EXCLUSIVE: SCC’s Gascon encourages lawyers and judges to talk openly about anxiety, depression
Retired Supreme Court of Canada Justice Clément Gascon says if his disclosure of his struggles with anxiety and depression helps just one person ‘it would have been worth it.’
Tuesday, October 22, 2019 @ 9:05 AM
Judges of the Supreme Court of Canada are legal icons, so it’s easy to forget that they are human beings and struggle with the same afflictions as the rest of us. That’s why retired Justice Clément Gascon’s decision to reveal that he lives with anxiety and depression has been so salutary for the legal profession’s awareness of, and efforts to destigmatize, the mental health challenges so many lawyers and judges face. The newly retired 59-year-old Supreme Court of Canada judge tells The Lawyer’s Daily in an exclusive interview it was “a relief” to stop hiding his condition — so much so that he hopes others will opt to speak openly about their own experiences. ... [read more]
SCC leaves open question about jury unanimity in B.C. sexual assault case
Tuesday, October 22, 2019 @ 12:58 PM
The Supreme Court of Canada has reinstated the conviction of a B.C. man charged with sexual offences against his niece but said it would “leave for another day” whether the issue of prosecutors drafting a single count to capture multiple incidents passes constitutional muster. ... [read more]
First guidance issued for firms compelled to hire compliance consultants 
Monday, October 21, 2019 @ 2:29 PM
Firms compelled by their securities regulator to engage a compliance consultant to address issues have some direction at last from those regulators. The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) Staff Notice 31-356 sets out who can serve as a compliance consultant, the consultant’s role, the approval process and more. ... [read more]
Quebec inquiry into treatment of Indigenous people urges changes to justice system
Monday, October 21, 2019 @ 9:34 AM
It will take a healthy dose of political will, huge investments and nearly a generation for the Quebec government to implement the wide-ranging recommendations that an inquiry examining the treatment of Indigenous people made to the province’s justice and correctional systems, according to legal experts. ... [read more]
First Canadian-born black lawyer to receive Order of New Brunswick
Friday, October 18, 2019 @ 1:35 PM
There is hope the posthumous awarding of the Order of New Brunswick to the first Canadian-born black lawyer will increase awareness and national attention when it comes to history’s colour lines. ... [read more]
