What is the legal status of prescription drugs in Canada?

/ Criminal Law /

By LegalMatters Staff • Consuming prescription drugs in a manner not prescribed by a medical practitioner is illegal and dangerous, the latter shown by the 7,328 deaths from opioid overdoses across Canada in 2022. “Only a doctor, dentist, veterinarian, nurse practitioner or midwife can legally prescribe prescription drugs,” says Ottawa criminal lawyer Céline Dostaler. “Medications […]

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Pets should be treated as family members instead of mere property

/ Family Law /

By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • New British Columbia legislation allowing pets to be treated as family members and not merely as property in a separation or divorce is a “positive move,” says Toronto family lawyer A. Julia P. Tremain. B.C. became the first in Canada to enact such a law and it remains to

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Addiction/abuse allegations can complicate parenting plans

/ Family Law /

By LegalMatters Staff • Parents sometimes find it difficult to balance work demands with family time. Faced with these pressures, some grow dependent on alcohol, cannabis or prescription drugs. That addiction is often a contributing factor to the failure of a marriage. If there are children involved, the former partners must reach a parenting agreement

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Clear your sidewalks after a snowfall or you could face liability

/ Personal Injury /

By Paul Russell, LegalMatters Staff • Much of Ontario has experienced little snowfall so far this winter but that could change in February, which is why residents must keep snow shovels and salt handy, says Ontario personal injury lawyer Joshua Goldberg. “While bylaws vary depending on the municipality, homeowners are typically responsible for clearing snow

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Snowmobiling is a fun winter activity but it can also be dangerous

/ Personal Injury /

The snowmobile, conceived out of the need for effective winter transportation in rural communities, has become one of North America’s most popular winter activities.  There are more than 600,000 registered snowmobilers in Canada, the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association reports. The average snowmobiler rides close to 2,000 km in a season. While a great way to get outside

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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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