Constitutional
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July 29, 2025
Strongly worded dissent in impaired driving case presages Supreme Court appeal
When a Court of Appeal justice dissents on a case involving a constitutional issue, it is reasonable to expect a referral to the Supreme Court of Canada. A dissent in the judgment in R. v. Westgard, 2025 SKCA 53 may lead to a consideration of whether the Criminal Code provisions requiring a motorist to provide a breath sample violate s. 8 of the Charter, which protects against unreasonable search and seizure.
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July 28, 2025
Settlement of $55M reached in Saskatchewan First Nation class action
A settlement agreement of over $55 million has been reached between Canada and Flying Dust First Nation to resolve a land-related claim for land that was sold to Canadian Pacific Railway.
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July 28, 2025
N.B. to review information and privacy legislation
New Brunswick has launched a review of provincial laws governing privacy and the public’s right to information in a bid to enhance access, loosen “restrictive rules” and address the impacts of AI.
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July 24, 2025
Federal Court rules against Ottawa in Cold Lake military base tax dispute
The Federal Court of Appeal has ruled in favour of the City of Cold Lake, Alta., in a significant dispute over payments in lieu of taxes for a military base, finding that a federal minister failed to properly justify her decision on property valuations worth tens of millions of dollars.
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July 24, 2025
Manitoba groups getting almost $1 million for accessibility projects
Manitoba is giving $820,000 to numerous community organizations in a bid to tear down barriers and improve accessibility for those with disabilities.
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July 23, 2025
Federal Court strikes military member’s COVID vaccine challenge
A Federal Court judge has dismissed a legal challenge by a former Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) member who claimed his Charter rights were violated over COVID-19 vaccination requirements — a decision that lawyers say reinforces the military’s unique employment structure and grievance system.
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July 21, 2025
$60M proposed settlement reached in B.C. solitary confinement class action
A proposed settlement of up to $60 million has been reached in a class action lawsuit relating to the use of solitary confinement in British Columbia’s correctional centres. Eligible class members could be provided with compensation of up to $91,000 depending on their circumstances.
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July 18, 2025
B.C. Premier Eby announces cabinet reshuffle to focus on jobs and economy
B.C. Premier David Eby has announced a cabinet reshuffle involving changes to key ministries as part of a strategic shift aimed at focusing on jobs and the economy, according to a release.
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July 18, 2025
Indigenous leaders express ongoing concerns after PM’s First Nations Major Projects Summit
Some Indigenous leaders remain skeptical of the federal government’s Building Canada Act following Prime Minister Mark Carney’s First Nations Major Projects Summit on July 17, saying the legislation fails to uphold the principle of free, prior and informed consent.
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July 18, 2025
SCC clarifies sentencing standards under Youth Criminal Justice Act
The Supreme Court of Canada has overturned an adult sentence for a youth found guilty of murder, stating that under a proper interpretation of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), the Crown must rebut the statutory presumption of diminished moral blameworthiness beyond a reasonable doubt.