Action, Following Broncos’ Deaths

January 9, 2019
Susan Kootnekoff

Many Canadians, myself included, have friends or family members who have died, or been seriously injured, in highway collisions with semis. Yesterday morning, in a provincial court in my home province of Saskatchewan, the driver of the semi that collided with...

Mandatory Victim Surcharges Unconstitutional

January 4, 2019
Inspire Law

In December, 2018, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in R. v. Boudreault that the mandatory surcharge under the Criminal Code is "of no force and effect immediately." The surcharge was provided for in section 737 of the Criminal Code. It...

A Lawyer’s Christmas Wish

December 20, 2018
Susan Kootnekoff

Do you remember me? I sat upon your knee I wrote to you with childhood fantasies A grown-up lawyer now, I still have hope somehow, I'm not a child but my heart still can dream So here's my lifelong wish, My lawyer’s Christmas list, Not for myself, but...

Ringing in the New Year, with Random Drug and Alcohol Testing

December 14, 2018
Susan Kootnekoff

Random drug and alcohol testing. The union fought it, vigorously, for years. The squabble had Suncor and the union in and out of court a number of times, over the course of several years. Then, late last month, an important agreement was...

‘Tis the Season (to Not be Liable)

December 7, 2018
Susan Kootnekoff

It’s that time of year again. The holiday season is upon us. 'Tis the season for host liability. Workplace holiday party season is in full swing. Employers, ensure your guests know that you will provide a safe way home. Those attending, know your...

Human Rights Code Changes

December 1, 2018
Inspire Law

On November 27, 2018, changes to the Human Rights Code of B.C. received royal assent, giving them legal effect. These changes were introduced earlier this month, when the British Columbia provincial government introduced Bill 50. It largely adopts the recommendations...

Why Battle Goliath?

November 23, 2018
Susan Kootnekoff
Injustice system court gavel hits person needing bail bond

Have you ever been upset at being wronged, but thought better of becoming a David, battling Goliath? Why battle a behemoth, when the proverbial deck seems stacked against you? Many lawyers are passionate about standing up for the rights of people who...

When Family And Work Obligations Conflict

November 18, 2018
Susan Kootnekoff

Have you wondered what your rights are to attend to family responsibilities during working hours? Or, are you an employer wondering if you can say “no” to an employee who requests much time away from work to deal with family obligations? The...

Criminal Code Westray Provisions: R. v. Metron (Part 2 of 2)

November 9, 2018
Susan Kootnekoff

Last week, we looked at the 1992 Westray mine disaster, and the subsequent amendments to the Criminal Code regarding workplace safety. The intent underlying the Westray provisions was to facilitate prosecuting corporate criminal negligence for workplace disasters. One tragic case in which...

Criminal Code Westray Provisions (Part 1 of 2)

November 3, 2018
Susan Kootnekoff

It was one of the worst mining disasters in Canadian history, and it resulted in important changes to the Criminal Code relating to workplace safety. In happened in 1992. An explosion at Westray Mine’s underground coal mine in Nova Scotia killed...

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