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Assault in Canada can arise from common situations such as bar fights or parking lot disputes. The law defines assault broadly, covering not only physical attacks but also threats and unwanted force. Consequences include arrest, criminal charges, possible jail time, a lasting criminal record, and even civil lawsuits for damages. Understanding how police, courts, and victim services respond is essential for anyone affected.

Getting a speeding ticket in Ontario can mean more than paying a fine. Demerit points, higher insurance rates, and a conviction on your driving record may follow. Drivers have options: pay the ticket, request an early resolution meeting, or fight the charge in court. Understanding the process, your right to disclosure, and how trials work helps you make an informed choice after receiving a ticket.

As of October 1, 2025, Ontario’s Small Claims Court monetary cap will increase from $35,000 to $50,000, and the appeal threshold will rise from $3,500 to $5,000 under Ontario Regulation 42/25. This change allows more disputes to be resolved in Small Claims Court, offering a simpler, faster, and more affordable process compared to the higher-cost Superior Court of Justice.

Canada’s provinces and territories are home to some truly unusual laws—from banning pet rats in Alberta to regulating the height of snowmen in Prince Edward Island. These quirky rules, rooted in history, public safety, or local culture, offer a fascinating look at how municipalities have used law to shape community life. This article explores 13 of Canada’s oddest laws, province by province, and the stories behind them.

The Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) is transforming how Ontario municipalities handle minor by-law infractions. Unlike traditional fines that require court appearances, AMPS offers a streamlined, local process for issuing and disputing penalties. This article explains the key differences between fines and penalties, how AMPS works, and why more municipalities are adopting this efficient, accessible enforcement tool.

Chantal Cormier’s human rights complaint against the Town of Callander highlights accessibility issues in public infrastructure. Despite recent upgrades, the municipal building allegedly fails to meet legal standards under Ontario’s accessibility laws. This case underscores the obligations municipalities have under the Human Rights Code, the AODA, and the Charter to provide equal access for people with disabilities.

Canada’s decision to cancel the Digital Services Tax just hours before it took effect has drawn criticism for bowing to U.S. pressure and highlighted a broader pattern of the Liberal government backing away from major policy promises.

Mens rea, meaning “guilty mind,” is a core principle in Canadian criminal law. It refers to the mental element required to establish criminal responsibility. A person is typically only found guilty if they not only committed the unlawful act (actus reus) but also did so with intent, knowledge, recklessness, or wilful blindness. Without mens rea, many charges cannot result in a conviction.

Section 23 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects the right of English and French-speaking minorities to access publicly funded education in their own language. This right ensures cultural and linguistic inclusion for minority communities across Canada, allowing children to learn in the language they speak at home. The provision is key to preserving identity, equality, and belonging in education.

Mechanics in Canada have a legal duty to ensure vehicles are safe before returning them to customers. Known as the common law duty of care, this obligation means repair shops can be held liable if negligence leads to harm—even without a contract.

Canada once empowered citizens through grand juries—panels that investigated crimes and held officials accountable. Abolished decades ago, their absence leaves a gap in democratic oversight. As public trust in government wanes amid repeated scandals, reintroducing citizen-led mechanisms could restore transparency and ensure power remains in the people’s hands.

In 2024, Canada introduced major employment standards reforms, including the federal right to disconnect, Ontario’s pay transparency and sick leave changes, and new electronic monitoring rules. Updates to workplace harassment laws and a ban on replacement workers during strikes aim to strengthen protections. These changes reflect evolving workplace norms and a focus on transparency and employee rights.

Ontario is implementing a phased plan to reach $10-a-day child care by March 2026 through the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care system. With a fee cap of $22/day in place as of January 2025, the province is progressing through key affordability and access milestones while addressing workforce and capacity challenges.

In Shehzad v. Langara College (2025 BCSC 935), the Supreme Court of British Columbia dismissed a civil claim brought by a unionized employee, ruling that the dispute fell within the exclusive jurisdiction of the collective agreement. The case highlights that even claims involving privacy or reputational harm may need to be resolved through union grievance procedures, not civil courts. Employees must turn to the Labour Relations Board for union-related concerns.

The Rhinoceros Party of Canada uses satire to spotlight flaws in traditional politics. Founded in 1963, it’s known for humorous promises and parody campaigns, like repealing gravity or slowing hospital clocks. Though satirical, it’s a registered political party under Canadian law, participating in elections to challenge political norms and encourage civic reflection through humor. Let me know if you'd like variations for different platforms.

Explore how the Longest Ballot Committee uses legal protest candidacies to spotlight electoral reform.

Clare’s Law in Canada allows individuals to request information about a partner’s history of domestic violence. By providing access to critical safety information, Clare’s Law helps people make informed decisions and aims to prevent intimate partner violence before it happens.

In Souris, PEI, a bylaw prohibits snowmen taller than 30 inches—an unusual rule aimed at keeping sidewalks safe and roads clear during snowy winters.

Explore Section 33 of Canada’s Charter—what the notwithstanding clause means, how it works, and its impact on rights and legislation across provinces.

Discover how Canadian women first won the legal right to vote in 1918 — a landmark moment in Canada’s journey toward gender equality. Learn about the Wartime Elections Act, the 1918 Canadian Elections Act, and how voting rights initially excluded Indigenous and racialized women. This article offers clear, fact-based legal information backed by official sources.