Articles 2020

Governments across Canada are making moves towards the ban of single-use plastics. While plastic bags, cutlery, straws and packaging are primary targets, the legislation directed at single-use plastics is broadly crafted to allow for the regulation of additional products. This article details these upcoming changes, where and when they are taking place, and what businesses currently producing, selling or using single-use plastics need to consider in the months ahead.

Kathleen Robichaud is a sole practitioner practising in Manotick, Ontario. In this article, she describes her experience of trying to determine how to best look after her staff and clients amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, and provides a sample of useful policies that she has implemented at her office to ensure it is safe and comfortable for her visitors and employees.

Specialization is much lauded within the legal profession, with lawyers touting themselves as experts in one field or another. However, the shift of work from tax litigation to tax planning during the lockdown and beyond made those few tax law practitioners who are versatile in both areas far more competitive than those who just focused on tax litigation alone. If the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated anything, it is the necessity for professional versatility—at the very least—in tax law.

Children always have the right to independent legal advice. In Justice for Children and Youth v. J.G., 2020 ONSC 4716, the Divisional Court reviewed a decision by a Superior Court Judge denying a child access to independent legal advice in the context of a high custody dispute between his parents over custody and access. The judgment contains powerful statements on the rights of children and the importance of courts respecting them as independent decision-makers.

On August 1, 2020, O. Reg. 431/20: Administering Oath or Declaration Remotely came into force. This article outlines the conditions that must be met when commissioning affidavits remotely, and highlights the importance of becoming familiar with remote commissioning best practices.

There were four substantive decisions of the Court of Appeal last week.