Bridging the Gap: Applying trauma-informed interviewing from criminal to family law
Trauma-informed interviewing practices are common in criminal cases to help lawyers effectively communicate with survivors of assault. But family lawyers should also use them when working with clients who’ve experienced trauma. As legal practices evolve, there is a growing recognition of how essential being trauma-informed is for effectively communicating with survivors of physical and sexual […]
Defending the Defence
The Umar Zameer case demonstrates the important role defence counsel play in advocating for the innocent and protecting the integrity of our justice system. Defence counsel are almost always villainized by the media. They are often cast as an inhumane bump on the road to justice in movies and TV shows. “We were so close […]
Canada’s Proposed Artificial Intelligence and Data Act
In 2022, Canada proposed the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act to attempt to regulate and promote the responsible use of artificial intelligence, though the framework is not yet law. Canada has become a leader in developing and using artificial intelligence (AI). AI has become increasingly popular in different sectors, including the law. It has led […]
Bill C-92’s Journey to the SCC
In February 2024, the Supreme Court of Canada decided Bill C-92, which allows Indigenous communities to exercise control over child and family services, is constitutional in its entirety. Reconciliation is the responsibility of every Canadian. The Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision on Bill C-92 is significant in furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Bill C-92: […]
Can You Buy a Home Without a Lawyer in Alberta?
While it may be tempting to DIY the homebuying process and save on legal fees, there are many benefits to hiring a lawyer, including having a faster and lower stress experience. It is springtime and the start of homebuying season is here. If you are thinking of buying a home, you may be wondering whether […]
Reclaiming the D-Word
In planning for end of life, we first need to be able to talk about it. Death—it’s a reality of life that on a certain level we know will come for us all, but one that in our modern world we have managed to push to the peripheries. The average lifespan for a Canadian in […]
Edmonton’s Encampment Case: What does it mean for future cases?
The Coalition for Justice and Human Rights’ August 2023 constitutional challenge to the City of Edmonton’s encampment removals did not succeed, but this case wasn’t the first of its kind and likely won’t be the last. As housing in Canada and Alberta becomes increasingly expensive, many people are being forced to live on the streets. […]
Navigating Life or Health Insurance Complaints with OLHI
Most of the time, our life and health insurance work as expected: You file a claim, and your insurer covers the costs per your policy. But what if you have a complaint? Every day, insurance companies process thousands of life or health insurance claims for Canadian policyholders. However, mistakes or surprises can happen, leading to […]
