Episodes

In Episode 155, we explain why the federal "no more pipelines" law was struck down by an Alberta court for the second time. Plus, we walk through a Supreme Court of Canada decision that upheld a light sentence given to an Aboriginal man who beat up his Aboriginal girlfriend. Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode: R. v. Cope, 2026 SCC 32 Alberta Court of Appeal says Ottawa's Impact Assessment Act is still unconstitutional (Global News) Reference re Impact Assessment Act, 2026 ABCA...

In Episode 155, we explain why the federal "no more pipelines" law was struck down by an Alberta court for the second time. Plus, we walk through a Supreme Court of Canada decision that upheld a light sentence given to an Aboriginal man who beat up his Aboriginal girlfriend. Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode: R. v. Cope, 2026 SCC 32 Alberta Court of Appeal says Ottawa's Impact Assessment Act is still unconstitutional (Global News) Reference re Impact Assessment Act, 2026 ABCA...

In Episode 154, Alexander and Christine discuss the consequences of the Lawful Access Act—even before the law is passed—and the British Columbia Supreme Court's reasons in the case of R v Kalicum, 2026 BCSC 1855; the so-called 'right to deal drugs' case. Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode: Toronto-based VPN provider plans to quit Canada over lawful-access bill (Globe & Mail) Judge tosses drug trafficking convictions for B.C. compassion club founders after constitutional challe...

In Episode 153, we tell you about our new freedom of the press case, supporting an independent journalist banned from Alberta Health Services property for trying to do his job. Plus, we update you on the latest developments in the Cowichan Tribes aboriginal title litigation. Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode: Montrose Properties appeals rejection to be party to Cowichan case (Richmond News) Indigenous title ruling could trigger total real estate collapse (Juno News) CCF chal...

In Episode 152, we tell you about a new Montreal bylaw banning offensive speech directed at police and municipal employees. Plus, we dig into a new decision that found that the famous anti-gay-lifestyle activist Bill Whatcott guilty of criminal hate speech for his "gay zombies" flyer. Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode: R. v. Whatcott, 2026 ONSC 3605 (CanLii) Montreal city council adopts bylaw banning insults against police, municipal employees (CBC News) Jamie Sarkonak: N.B....

In Episode 151, we tell you about the BC Human Rights Tribunal decision awarding $20,000 to a teen after a doctor refused to give a puberty blocker. Plus, we discuss a judge's decision to give no jailtime to an Indigenous man who killed a 12-year-old while driving 90 in a 50 km/h zone. Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode: GPS bracelet and house arrest for driver who killed 12-year-old (The Brantford Expositor) Child Q v. Ajaero (No. 2), 2026 BCHRT 189 B.C. doctor fined $28,000 ...

In Episode 150, we tell you about our new case involving a B.C. realtor who was warned he could be disciplined because he opposed the closure of Joffre Lakes Park to non-Indigenous. Plus, an Alberta court finds trustee who compared Pride to Nazis can't be forced to apologize. Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode: CCF warns B.C. regulator that censoring realtor’s political speech violates Charter (The CCF) ABCA: Former school board trustee does not have to apologize for meme show...

In Episode 149, we discuss the constitutional problems with chasing the anti-immigrant group Dominion Society out of Hamilton, Ontario, and we explain Alberta's new dual practice model for doctors. Plus, we give our Bad Legal Takes of the Week. Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode: BC bar fined $3K after inspector offered ‘bump’ and confronted with knives (Kelowna Now) DomCon Continues to Search for Hamilton Venue (Hamilton Police) Hamilton police join call for venues to 'consi...

In Episode 148, we discuss the constitutionality of Ontario Premier Doug Ford's proposal to block Alberta oil exports to the U.S. during the trade war. Plus, we discuss the U.S. demand for changes to the Online News Act and Online Streaming Act. Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode: Ex-Alberta premier Jason Kenney says oil needs to be on the table in US tariff war (The Canadian Press) Ford calling again to block oil, potash exports to U.S. in trade war gets cold response (Nation...

In Episode 147, we do a deep dive into an Ontario Court of Appeal decision that found there is, in fact, no constitutional right to bike lines. Plus, we discuss the shocking revelation that the blacklist of Freedom Convoy participants was shared with thousands of people and institutions. Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode: Cycle Toronto v. Ontario (Attorney General), 2026 ONCA 582 (Ontario Court of Appeal) Blacklist Went To Thousands (Blacklock's) Court of Appeal Sides with C...

In Episode 147, we do a deep dive into an Ontario Court of Appeal decision that found there is, in fact, no constitutional right to bike lines. Plus, we discuss the shocking revelation that the blacklist of Freedom Convoy participants was shared with thousands of people and institutions. Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode: Cycle Toronto v. Ontario (Attorney General), 2026 ONCA 582 (Ontario Court of Appeal) Blacklist Went To Thousands (Blacklock's) Court of Appeal Sides with C...

In Episode 146, Alexander and Christine discuss the Town of Aylmer's extraordinarily broad restrictions on ordinary election campaigning, as well as a case on its way to the Supreme Court which asks whether requiring a lawyer to swear allegiance to the Crown violates the Charter. Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode: CCF Writes to Aylmer: Election Guidance Goes Too Far Restricting Political Speech Supreme Court of Canada to hear case on constitutionality of requiring oath to the ...

