Opinion
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Thursday, August 03, 2023 @ 12:24 PM
Conservatives’ misguided get-tough-on-crime agenda | John L. Hill
Justice Minister Arif Virani had been in office less than a week when he came under attack by the Conservative opposition. The press release issued by Conservative spokespersons included the following: “Justin Trudeau’s catch-and-release policies have unleashed a crime wave across this country. Canadians don’t feel safe in their communities and on their streets. But Arif Virani, Trudeau’s new Justice Minister and Attorney General is telling Canadians this is all just in their heads, and that an increase in crime is ‘empirically unlikely.’ ... [read more]
Thursday, August 03, 2023 @ 9:59 AM
New Brunswick: Shame on you and your policy 713 | Marvin Zuker
New Brunswick’s Department of Education and Early Childhood Development recently released a new version of its policy on sexual orientation and gender identity. Policy 713, which has been in place since August 2020, “sets minimum requirements for school districts and public schools to create a Safe and affirming school environment” for all who identify as (or may be perceived to be) LGBTQ+. ... [read more]
Wednesday, August 02, 2023 @ 10:57 AM
Challenge for new justice minister Virani | John L. Hill
Some people were taken aback last week when Toronto MP Arif Virani was sworn in as Canada’s minister of justice and attorney general, replacing veteran David Lametti. Virani is youthful, with a record in his legal practice as an advocate for human rights issues. ... [read more]
Wednesday, August 02, 2023 @ 9:46 AM
Unravelling Canada’s UN Indigenous action plan| Nick Leeson and Mariana Gallegos Dupuis
The National Action Plan, the latest initiative on United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) implementation by the federal government, pledges to begin the process of incorporating UNDRIP into Canadian law. However, the plan is presently seen less as a blueprint for change and more as a source of increasing concern due to its vague language, broad oversights and a perceived lack of commitment to genuine reform. ... [read more]
Tuesday, August 01, 2023 @ 1:09 PM
Bad and worse advice for law firm associates | Murray Gottheil
Do not confine your children to your own learning, for they were born in another time. — Chinese proverb ... [read more]
Tuesday, August 01, 2023 @ 11:27 AM
Importance of law associations, communities | Ciara Ward
Three years ago I joined a local crossfit gym after my trusty discount gym closed down. I thought it would be a lot more nerve wracking going from spin class and aerobics classes to powerlifting with (for lack of a better term) meatheads. I was not prepared to be so utterly wrong, or to find such a valuable and accepting community. This is not dissimilar to joining a law association — you’re getting so much more than access to discounted CPDs and fancy parties, you’re gaining an entire community. ... [read more]
Monday, July 31, 2023 @ 12:36 PM
Boolean searches, bulky suits, memories are made of these | Gary Goodwin
I recently attended the 40th anniversary of my call to the bar to see colleagues I have not seen for years. This should normally be a time for personal reflection and spiritual growth. But I did spend the smallest amount of time contemplating the reflection in the mirror to make sure I had not grown too much physically. My decades of working out did treat me well. Yes, colour me shallow, and this was no longer high school. ... [read more]
Monday, July 31, 2023 @ 11:53 AM
Keep King’s counsel, but with clear guidelines | Gary Joseph
On June 30, 2023, the Attorney General of Ontario reinstated the practice of appointing King’s counsel after a pause in this process between 1985 and 2022. Immediately thereafter the ruling government in Ontario made, in my view, a serious error in judgment by appointing sitting members of the government who were lawyers, King’s counsel. ... [read more]
Friday, July 28, 2023 @ 1:50 PM
Online mediation makes an efficient system even better | Avril Hasselfield and Susan Rai
Mediation is arguably the best way to settle legal disputes in a timely and cost-effective manner, especially when it is done online. ... [read more]
Friday, July 28, 2023 @ 11:47 AM
Burgeoning tort of harassment gaining national momentum | Sam Najem
It’s official, the Court of King’s Bench has recognized the tort of harassment in the province of Alberta. This has likely brought relief to some, while others may be conflicted with the decision. Many are likely wondering if other jurisdictions will follow suit. But one thing is for sure, Ontario may have a bigger a hurdle to overcome in order to recognize this novel tort due to the recent and nationally discussed appellate decision of Merrifield v. Canada (Attorney General), 2019 ONCA 205, overturning the trial court’s recognition of the tort of harassment. ... [read more]
