December 8, 2020

An “Adequate” Makeover? Canadian Privacy Law gets a 21st Century Upgrade

On November 17, 2020, the federal government introduced Bill C-11, the Digital Charter Implementation Act, 2020 (DCIA), which, if passed, will significantly reshape the Canadian privacy landscape. Organizations handling personal information must consider how the CPPA could impact their operations and take steps to implement the necessary data protection procedures to meet their obligations under the new law. 

Nova Scotia OKs Electronic Record Keeping, Corporate Practices

We are living in a time where there is great potential to improve business practices through the effective implementation of technology. Upcoming amendments to the Companies Act[1], Co-operative Associations Act[2] and Corporations Registrations Act[3] will permit the electronic storage of books and records for both companies and cooperatives. A number of other key updates include, […]

June 17, 2019

Detecting Impairment in the Workplace

The legalization of cannabis has heightened concern and awareness around impairment in the workplace. Legalization has certainly made cannabis more accessible. However, it is still generally understood that it is inappropriate to report to work impaired unless an employee is part of an agreed accommodation arrangement where some level of impairment is permitted, or the […]

Future Care Costs for Cannabis in Personal Injury Claims

As a result of the Cannabis Act, cannabis was legalized on October 17, 2018. Prior to that, cannabis was regulated under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. There was, however, a legal exemption for the medical use of cannabis. Despite the recent legalization of cannabis, a framework for access to cannabis for medical purposes still exists, but under new regulations passed under the authority of the Cannabis Act.

Employer’s Refusal to Hire Medical Cannabis User Upheld by NL...

In a closely watched decision, the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador (the “Court”) recently upheld an arbitration decision that endorsed an employer’s decision to refuse employment on the basis of an individual’s medical cannabis use. In International Brotherhood Lower Churchill Transmission Construction Employers’ Assn. Inc. v IBEW, Local 1620 (Tizzard), Re, 2018 CarswellNfld 198, […]

New Occupational Health and Safety Regulations in New Brunswick: Addressing...

New Brunswick has introduced new regulations under the General Regulations – Occupational Health and Safety Act (“OHSA”) aimed at identifying and preventing workplace violence and harassment (the “New Regulations”). The New Regulations will take effect April 1, 2019. The New Regulations have been introduced to address problematic workplace conduct, including bullying, physical violence, verbal abuse, […]

Environmental Obligations in Bankruptcy – Who is Responsible?

The Supreme Court of Canada (“SCC”) released its decision in Orphan Well Association v Grant Thornton Ltd., 2019 SCC 51 (“Redwater”) on January 31, 2019. The case is expected to have sweeping implications for the Oil and Gas industry in Alberta, but the implications extend beyond that industry, and beyond that province. Background In Redwater, […]

A Primer on Fisheries Offences

Framework The federal and provincial governments have established a complex regulatory scheme to govern the fishing industry in Atlantic Canada and elsewhere. The principal statute governing the industry is the Fisheries Act. Under the Act, the federal government has created more than two dozen sets of regulations. The Minister of the Department of Fisheries and […]

Preparing for Cannabis Legalization: Federal and Atlantic Canadian Regulations

The legalization of cannabis has been set for October 17, 2018. This transformation will have a significant impact on employers as well as the general public, and yet for many, the impending legalization is shrouded in uncertainty.

Nova Scotia: Marine Renewable Energy Act 2.0 – Amended and...

With 13,300 km of coastline, Nova Scotia is uniquely situated to explore and develop marine renewable energy.