserves. ... [read more]
Ontario Court of Appeal upholds vexatious-litigant order against IP company and officer
Tuesday, December 09, 2025 @ 2:03 PM
The Ontario Court of Appeal has upheld an order declaring a corporation and its sole officer vexatious litigants, citing years of meritless court proceedings, hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid costs awards and multimillion-dollar lawsuits that ultimately settled for nuisance-level amounts. ... [read more]
Quebec’s young lawyers are suffering psychological distress, report reveals
Monday, December 08, 2025 @ 2:11 PM
More than 60 per cent of Quebec lawyers with fewer than 10 years of experience suffer from psychological distress, a comprehensive study reveals, painting a disconcerting portrait of young lawyers overwhelmed by stress and struggling with the pressures of billable hours and long workweeks. ... [read more]
SCC okays jury charge; whether suicide aiders may face murder charges had ‘no bearing’ on case
Friday, December 05, 2025 @ 6:16 PM
Last Updated: Friday, December 05, 2025 @ 6:29 PM
The Supreme Court of Canada has affirmed the guilt of a nurse who was convicted in Ontario of attempting to murder both her mother and child via insulin overdoses; however, the top court’s majority declined to decide if and when murder charges can be laid in respect of actions that aid the suicide of others. ... [read more]
