Law360 Canada

CDSA immunity shields ‘Good Samaritans’ from arrest for simple possession of controlled drugs: SCC

Photo of Supreme Court of Canada Justice Andromache Karakatsanis

Supreme Court of Canada Justice Andromache Karakatsanis wrote that where a life is threatened by a medical emergency, ‘Parliament prioritized saving that life over the more remote public safety benefits of arresting persons at the scene for simple possession’ of a controlled substance.

Friday, October 24, 2025 @ 6:09 PM

The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled 6-3 that s. 4.1(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act — which expressly exempts “Good Samaritans” at the scene of a drug overdose from being “charged” or “convicted” for simple possession of a controlled substance — also shields them from being arrested for the simple possession offence. ... [read more]

B.C. court rules Insurance Act and not PPSA governs priority dispute over unearned premiums

Tuesday, October 28, 2025 @ 3:48 PM

The B.C. Supreme Court has held that an insurance finance company’s security interest in unearned insurance premiums has priority over a lender’s general security interest registered under the B.C. Personal Property Security Act (PPSA). ... [read more]

Quebec Superior Court launches AI pilot project

Tuesday, October 28, 2025 @ 2:54 PM

The Superior Court of Quebec has given the green light to a sandboxed pilot project that allows some 20 judges to use artificial intelligence to help them with documentary and legislative research, translations and draft judgments. But the initiative draws the line at decision-making or deliberative undertakings, a conservative approach that has earned plaudits from legal observers. ... [read more]

B.C. expanding reach of domestic violence intervention programs with federal funds

Tuesday, October 28, 2025 @ 2:22 PM

British Columbia is expanding the reach of its domestic violence intervention programs as part of a bilateral agreement with the federal government. The province has announced it is providing $750,000 in federal funding to support access to new and expanded programs that support healthy relationships and prevent domestic violence through community-led intervention services. ... [read more]

Federal Court overturns zero-sulfate discharge order against battery recycling facility

Monday, October 27, 2025 @ 5:16 PM

The Federal Court has set aside an inspector’s direction requiring a battery recycling facility to immediately cease sulfate discharges and conduct weekly toxicity testing, finding that the inspector misinterpreted the term “deleterious substance” and imposed illogical and impractical monitoring obligations. ... [read more]