Source: flickr/dmbosstone
By Myrna El Fakhry Tuttle
Reposted from LawNow 45(1) with permission
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 – an infectious disease caused by a new coronavirus – a global pandemic. With no vaccines or treatments to control the disease, the WHO asked governments “to take urgent and aggressive action to stop the spread of the virus”.
Read MoreSource: flickr/robin_ottawa
By Boritse Mene
The blockage of railways and roads during protests earlier this year influenced the introduction of Bill 1—The Critical Infrastructure Defence Act, SA 2020, c C-32.7 (CIDA) by the Alberta government. Despite months of criticism, the Bill came into force on June 17, 2020.
Read MoreSource: flickr/Michel Marie
By Linda McKay-Panos
Reposted from LawNow 44(6) with permission
Recent events in Canada have caused a resurgence of reliance on the Peace, Order and Good Government (POGG) clause in section 91 of The Constitution Act, 1867. When federal and provincial governments seek to pass legislation, they must have authority under section 91 (federal government) or 92 (provincial governments).
Read MoreSource: flickr/Mike Gifford
By Linda McKay-Panos
Reposted from LawNow 44(6) with permission
Generally, when talking about the situation in Canada, the emphasis is on the prevalence of systemic discrimination —policies or practices that are part of an organization, which perpetuate disadvantage. This is pervasive in Canada and difficult to address because it is reinforced by acceptance as the “normal” way of doing things.
Read MoreSource: flickr/Ian Ransley
By Myrna El Fakhry Tuttle
Reposted from LawNow 44(6) with permission
International human rights law acknowledges everyone’s right to an adequate standard of living, which includes the right to adequate housing.
Read MoreSource: flickr/Trending Topics 2019
By Maddison Canuel
On May 25th, 2020, Calgary City Council voted to ban conversion therapy via the Prohibited Businesses Bylaw (bylaw number 20M2020, (the bylaw)).
Read MoreSource: flickr/Prachatai
By Linda McKay-Panos
Reposted from LawNow 44(5) with permission
We find ourselves in unprecedented times. As we scramble to “socially distance” and address the economic consequences of the global pandemic, inmates in Canadian institutions are particularly vulnerable to adverse effects by virtue of the conditions where they are held.
Read MoreSource: flickr/di.fe88
By Myrna El Fakhry Tuttle
Reposted from ABlawg with permission
Case Commented On: A.C. and J.F. and her Majesty the Queen in Right of Alberta (19 March 2020), Edmonton 2003-048252020 (ABQB) (Transcript available here)
On March 19, 2020, Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Tamara Friesen granted a temporary injunction prohibiting the Alberta Government from implementing an amendment of the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Regulation, Alta Reg 160/2004, which lowered the age of eligibility from 24 to 22 for young adults receiving financial and social support under the Support and Financial Assistance (SFA) program. This temporary injunction will apply until the Court hears and rules on the issue of whether the amendment unjustifiably violates the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Read MorePhoto: flickr/UBC Library Communications and Marketing
By Myrna El Fakhry Tuttle
Reposted from LawNow 44(4) with permission
Families are no longer as secure as they used to be. The process of divorce and separation can deeply affect children, as can exposure to new types of family structures. Children may feel stressed, frustrated and confused.
Read MorePhoto: Flickr/ Kenny Cole
By Linda McKay-Panos
Reposted from LawNow 44(4) with permission
Mahatma Ghandi once said: “A nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members.” Canada has used solitary confinement for prisoners for decades. In the past several years, solitary confinement has been the subject of criticism from civil libertarians and mental health advocates.
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