The Complete Brief
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March 20, 2025
Strict government regulations on AI could diminish benefits, warns report
The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) will raise living standards and is likely to contribute to net job creation, but those benefits could be reduced by over-regulation, predicts a new report by the conservative public policy think-tank the Fraser Institute,
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March 20, 2025
Shipping firm not liable for cargo that didn’t reach intended destination, Federal Court rules
A global shipping company should not be held liable for the loss of a container of lentils that never reached its destination, the Federal Court has ruled.
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March 20, 2025
New Alberta bill represents significant overhaul for professional regulators, lawyer says
Alberta’s government has introduced new legislation to streamline governance for many regulators in the province, which it says will bring in more self-governing authority while better reflecting contemporary technological advances.
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March 20, 2025
Controversial ruling examines value of joint submissions in criminal proceedings: scholar
The Nunavut Court of Appeal’s recent finding that a trial judge was wrong to reject lawyers’ joint submission in a horrific case of attempted murder will further incentivize plea bargaining, says a legal mind.
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March 20, 2025
New trademark agent joins Smart & Biggar
Smart & Biggar has welcomed Jessica Rustige to its Ottawa office.
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March 20, 2025
McCague Borlack hires new associate
Juela Xhaferraj has joined the Ontario-based firm McCague Borlack.
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March 20, 2025
Family law appeals: Simplify the process | Gary Joseph
I have previously written about the complexities of family law appeals. I would certainly agree with those who argue that such appeals should be discouraged but let’s all agree that there are times when lower court results are not entirely in accord with accepted jurisprudence and family law litigants should have access to the appeal process to address legitimate concerns.
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March 20, 2025
Unreliability of ‘sexting’ in determining sexual intention | Elaine Craig
“Sexting” is a frequent form of sexual activity, including for young women — a group at higher risk of experiencing sexual violence. Unsurprisingly, the admissibility of sexual assault complainants’ sexual text messages (and other digital communications) has been at issue in numerous, recent appellate court decisions in Canada. This issue is one of substantial importance for the dignity, privacy and equality interests of sexual assault complainants, and society’s interest in encouraging sexual assault survivors to come forward.
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March 20, 2025
FEDERAL INCOME TAX – Computation of tax - Corporations - Tax credits
Appeal By Bell Canada (Bell) from Tax Court of Canada (TCC) decision dismissing its appeal against assessments under Excise Tax Act (Act), which recaptured excessive input tax credits for electricity purchased from 2010 to 2012.
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March 20, 2025
Wrestling with witness weaknesses
Hearing panels often make credibility assessments. Many times, the finding is based on the most reliable evidence even though no witness was “lying.” Events might not have been observed closely. Memories might have faded. Motivation might have tainted the witness’ recollection. However, sometimes one of the witnesses is simply not being candid.