Articles 2023

In 2023, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Rainbow Alliance Dryden et al. v Webster ruled that the word “groomer,” when used to attack the 2SLGBTQ+ and drag community, is a slur and not protected by Ontario’s anti-SLAPP laws. This article summarizes the decision and how the case accords with the recent decision of Hansman v Neufeld.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities serves as a potent reminder of disability inclusion every year, but workplace inclusion for people with disabilities remains as bleak as ever. Lorin MacDonald provides ten tips for disability allies to advance the agenda of workplace inclusion and accessibility.

Samantha Peters interviews Nikisha Thapar, a third-year law student at Western University Faculty of Law, about the OHRC's decision to recognize Caste-Based Discrimination.

There are many elements to a successful mediation. In my view, each one must be approached thoughtfully. In this article, I have collected tips on these very elements from the Masters of Mediation — seasoned lawyers and mediators alike. Things like what makes for effective and compelling mediation memoranda, the do’s and don’ts of opening remarks, how to prepare your client for mediation, negotiation strategy, and everything in between.

On May, 3, 2023, the Canadian Parliament passed a supply chain transparency law, the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act (the Act). Among other amendments to Canada's import laws, notably, the Act introduces a forced labour diligence public reporting requirement that will apply to both private sector entities and government institutions. The first reporting deadline approaching, with reports due by May 31, 2024.

On October 31, 2023, M.P. Chris Glover introduced a Private Member’s Bill, Bill 145, “An Act to amend the Building Code Act, 1992 with respect to bird-safe windows” (the “Bill”). The Bill's introduction reminds us that the birds need protecting and that ongoing work has been happening towards this goal for several decades.

On October 17, 2023, Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (“MECP”) posted proposed regulatory amendments to Ontario Regulation 406/19 - On-Site and Excess Soil Management (“O. Reg. 406/19”) and the Rules for Soil Management and Excess Soil Quality Standards (“Soil Rules”) on the Environmental Registry of Ontario. This article summarizes the proposed amendments.

The Province of Ontario has delivered a clear message with regard to its expectations for both the private and public sector. There is to be more housing supply, built faster and priced more affordably. This article covers the new Provincial initiatives brought forward since 2019, currently in force, with the intent of achieving the stated Provincial goal of building 1.5 million new homes in 10 years.