Access to Justice
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June 11, 2025
Appeal Court stands by trial judge’s balance between probative value and prejudicial evidence
It has been a 13-year ordeal for both the accused and the victim’s family. Unless there is a further appeal, Adam Picard will remain in prison. After being charged with first-degree murder in 2012, a court stayed the prosecution of Picard due to unreasonable delay in 2016 (R. v. Picard, 2016 ONSC 7061). That decision was overturned by the Ontario Court of Appeal (R. v. Picard, 2017 ONCA 692).
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June 10, 2025
Quebec ordered to pay $164 million for Charter breach in class action suit
The Quebec government has been ordered by Superior Court to pay a staggering $164 million in compensatory damages, plus interest, for knowingly violating the rights of thousands of individuals who were arrested and illegally detained for a longer period of time than permitted by the Criminal Code prior to appearing before a justice of the peace.
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June 10, 2025
N.L. construction companies getting help with employee health, safety, recruitment
Newfoundland and Labrador is launching a new digital project aimed at providing more effective health and safety training to small construction companies in the province.
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June 10, 2025
Ontario’s Bill 5: Undermining Indigenous rights, species at risk protections in name of growth
On June 4, 2025, Ontario’s Ford government enacted Bill 5: Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025, despite widespread opposition from Indigenous communities, environmental advocates and the broader public. This sweeping omnibus bill amends or enacts 10 different laws, including:
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June 10, 2025
Juries warrant recognition, but seriously
On June 5, the Honourable Lucie Moncion (Ontario, Independent Senators Group) reintroduced Bill S-226 (An Act respecting Jury Duty Appreciation Week) in the Senate. The bill aims to establish a National Jury Duty Appreciation Week, which will take place annually during the second week of May. Its adoption is intended to facilitate yearly recognition of the contributions and dedication of thousands of Canadian jurors and raise awareness among governments and the public about the mental health challenges associated with serving as a juror.
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June 09, 2025
Civil society advocates, information watchdog seek major overhaul of Access to Information Act
Advocates for greater government transparency and accountability have called on the Carney government to stand up an “independent” review — and then speedily overhaul — the much-criticized federal Access to Information Act.
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June 09, 2025
Law Foundation of Ontario appoints new trustee, elects new chair
The Law Foundation of Ontario has announced the appointment of Shalini Konanur to its board of trustees.
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June 09, 2025
Lack of consensus in Bouvette acquittal leaves questions unanswered
When a serious yet inaccurate allegation of criminal wrongdoing is made against someone, permanently halting criminal proceedings without a determination of guilt or innocence is insufficient. What is truly needed is a declaration of being found not guilty.
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June 06, 2025
N.L. turning to public for input on revamping child protection laws
The government of Newfoundland and Labrador is turning to the public for input on revamping child protection laws.
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June 06, 2025
Increased support for Black Nova Scotians seeking land title a good move, but more needed: scholar
A legal mind is praising Nova Scotia’s expansion of support for those in “historic” African Nova Scotian communities seeking title to their land — but is calling for the same support to be given to “all African Nova Scotians in all African Nova Scotian communities.”