On May 22, 2008, the Supreme Court of Canada rendered its decision in a case involving the notion of reasonable foreseeability in negligence actions. This judgment, written by the Chief Justice, confirms that tort law must compensate harm done on the basis of reasonable foresight, and must not be (…)
The Supreme Court of Canada ended a lengthy legal saga on November 20th, 2008 when it ordered St.Lawrence Cement Inc. to compensate residents of Beauport living near its cement plant. Comments on prescription, the assessment of damages and the granting of future damages.The Supreme Court's decision (…)
Various changes were recently made to the Act respecting labour standards essentially applicable to the following:* the introduction of a new type of authorized leave for employees who are also reservists of the Canadian Forces;* the clarification of the concept of spousal cohabitation with regard (…)
Neighbourhood Disturbances: The Supreme Court of Canada Rules
The Act to protect persons with regard to activities involving firearms and amending the Act respecting safety in sports was assented to on December 13, 2007 and came into force on September 1, 2008. This Act was passed in the wake of the tragic events that occured at Dawson College in September (…)
On June 2, 2008, following the hearing of six cases at the same time, the Quebec Court of Appeal ruled that section 114 of the Labour Code grants exclusive jurisdiction to the Commission des relations du travail to hear complaints made under section 124 of the Act respecting Labour Standards.Despite (…)
Many employers are rightly concerned about the significant amounts they are required to pay to the Commission de la santé et de la sécurité du travail in respect of employment injuries sustained by their employees.The general rule underlying the financing system of the regime is that the cost of (…)
Unexpected tax consequences - Is rectification or nullification possible? Shortage of manpower? Penalties on third parties - Something that concerns you! Requirement for reporting issuers to publicly disclose certain material contracts
On July 17, 2008, the Supreme Court of Canada rendered a unanimous judgment setting aside the ruling by the Quebec Court of Appeal and affirming that the employer had fulfilled its duty to accommodate in the case of Hydro-Québec v. Syndicat des employé-e-s de techniques professionnelles et de bureau (…)
The Quebec Court of Appeal has issued an important decision concerning the application of zoning by-laws to aeronautical activities. In Lacombe et al. v. Sacré-Coeur (Municipalité de), the Court was called upon to rule on a sensitive issue respecting the division of jurisdiction between the federal (…)
The increasing number of recalls of consumer products in recent years is indicative of a trend that has raised concerns for governmental authorities. In response, the Canadian government announced, on April 8, 2008, a reform of the existing legislation to strengthen the protection of human health (…)