May 2026 - Inspire Law

When the Victim Is a Child – Coercive Control After Ahluwalia

May 26, 2026
Susan Kootnekoff
Image: Pexels, Mehmet Ali Turan

The majority of the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision in Ahluwalia v. Ahluwalia, 2026 SCC 16 fundamentally redefines how Canadian tort law understands domestic abuse, and paves an important path forward for victims. For the first time, the Supreme Court of...

$600,000+ Human Rights Award Upheld Against City of Nanaimo Despite Alleged Misconduct

May 18, 2026
Susan Kootnekoff
1327-Nanaimo City Hall (2)

A recent British Columbia Court of Appeal decision is a significant reminder that workplace discrimination can exist even where an employer believes it had legitimate grounds for discipline or even dismissal. In September 2015, the City hired Victor Mema as its...

Employee, Independent Contractor or Dependent Contractor?

May 7, 2026
Susan Kootnekoff
Image: Independent contractor agreement on office desk beside pen and glasses

Canadian businesses sometimes characterize a working relationship as an “independent contractor” arrangement. However, courts and regulatory tribunals will generally look beyond the label to determine the true nature of the relationship. The consequences of getting it wrong can be significant...