Opinion

Wednesday, September 15, 2021 @ 2:53 PM

Canadian courts generally do not award damages for mental distress associated with the injury to or death of a pet. Even when they have done so, though, the amounts ordered are typically what we would call nuisance. My hope is to push the legal system to change how it views pets as far as compensation goes. ... [read more]

Tuesday, September 14, 2021 @ 12:56 PM

After a month of campaigning, a staggered release of platforms and completion of the election debates, we have a good idea of where the main federal party leaders stand on Indigenous issues. While all of them pledged a general commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples during those debates, we heard few details about their actual plans, especially as it relates to ending genocide against Indigenous women and girls. This means that we have to search party platforms for details on how they plan to address violence against Indigenous women, systemic racism in policing and human rights in general. ... [read more]

Monday, September 13, 2021 @ 2:12 PM

September, absent lockdown, has seen excited children and parents arrive at the entrance doors of the private school to which they have worked so hard to gain admission. Many pupils will graduate with wonderful memories in line with the glossy brochures. The tens of thousands of dollars per annum the parents have invested will all have been worth it. ... [read more]

Monday, September 13, 2021 @ 11:41 AM

Access to legal information is the lifeblood of our profession. In a common law system where interpretation of precedent determines the outcome of issues, the fair and efficient implementation of justice relies on both sides having access to the legal information which decisions are made. Cases are not just won in the court, they are won in the lead-up, the research and the library. Access to requisite print and digital resources, case law and research assistance can level the playing field to help provide access to justice. ... [read more]

Friday, September 10, 2021 @ 2:32 PM

Technophobia greatly impacted my working life. I resisted change because I was both a boomer and a member of a very conservative profession. I was called to the bar in 1974 B.C. (before computers). The local courthouse library even still carried a book called Oliphant on the Law of Horses, 1908 edition. I doubt there was a long borrowing waitlist. And I really doubt if you missed the due return date, you’d get a nasty call from the librarian saying something like, “Hey, how selfish can you be.” ... [read more]

Friday, September 10, 2021 @ 12:40 PM

It was a typical afternoon this summer when I found myself being invited to another lawyer event — come to the event, the website boasted, where a prominent lawyer will share their tips for success. The lawyer’s glossy headshot featured with a list of their recent successes in court and in practice reveals a flawless face, a beaming smile and a well-pressed suit. ... [read more]

Thursday, September 09, 2021 @ 9:37 AM

Dear Jo: I’m struggling at work almost every day — trying to keep up with client expectations, heavy court schedules and the office politics. When I decided to go into law, I thought things would be much different. I want to help people, but it is becoming more and more difficult to do that, I feel as though I am simply treading water most days. Help! ... [read more]

Tuesday, September 07, 2021 @ 10:00 AM

As Canadians stumble toward the Sept. 20 federal election, some of the biggest questions voters may face are not on the ballot. ... [read more]

Friday, September 03, 2021 @ 9:02 AM

No custody for you! ... [read more]

Friday, September 03, 2021 @ 8:58 AM

Before I go into how marketing and business development are related and cross over, I think it’s advisable to first understand what marketing is. It is my contention that business, your legal business, is all about building relationships. Marketing is the first step in doing that. So … ... [read more]