Articles 2020

Today
Today

Case Summary: R v Greater Sudbury (City) – 2023 SCC 28

  • November 20, 2023
  • Sarah Hahn and Alex Cockburn, Barriston Law

A recent decision from the Supreme Court of Canada involving a tragic incident has provided clarity on what the courts will assess when determining if a municipality is an “employer” under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.1 (the “OHSA”).

Municipal Law, Student Forum

Court of Appeal Clarifies Relationship Between Adverse Possession and Municipal Parkland

  • November 20, 2023
  • Carolina Campos

The Ontario Court of Appeal, in Kosicki v. Toronto (City), 2023 ONCA 450, recently considered the relationship between the common law doctrine of adverse possession and its applicability to municipal parkland. The central question at stake in the dispute was the following: Can private landowners gain title over municipal parkland through adverse possession?

Municipal Law, Student Forum
head-shot photo of author Kavita Bhagat

Cost of Caring – What Family Lawyers Need to Know

  • November 20, 2023
  • Kavita Bhagat

On November 3, 2023, the OBA Elder Law and Family Law Sections hosted a joint program entitled, "Trauma-Informed Lawyering - A New Standard For Client Service and Lawyer Wellness". Kavita Bhagat, one of the panellists, draws from her presentation in a three-part commentary on what family lawyers need to know about trauma-informed lawyering.

Family Law, Student Forum
head-shot photo of author Alison Boyce

Penalty Clauses in Family Law Agreements

  • November 20, 2023
  • Alison Boyce

Penalty clauses are sometimes used in family law agreements to deter or punish breaches of contract. How enforceable are these clauses and what will a court consider when determining whether a penalty clause is valid or void? Alison Boyce examines the recent case of Assayag-Shneer v. Shneer, where the Ontario Court of Appeal upheld a penalty clause requiring financial compensation for failure to comply with the terms of a separation agreement.

Family Law, Student Forum

Introductory Primer to Name and Gender Marker Changes in Ontario

  • November 17, 2023
  • Amy Chen (she/her), Rachel Allen (she/her)

This article is an introductory primer to a lawyer's involvement in assisting individuals with their change of name or change of gender marker applications for Ontario documentation.

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law, Student Forum

Prospective Developments in Italian Law Regarding 2SLGBTQ+ Families

  • November 17, 2023
  • Rachel Allen (she/her)

In 2022, Italy elected Giorgia Meloni as prime minister. Meloni ran on a platform that specifically targeted 2SLGBTQ+ parenting rights. The impact of Meloni's election demonstrates the current risk facing 2SLGBTQ+ rights globally.

International Law, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law, Student Forum
head-shot photo of Gregory Ko

Gregory Ko: SOGIC's Outgoing Chair

  • November 17, 2023
  • Rachel Allen (she/her)

Gregory Ko, the Outgoing Chair of the SOGIC Executive, has used his skills as an advocate to challenge discriminatory policies. Greg's recent cases include representing clients challenging Canadian Blood Services ban on donations from queer men and the Health Canada rule barring gay and bisexual men from donating sperm.

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law, Student Forum

Hansman v Neufeld: Counter-Speech and Trans Rights

  • November 17, 2023
  • Rachel Allen (she/her), Amy Chen (she/her)

In 2023, the Supreme Court of Canada considered a defamation case revolving around the public criticism of transphobic and homophobic comments made by a school board trustee. The decision of Hansman v Neufeld emphasized the importance of counter-speech and recognized the trans community is a marginalized group deserving rights and protections under Canadian law.

Education Law, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law, Student Forum