New TLA president looks to build on the success of his predecessors

By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • While acknowledging he has some big shoes to fill, incoming Toronto Lawyers’ Association (TLA) president Mark Crane says he is looking forward to “working closely with the many talented people within this organization.” Crane, a partner in the Advocacy Department of Gowling WLG, takes the reins of the presidency

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Understand your legal responsibilities before hunting

By LegalMatters Staff • Many Canadians enjoy hunting game or fowl, especially in Alberta’s wilderness areas. But anyone taking up this sport needs to read the provincial regulations before setting out or they could face serious penalties. “The laws governing this activity can be confusing, especially to those new to the sport,” warns Calgary criminal

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The age of consent in Canada is 16 in most instances

By LegalMatters Staff • Generally speaking, the age of consent in Canada is sixteen. That is when a young person can legally agree to sexual activity, ranging from kissing and fondling to sexual intercourse. But there are some exceptions when it comes to consent. “Sexual activity without consent is a criminal offence, regardless of age,”

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Another court ruling raises questions about termination clauses

By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • A recent Ontario Superior Court decision may have some employers wondering once again if they should redraft the termination provisions in their employment contracts, says Toronto employment lawyer Ellen Low. In Dufault v. The Corporation of the Township of Ignace, Justice H. M. Pierce held that the termination provisions

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Trademarks Act not meant to protect Canadian sensibilities

By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • The purpose of a trademark is to identify the source of goods and services while providing legal protection for a brand, not to protect people’s sensibilities, says Toronto intellectual property lawyer John Simpson. Simpson, principal of IP and new media law boutique Shift Law Professional Corporation, says if governments

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Pharmacogenetic testing can help those with mental health issues

By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • With the ability to determine a patient’s potential response to medications based on their genetics, pharmacogenetic testing is a worthy investment that would quickly pay for itself, predicts Ontario disability insurance lawyer Courtney Mulqueen. Mulqueen, principal lawyer of Mulqueen Disability Law Professional Corporation, says pharmacogenomics combines the sciences of

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