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.

Decision has imperilled over $1 billion in tax ‘so far,’ Supreme Court hears
A Federal Court of Appeal decision issued last year provides a roadmap for tax avoidance and should be overturned, the Supreme Court heard in oral arguments May 13.

Renoviction bylaw within city’s powers: B.C. Court of Appeal
The B.C. Court of Appeal has upheld a municipal bylaw which protected renters who have been evicted from their apartments due to renovations, but a lawyer is saying it could lead to a confusing patchwork of tenancy legislation across the province.

Ontario Appeal Court stresses need for impartiality of expert evidence
A recent Ontario court decision involving a medical negligence claim emphasizes the need for expert witnesses to remain impartial and independent when giving evidence, says a lawyer.

Appeal Court upholds ruling that Quebec’s back-to-work legislation unconstitutional
Quebec government lawyers and notaries, bolstered by yet another legal victory after the Quebec Court of Appeal Quebec upheld a lower court decision that found the back-to-work legislation which put an end to the longest Canadian strike by public civil servants was unconstitutional, are now hopeful that negotiations with the provincial government will lead to a new collective agreement.

Work that works: Difficulties new calls face when starting out
In her column, Charlene Theodore writes: “You have your law degree … now what? It’s a question all lawyers have faced. I know I did. Remember when you entered law school full of hope for what was possible and with the desire to fight for justice and make people’s lives better? You put in the hard work — and long hours — got your degree and passed the bar exam.”

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