New TLA events and educational programs on tap this year

/ Legal Services /

By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • The Toronto Lawyers Association (TLA) kicked off 2024 looking to enhance the membership experience with a slate of new programs and events, says executive director/library director Joan Rataic-Lang. “We are always looking to provide added value,” Rataic-Lang tells LegalMattersCanada.ca. “I am excited about the events and programs we will be offering. “And, of […]

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Alberta accounts for one-fifth of stolen vehicles in Canada

/ Criminal Law /

By LegalMatters Staff • One of the most common crimes in Alberta is theft. There were 3,526 charges for theft over $5,000 laid in Alberta in 2022, along with 83,324 charges for theft under $5,000 in that same period, according to Statistics Canada. “If someone is convicted of theft over $5,000, they face a maximum

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‘Misguided campaign’ is being waged to outlaw parental alienation

/ Family Law /

By Paul Russell, LegalMatters Staff • Parental alienation is a reality in many families after a marriage breakup and “woke feminists” cannot simply dismiss it as a legal defence to hide family violence, says Toronto family lawyer Gene C. Colman. “There is a robust academic literature on parental alienation, says Colman, principal of the Gene

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Canada Labour Code changes provide ‘much-needed updates’

/ Employment/Labour /

By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • Recent amendments to the Canada Labour Code (CLC) offer guidance to employers and needed benefits and protections for workers, says Toronto employment lawyer Ellen Low. Low, principal of Ellen Low & Co., says the federal government announced several changes to the CLC in the past year, many to take effect throughout 2024. Under the new

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Don’t confuse seasonal affective disorder with the winter blues

/ Disability Law /

By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • Many people experience a sense of malaise in the depths of winter but those suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) face a much more serious mental health challenge, says Ontario disability insurance lawyer Courtney Mulqueen. “At one time or another, most of us will get the winter blues. Seasonal

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The charge of assault causing bodily involves physical contact

/ Criminal Law /

By LegalMatters Staff • American news broadcasts and television shows often reference the charge “assault and battery.” That term is not used in Canada. The most comparable charge we have is assault causing bodily harm. “Bodily harm is an injury that affects someone’s physical health and well-being,” says Ottawa criminal lawyer Céline Dostaler. “It cannot

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Keep safety in mind while enjoying the great outdoors

/ Personal Injury /

Canadians are accustomed to adapting to the challenges of the changing seasons and making the most of their time outdoors. While winter may bring bitter cold, snow and ice that doesn’t mean people go into hibernation. As proof of Canadians’ love of the great outdoors, Statistics Canada reported nearly eight in 10 Canadian households participated in winter outdoor

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It is dangerous to be a pedestrian during the winter

/ Personal Injury /

By Paul Russell, LegalMatters Staff • Everyone knows that driving during the winter can be dangerous due to snow and ice. But this time of year can also be hazardous for pedestrians, says Ontario personal injury lawyer Joshua Goldberg. “Media reports often focus on auto accidents on our freeways caused by winter storms, while neglecting

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Remain vigilant over your licensees in trademark agreements

/ Intellectual Property /

By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • Protecting your trademark rights means not only guarding against infringers but ensuring you have sufficient control over licensees, says Toronto intellectual property lawyer John Simpson. “Businesses often look for friendly arrangements with others but the trademark owner must always be vigilant,” says Simpson, principal of IP and new media law

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