The truth be told, Canada’s dealing with its Indigenous populations has a dismal historical record. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has faced this issue head on. In its report, it states: Residential schooling was only a part of the colonization of Aboriginal people. The policy of … [Read more...]
Indian Residential Schools – A Chronology
This chronology was compiled to convey, by historic milestones, how the Indian Residential School system came to be, how it embodied attitudes of its time, how critics were dismissed, and how finally the deep harm it did to many members of generations of Indian children was exposed in the course of … [Read more...]
Aboriginal Offenders
Much has been written about the alarmingly high numbers of aboriginal Canadians who spend time in our jails and penitentiaries. Hundreds of thousands of pages of texts, court decisions, reports and inquiries have been published about why so many indigenous Canadians end up in custody, and what … [Read more...]
Prisoners and Work
Several years ago, the Alberta government and other provincial governments considered the introduction of Alabama-style chain gangs as a form of employment for prisoners. This action reflected a North American trend towards making the prison experience harsher, with the view that this would … [Read more...]
Solitary Confinement
On July 17, 2015, Globe and Mail reporter Sean Fine wrote an article about Christopher Brazeau, a 34-year-old prisoner at Edmonton Institution, who is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence. Brazeau became the focus of media attention this past summer for being at the centre of a class-action … [Read more...]
Preventing Financial Abuse of Seniors: My little Johnny would never do anything to harm me!
There is something very sad about reaching your golden years, thinking that you will enjoy golf, grandchildren and giving sage advice, but instead, you are faced with abuse by those you trusted the most. Financial abuse of seniors by family members is becoming common and creates great family … [Read more...]
Tax Issues for Older Adults
In our working years, determining our personal tax burden can be quite simple – earn income and pay personal tax at the graduated rates. In our senior years, the formula is less straightforward. Though seniors pay tax at the same graduated personal tax rates as the rest of the population, … [Read more...]
Estate Administration Act : Significant Changes in the Law
Introduction The Estate Administration Act was proclaimed in force June 1st, 2015. It replaces the Administration of Estates Act. As such, the new Act applies to the administration of all estates, applications and grants. For many seniors, whose Wills stipulate that they will act as their spouse’s … [Read more...]
Sports Teams and Scandals
For as long as organized sport has been around, athletes have appeared to occupy a social class of their own. Held in the highest regard by their fans and with the ability to flaunt their ‘jock’ status, athletes have often been accused of not only receiving special treatment, but of acting entitled … [Read more...]
The CFL, Concussions, and a $200 Million Court Case
It was only a matter of time before the Canadian Football League (CFL) would be named in a concussion class action lawsuit. On the heels of the first CFL concussion lawsuit filed last year in The Supreme Court of British Columbia, a class action suit being filed last year against the National Hockey … [Read more...]