In R v Downes, 2023 SCC 6 [Downes], the Supreme Court of Canada (the “SCC”, or the “Court”) clarified the nature and scope of voyeurism under s. 162(1) of the Criminal Code, RSC 1985, c C-46 [Criminal Code]. This marks the SCC’s first treatment of voyeurism since their landmark decision in R v Jarvis, 2019 […]
On February 2, 2023, the Supreme Court of Canada (“SCC”/“Court”) granted leave for an appeal from the Court Martial Appeal Court of Canada (“CMAC”) in the case of R v Brown [2022] CMAC 2. The case concerns a seldom traversed area of appellate jurisprudence at the SCC, touching on the appropriate relationship between the military […]
“No matter where we are in society, no matter how far we move up, we always have to remember where we come from.” - Michelle O’Bonsawin (The Globe and Mail, August 2022) Introduction On September 1st, 2022, Michelle O’Bonsawin was sworn into office at the Supreme Court of Canada (“SCC”). Justice O’Bonsawin was appointed by […]
Introduction On April 24th, 2022, the Supreme Court of Canada (“SCC”) granted an application for leave in the case of Cindy Dickson v Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, 2021 YKCA 5 [Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation]. The case decided at the Yukon Court of Appeal (“YCA”) in July 2021 is one of a few that has […]
“Perhaps most importantly, I have learned that it is often more important to listen than to speak.” (Parliamentary Questioning) On October 28th, 2021 the Supreme Court held a Welcoming Ceremony in Honour of the Honourable Mahmud Jamal, who was sworn into office on July 1, 2021.
Introduction Insolvency judgements from Canada’s highest court are relatively rare. The Supreme Court of Canada (“SCC”) has decided only six since 2015. The most recent of these decisions, 9254-9186 Quebec inc. v. Callidus Capital Corp., 2020 SCC 10 [Bluberi], is not only rare, but also timely. The adverse impact of COVID-19 on the global and […]
Truth Be Told: My Journey Through Life and the Law by Beverley McLachlin Simon & Schuster, 373 pages, $39.99 The days of a Supreme Court Justice are long. Filled with hours of research, reading, and writing. It’s not the typical sunset career one may dream of. It takes a special type of person. So, it […]
Introduction On January 31, 2019, the Supreme Court of Canada (“SCC” or "the Court") reached a decision on bankruptcy and insolvency law and the obligations owed by oil and gas companies that have filed for bankruptcy.
The legal profession revolves around the giving of advice. People seek legal counsel for a wide variety of issues, including (and perhaps most often) when they are vulnerable. Consequently, lawyers have a professional and legal duty to ensure that when they offer such advice, it is honest and informed. Where it is not, people often […]
