New legislation has removed time limits for suing for sexual assault, domestic violence or child abuse. On March 9, 2016, Bill 132 Sexual Violence and Harassment Action Plan Act (Supporting Survivors and Challenging Sexual Violence and Harassment) 2015 received Royal Assent which is the last step in making it a law. Bill 132 is the legislative action plan arising from the Government’s report It’s Never Ok: …
Police explore effectiveness of controversial “Textalyzer” device to combat distracted driving
Decades of effort by groups in government, police, and lobbying organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada (MADD) has caused a dramatic decline in the rate of deaths caused by impaired driving since the 1980s. However the recent trend towards widespread use of mobile devices behind the wheel means that distracted driving is quickly becoming a more deadly issue. In addition to drinking, drivers …
2016 Helmets on Kids campaign kicks off in Toronto
By law, it is mandatory for every cyclist under the age of 18 to wear a helmet, while those who are under 16 need to have a parent or guardian make sure they are wearing them. Helmets have been proven to greatly reduce the risk of brain and head injuries, preventing concussions and potentially even death. Studies have shown that helmet use reduces head injury …
Terror victims find redress in Canadian Courts
The threat of terror is a global travesty that seems to respect no geographic boundaries. It is incumbent on Canada and other countries to work together to deter the sponsorship of terrorism and to obtain civil justice against those entities that support and enable its proliferation. What is the Justice For Victims of Terrorism Act? On March 13, 2012, the Canadian Government enacted the Justice For …
Diagnosis Denied: “Systemic Disregard” for Medical Assessments of Injured Workers
In November 2015, the Ontario Federation of Labour (“OFL”) and the Ontario Network of Injured Workers’ Groups released Prescription Over-Ruled, a report criticising how the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (“WSIB”) evaluates medical evidence when it processes claims. The OFL is Canada’s largest provincial labour federation and represents roughly one million workers. Their report alleges that the WSIB ignores medical evidence and opinions when it …
Queen’s University Takes Top Prize at 2016 OTLA Cup
Ten competitors and five witnesses from law schools throughout Ontario competed in the annual mooting competition in a hotly contested mock trial, held this year in Windsor, Ontario. The competition was tight as all the participants were extremely well prepared, but ultimately only one team could take home the Cup. Queen’s University returned the OTLA Cup to Kingston in 2016, the site of the first …
