By: Mackenzie Coleman, Law Student at the University of Alberta Earlier this year, Justice Simonsen determined in R v DMS that witness testimony does not necessarily need to be in the courtroom.[1] Justice Simonsen stated that the “trial judge erred by summarily dismissing its application under section 714.1 of the Criminal Code, for an order permitting the complainant to […]
Virtual Justice: R v DMS Read More »
By: Mackenzie Coleman, Law Student at the University of Alberta In Manitoba, there is a shortage of Crown attorneys due to challenges in hiring and retention.[1] Christian Vanderhooft, president of the Manitoba Association of Crown Attorneys (“MACA”), says that the “government has failed to take meaningful action to address the workload problem for Crown Attorneys
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The Public Legal Education Association of Canada (PLEAC) is hosting a three-day Virtual Fair on February 25, 26, and 27, 2025. This free online event will bring together experts and practitioners from Canada, the US, and the UK to discuss innovative public legal education (PLE) initiatives and access to justice strategies. Each day will feature
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By: Mackenzie Coleman, University of Alberta Law Student Palamar v Palamar, a 2025 Manitoba Court of King’s Bench decision, contemplates the use of the “Drop-Dead Rule” in the context of family litigation.[1] The “Drop-Dead Rule”, Rule 24.04 of the Court of King’s Bench Rules, “requires courts to dismiss actions after a three-year period elapses with no significant
Justice Delayed is Justice Denied: Palamar v Palamar Read More »
By: Mackenzie Coleman, Law Student – University of Alberta Manitoba Court of King’s Bench Chief Justice Glenn Joyal says that judicial reconciliation remains at the top of the priority list for Manitoban courts.[1] Since the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission report and the 94 calls to action, “there’s been increased focus on systemic racism in provincial
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By: Lou Lamari, Articling Student-at-Law (University of Manitoba Faculty of Law) The Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) recently published a report examining how people in Canada perceive, value, and engage with human rights. This initiative aims to deepen the Museum’s understanding of national perspectives, guiding efforts to enhance public awareness and respect for human
Foresights for Human Rights 2024 Preliminary Report Read More »
By: Lou Lamari, Articling Student-at-Law (University of Manitoba Faculty of Law) In Manitoba and across the country, libraries contribute meaningfully to civic engagement and community well-being, serving as important partners in the broader access to justice (A2J) ecosystem. The Canadian Federation of Library Associations states a mission for Canadian libraries to provide “free access to
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By: Lou Lamari, Articling Student-at-Law, University of Manitoba Faculty of Law In the most recent Throne speech, the Manitoba government pledged to mandate a dedicated unit on financial literacy for Grade 9 students. Providing programming to build essential skills and knowledge to help youth navigate society as consumers is a positive move, and this initiative
How K-12 Math and Reading Contribute to A2J Read More »
Author: Erin Jeon, University of Manitoba Law Student This is part two of a two-part series about improving access to justice for people impacted by medical malpractice. Part 1 discusses the numerous access to justice problems regarding medical malpractice. Part 2 discusses a possible solution to these problems in no-fault compensation. Medical malpractice is a
Author: Erin Jeon, University of Manitoba Law Student This is part 1 of a two-part series about improving access to justice for people impacted by medical malpractice.Part 1 discusses the numerous access to justice problems regarding medical malpractice. Part 2 discusses a possible solution to these problems in no-fault compensation. The Canadian healthcare system will
