SCC rules admissibility of Crown-led ‘sexual inactivity’ evidence must be decided in a voir dire
Matthew Nathanson, MN Law
Matthew Nathanson of Vancouver’s MN Law, co-counsel with Rachel Wood of Harper Grey LLP for the successful appellant, called Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard Wagner’s reasons for judgment a ‘tour de force. … The court, speaking with one voice, has accomplished a multitude of key objectives in one wide-ranging, yet doctrinally consistent, judgment.’

Friday, June 13, 2025 @ 6:28 PM

Last Updated: Monday, June 16, 2025 @ 1:24 PM

Holding 9-0 that evidence of a complainant’s “sexual inactivity” forms part of their “sexual history” — and is therefore presumptively inadmissible at trial — the Supreme Court of Canada has also clarified that the common law screening procedure for Crown‑led sexual history evidence “should mirror” the s. 276 Criminal Code regime that applies in a voir dire for defence-led sexual history evidence. ... [read more]

Privacy watchdog: Vending machine cameras at University of Waterloo breached privacy law

Monday, June 16, 2025 @ 5:01 PM

The University of Waterloo violated the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) by using smart vending machines on campus that captured users’ facial images without consent or proper notice, the Ontario Information and Privacy Commissioner (IPC) has ruled. ... [read more]

Nova Scotia announces faster approvals process for metal mining projects

Monday, June 16, 2025 @ 4:50 PM

The Nova Scotia government has announced a streamlined approvals process for metal mining that will feature phased, post-approval submission of key operational plans. But environmental advocates are raising concerns that the new system will reduce transparency and public input. ... [read more]

Ontario judge allows health services board to intervene in private clinic's $290K repayment appeal

Monday, June 16, 2025 @ 4:49 PM

The Ontario Superior Court of Justice has allowed the Health Services Appeal and Review Board to intervene in an appeal of its own decision requiring a private health facility to repay more than $290,000 to the Ministry of Health.  ... [read more]

Openness, transparency focus of LSO treasurer candidates

Monday, June 16, 2025 @ 2:41 PM

The choice will be between continuity or change as benchers with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) decide this week who will lead them for the next two years. ... [read more]