We are going to explore the historical and social background of some of the intriguing, interesting and important legal cases which have had a lasting impact on our society and affect our lives today. Each month we will have a presentation about some of these famous and fascinating cases, plus the opportunity to discuss legal current affairs. Legal issues and law cases will be based on current events and participants’ interests.

Some of our upcoming topics are:

• Self-defence - In July 2021 Alberta Justice Minister Kaycee Madu posted an open letter to Federal Justice Minister David Lametti asking that the use of pepper spray for self-defence be legalized. “Albertans need to defend themselves,” wrote Minister Madu. What is the law regarding self-defence?

• Residents of long-term care facilities and retirement homes have been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Can the owners and operators of these facilities and retirement homes be sued for negligence? Can the government enact legislation to protect the owners and operators from lawsuits?

• The “Notwithstanding clause” in Canada’s constitution allows Provincial governments to enact controversial legislation which would otherwise be contrary to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms - a third party election spending law aimed at unions (Ontario) - public servants prohibited from wearing religious symbols (Quebec) - preventing same-sex marriages (Alberta). What is this law and how does it affect your constitutional rights?

• What you don’t know about being a tenant or being a landlord.

• Sentencing in Criminal Law: How Judges decide what is a “fit and proper sentence” for criminal acts.

This program is facilitated and presented by Jim Conway, CALL member & retired lawyer.

Drop-ins are welcome. To join the group, or to attend a session you are interested in, please register with the facilitator.

Past Presentations