The Friday Brief: Managing Editor’s must-read items from this week

Matthew Grace

Here are my picks for the top stories we published this week.

Appeal Court ruling in long-running land litigation beckons SCC scrutiny, says lawyer
Land deals gone sour involving a suburban Toronto property have reaped a long-running harvest of litigation and a voluminous Appeal Court decision laden with legal lessons. But the battle may not be over, says a lawyer involved in the case.

Alberta street check legislation would ban carding, refine interactions between police, public
A bill before the Alberta legislature would ban the controversial practice of carding in the province, and while legal observers are applauding the government for taking steps on the issue they are worried it may not have the effect it should.

Decision revisits intersection between a religious marriage and requirements under Family Law Act
A recent Superior Court decision in Ontario sheds light on a potential legal predicament that could affect couples who rely entirely on religious rites for marriage and divorce, says a lawyer involved with the case.

Liberals recognize right to healthy environment as part of legislative overhaul
The Trudeau government has unveiled changes to Canada’s cornerstone environmental protection law which includes recognition that every Canadian has the right to a healthy environment.

Lawyer librarian symbiosis
In her column, Ciara Ward writes: “ ‘What would you be without us?’ ‘What have you done for us lately?’ I asked my colleagues these questions, the day after everyone knew about the Legal Information and Resource Network (LIRN) budget cuts. What would lawyers working in Ontario or even our own law associations be without us (Ontario courthouse librarians)? Do you know? I’m not sure I do. We have a symbiotic relationship where you need us in order to thrive, as much as we need you.”

Matthew Grace is the Managing Editor of The Lawyer’s Daily.