Civil Litigation

August 24, 2009

Canada’s Court System – The Federal Court System

Introduction The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, Beverley McLachlin, P.C. has noted “A strong and independent judiciary guarantees that governments act in accordance with our Constitution. Judges give effect to our laws and give meaning to our […]
September 16, 2009

Alberta Provincial Court

Introduction In the last edition of this column, I described how Canada’s Courts are structured in a hierarchy and how the Supreme Court of Canada is at the top of the hierarchy. Underneath the Supreme Court, there is a Federal […]
October 15, 2009

Alberta’s Appellant and Superior Courts

The Court of Queen’s Bench In previous editions of this column, I described how Canada’s Courts are structured in a hierarchy and how the Supreme Court of Canada is at the top of the hierarchy. Underneath the Supreme Court, there […]
July 26, 2010

Caveat Emptor – Let the Buyer Beware

They say that it’s a buyer’s market and that there are lots of opportunities in the Medicine Hat housing market today.  If you are looking to buy a new home, you should be aware of two important words: Caveat Emptor. Caveat […]
October 18, 2010

Value of a Written Agreement

“A Short Pencil is Better than a Long Memory” This is something my father used to always say, and I, in turn, say it to others now.  What he meant, of course, is write it down so you don’t forget.  […]
November 22, 2010

New Rules of Court and Dispute Resolution Processes

On November 1, 2010, the government implemented a new set of Rules that govern how Albertans will resolve their civil legal problems. The goal of the new Rules is to “maximize the Rules’ clarity, usability and effectiveness and to contribute […]
December 15, 2012

“But, you promised…”: Clear, Enforceable Contracts

When you were a child, do you ever remember saying “But you promised…”? As children, none of us were required to sign formal agreements. The three reasons I often hear for failing to create clear, enforceable agreement are: “I trusted […]