Constitutional
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April 23, 2024
N.S. gets new justice minister amid comments controversy
Nova Scotia has a new justice minister following the sudden resignation of Brad Johns, who stepped down after making controversial comments about domestic violence.
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April 17, 2024
Despite concerns, Alberta provincial priorities bill likely not unconstitutional: academics
The government of Alberta says it is protecting its priorities by introducing legislation that would require provincial entities to get its go-ahead before receiving funding from Ottawa. But observers are raising concerns about the effect it could have on major infrastructure projects as well as the possibility of having a chilling effect on research at post-secondary institutions.
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April 17, 2024
Saskatchewanians invited to take accessibility survey
Saskatchewan residents are being invited to take part in an “accessibility survey” about barriers people with disabilities face when using government “facilities, programs and services.”
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April 17, 2024
Digital solutions through an Indigenous lens | Lawrence Lewis
In a world where digital transformation shapes every aspect of our lives, the narrative of technological advancement often overlooks the diverse needs and voices of Indigenous communities. But creating digital solutions through an Indigenous lens — combining traditional values through innovative pathways — gives rise to progressive structures that honour cultural significance.
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April 16, 2024
Energy program not attempt to tax through regulation, Ontario Court of Appeal says
Ontario’s top court has turned back a challenge of the province’s feed-in-tariff (FIT) renewable electricity procurement program, ruling it was brought in for a proper regulatory purpose and was not an attempt to tax through regulation.
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April 12, 2024
Section 35 of Constitution did not create cause of action for breach of treaty rights, SCC says
The Supreme Court has ruled that the coming into force of s. 35(1) of the Constitution Act, 1982 did not create a cause of action for a breach of treaty rights and that an Indigenous tribe’s treaty land entitlement claim is statute-barred, but declaratory relief is warranted given the “longevity and magnitude of the Crown’s dishonorable conduct.”
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April 12, 2024
Ontario court first in Canada to strike down elements of ag-gag law
In the first Canadian case to challenge one of the country’s so-called ag-gag (agriculture-gag) laws, an Ontario Superior Court judge struck several provisions of the regulations governing Ontario’s Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act.
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April 12, 2024
Yukon Court of Appeal quashes mineral project approval, citing First Nation’s rights
The Yukon Court of Appeal has upheld an order setting aside a Yukon government decision to allow a mineral exploration project to proceed through regulatory approval, finding that Yukon failed to address a First Nation’s concerns regarding land use planning.
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April 10, 2024
Saskatchewan expanding law student placements in name of access to justice
In efforts to increase access to justice in rural, underserved areas, Saskatchewan is expanding “practical learning placements” for College of Law students willing to travel. According to an April 1 news release, the province’s government is investing $100,000 in “new practical learning opportunities” for students at the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Law — provided they are willing to “work in different communities for the term of their placements.”
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April 08, 2024
N.S. Appeal Court releases annual report, 2023
Around a third of those appearing before Nova Scotia’s top court last year were self-represented — an increase from the year before. This is just one of the stats detailed in the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal Annual Report for 2023. Released on April 2, this is the court’s second update of its kind.