Cyberbullying takes place on digital devices such as cellphones, computers and tablets. It can be carried out through emails, texts and posts in forums on such social media sites as Facebook. It includes posting or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone that can cause embarrassment or humiliation. To read more, click here. […]
Cyberbullying can cross the line into criminal behaviour Read More »
Phishing is a common tactic used to obtain personal and financial information from victims through texts, emails or phone messages. They can seem like the real thing so it is not surprising that some people respond to them. In Ottawa, a former city treasurer was convinced to send $128,000 to a fictitious U.S. firm. To
Even financial managers can be fooled by phishing emails Read More »
Cyber extortion occurs when someone uses social media, email or other online platforms to pressure victims into handing over money or other goods. If the victim refuses, the extortionist threatens to release compromising information about the victim. With larger firms, cyber extortionists may cripple the victim’s data systems with what is called ransomware. To read
Ransomware: one of the most popular types of cybercrime Read More »
During the lockdown brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, identity theft and fraud surged. According to information from Statistics Canada, in 2016 there were 260 cases identified as identity theft. That number almost tripled to 725 by 2020. The related crime of identity fraud climbed even more, from 828 in 2016 to 4.508 in 2020.
There are many ways someone can steal your identity Read More »
After three weeks of the truckers’ protest in February, the federal government invoked the Emergencies Act for the first time since its passing in 1988. That move was immediately denounced by many, as s. 3 of the Act defines a national emergency as an “urgent and critical situation of a temporary nature” that “seriously endangers
Emergencies Act is meant for ‘urgent and critical’ situations Read More »
If a demonstration remains peaceful and does not impede the lawful activities of others for an extended period, police will allow the participants to exercise their right to protest. During the three-week truckers’ protest in Ottawa, many people were surprised the police did not move in sooner since there were reports of illegal activity throughout
Police can exercise their power when protests turn illegal Read More »
Protests are allowed on both public and private property provided that they remain peaceful. In Ottawa, if the people taking part in the truckers’ protest had just peacefully blocked Wellington Street for a day then went home, there would have been no need for police intervention. However, the right to protest ends when the actions
Peaceful protests are allowed on public and private property Read More »
By the time police cleared the truckers’ protest in downtown Ottawa in February, more than 100 people were facing charges. Most were released on bail, except for key organizers who faced charges such as counselling to commit mischief and counselling to commit the offence of obstructing police. To read more, click here. Youths need to
Here are the charges protesters may face in Canada Read More »
Various protests have attracted the public’s attention across Canada, but what are the laws governing these demonstrations? To justify their actions, protesters often point to s. 2 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It guarantees that every Canadian has “freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other
The Charter grants the right to ‘peaceful assembly’ Read More »
The public plays an important role in our justice system and making sure it is administered fairly. The three main duties of citizens are to serve on a jury, testify as a witness and to know the law. Serving on a jury and deciding whether someone has violated a Criminal Code offence is both challenging
What is the public’s role in our justice system? Read More »