In Episode 145, we tell you about our new patients' rights challenge on behalf of a teenager who was forced to leave Canada for scoliosis surgery. Plus, we explain the new Democracy Watch decision, which finds administrative decisions are always reviewable for basic legality. Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode: Teen sues government after years-long wait for scoliosis surgery (TheCCF.ca) Democracy Watch v. Canada (Attorney General), 2026 SCC 28 (CanLII) Edmonton police critici...

In Episode 144, we tell you about a trespass notice given to an independent journalist in Alberta who was just trying to do his job. Plus, we discuss a terrorism charge laid against a Toronto pro-Palestinian protester who allegedly assisted Hamas. Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode: Pro-Palestinian protester facing terror charge was a focal point of past controversy (Globe and Mail) Man charged with terrorism offence following investigation into alleged conduct at demonstratio...

In Episode 143, we explain why billionaire businessman Frank Stronach is no longer guilty of sexual assault after a judge declared a mistrial, and why the acquittal of Freedom Convoy organizer Pat King on the charge of intimidation was overturned by the Ontario Court of Appeal. Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode: Judge declares mistrial in businessman Frank Stronach's sexual assault conviction (CBC News) Policiers insultés et ridiculisés: Mohamed Bekkali arrêté et accusé au cr...

In Episode 142, we tell you about a victory for free speech after a court rules Ontario can't ban billboards just because they criticize politicians and public health officials. Plus, a horrific Ontario incest case shows why the reasonable hypotheticals doctrine isn't so reasonable after all. Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode: R. v. D.C. #2, 2026 ONSC 3029 (CanLii) Katerberg v. Ontario (Ministry of Transportation), 2026 ONSC 3991 (CanLII) Judge says it would be 'cruel and un...

In Episode 141, we tell you about reporting that says B.C. may be about to recognize the Tahltan have Aboriginal title over up to 11% of the province. Plus, we explain what's in the Ministry of Industry memo that says the government could start suing over misinformation on social media. Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode: Backed by Ottawa, BC negotiates governance, Aboriginal title in mineral-rich northwest (Northern Beat) The Greatness of the Constitution Shines in the Birthr...

In Episode 140, we tell you about the case of a Muskoka, Ontario, drag performance critic charged with criminal hate speech. Plus we discuss a new report that shows half of criminal charges in Canada are stayed or withdrawn. Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode: ‘Very vocal, very harassing and very bigoted’: Protester arrested at Muskoka Pride drag show (Gravenhurst Banner) Justice delayed: Nearly 60% of violent crime cases are stayed or withdrawn in Canada (The Hub) ‘Occasiona...

In Episode 139, we tell you about the case of an Ontario couple who could be on the hook for $1 million or more in archeology and reconciliation fees, after finding ancient remains on their property. Plus, we tell you about Justice Glenn Joyal, the newest member of the Supreme Court. Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode: Alberta enacts a U.S.-style two-tier health care system (Policy Alternatives) Quebec town officially recognizes trees as sentient living beings with their own r...

In Episode 138, we update you on the case of a small-town mayor fined for opposing a Pride proclamation, and we explain why we think the Quebec government owes taxi drivers for taking their property. Plus, our Bad Legal Takes of the Week go to the CCLA and Amber Mac. Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode: Quebec taxi permit holders are asking the Supreme Court to hear their case (CityNews) Court orders Quebec to pay former taxi permit holders $219 million (Montreal Gazette) Onta...

In Episode 137, we explain why the Carney government's plan to regulate artificial intelligence and social media may be the biggest threat to free speech in decades. Plus, Ontario’s Court of Appeal overturns ruling that found a law blocking animal activists from farms violated free speech. Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode: Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act, Explained (TheCCF.ca) Safe Social Media Act Animal Justice v. Ontario (Attorney General), 2026 ONCA 380 (CanLii) Al...

In Episode 136, we explain why Nanaimo, British Columbia got our 2026 Municipal Muzzle Award for censoring Ben Bankas' comedy show, and we explain the status of Bill C-9, which would chill religious speech and may now also outlaw residential school 'denialism.' Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode: CCF’s Municipal Muzzle Award Calls Out Nanaimo for Cancelling Comedy (TheCCF.ca) Share Your Thoughts With Nanaimo City Council (CCF Letter Writing Campaign) Nanaimo’s Port Theatre ca...

In Episode 135, we take a deep dive into an decision that says Waterloo Region can't tear down a homeless encampment to build a transit hub because that would violate the rights to life, liberty, security of the person and equality. Plus, Alberta to hold a referendum on a referendum. Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode: Premier Doug Ford could use notwithstanding clause on Waterloo Region’s encampment ruling (CTV News) Dear Albertans, here’s what you need to know about the Clar...

In Episode 134, we tell you about a BC Human Rights Tribunal decision that finds holding the classical liberal view on DEI is not a protected political view, unlike socialism. Plus, we discuss the newly-created tort of intimidate partner violence. Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode: Gordon v. Simon Fraser University, 2026 BCHRT 101 (BCHRT) Ahluwalia v. Ahluwalia (Supreme Court of Canada) Should family violence be it's own new tort? A debate! (Canadian Justice) For intervenor...