By LegalMatters Staff • Anyone thinking about buying a home should get a home inspection done first. The relatively minor cost ($400 to $600) pays for itself in terms of peace of mind. “A qualified home inspector can help you make an informed decision about what is likely the largest investment you will ever make,” […]
A home inspection is a great investment for home buyers Read More »
By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • A troubling Federal Court judgment calling on the federal government to fill the large number of outstanding judicial vacancies “speaks to a justice system in crisis,” says Barrie-area litigator M. Steven Rastin. Federal Court Justice Henry Brown made note of the high number of judicial vacancies across Canada and
Federal government urged to take action on judicial vacancies Read More »
By LegalMatters Staff • If you carry a firearm while committing a criminal offence that will be considered an aggravating factor when it comes to sentencing. The possession of a firearm during a crime is punishable by a maximum 14-year prison sentence and it does not matter if no one was harmed or if the
What are the penalties for using a firearm when committing a crime? Read More »
By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • Background checks are sometimes part of the hiring process, which is why it is incumbent on employers and employees to make the effort to understand exactly what they entail and how they should be used, says Toronto employment lawyer Ellen Low. “What should be noted is that some people
Important to know how background checks work, when they can be used Read More »
By LegalMatters Staff • Police have two options after they arrest someone after a domestic violence complaint. The accused could be asked to sign an undertaking or other promise to appear document for a future court date. They will also be told to move out of the home and not have any contact with the
What to expect after a domestic assault charge is laid Read More »
By Paul Russell, LegalMattersCanada.ca • If an injury or illness prevents you from working for an extended period you may be eligible for long-term disability (LTD) insurance, says Ontario disability and personal injury lawyer Joshua Goldberg. “It is meant to help you financially after any short-term insurance coverage runs out. But problems can arise if
A primer on successfully claiming LTD benefits in Ontario Read More »
By LegalMatters Staff • Independent from the Alberta government, Children’s Services or Youth Justice, the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate (OCYA) is mandated to provide individual and systemic advocacy for children and youth receiving “designated services” as defined under the Child and Youth Advocate Act. Its clientele includes young people receiving or attempting
The duties of Alberta’s Office of the Child and Youth Advocate Read More »
Insurance is a form of risk management that can be invaluable. In some cases, insurance is compulsory under the law. For example, in Ontario it is a provincial offence under the Highway Traffic Act to drive without automobile insurance. Insurance may not legally mandated but it still may be a requirement. For instance, if you
How do LTD claims work and why do I need a lawyer? Read More »
By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • Finding the right mediator is an important first step in conflict resolution and there can be many aspects to consider before agreeing on the ideal candidate, says Ontario mediator and litigator Avril Hasselfield. The law is complex so it only makes sense to select an experienced mediator. But do
There are many things to consider when choosing an effective mediator Read More »
By LegalMatters Staff • Specialty stores known as head shops openly sell drug paraphernalia including rolling papers and water pipes used to smoke cannabis, crack and other drugs. Some have colourful logos, celebrity images or designs such as smiley faces. These businesses operate legally across Canada, but there are limitations, says Ottawa criminal lawyer Céline
Colourful rolling paper, other drug paraphernalia are legal in Canada Read More »
