Public law
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Quebec bill grants protections and establishes new obligations to de facto unions
A new proposed Quebec legal framework for common-law couples who become parents after June 2025 will be entrusted with new rights and obligations, and benefit from some protections granted to married couples, a development viewed by family law experts as a step in the right direction. But Bill 56, aimed at providing a better safety… Continue reading
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Quebec family law reform prompts questions from experts
A proposed Quebec legislative reform that recognizes and regulates surrogacy, establishes new regulations on parentage, and aims to protect children born as a result of sexual assault has been commended by notaries but drawn mixed reaction from family law experts. Continue reading
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Report recommends rights-based approach to tackle intimate partner violence and homelessness
The Quebec government should establish a comprehensive “made in Quebec” legal framework to tackle intimate partner violence by creating a specific right to adequate housing under the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms and introduce comprehensive legislation that institutes a right to be free from domestic violence that includes legal recourses in civil matters,… Continue reading
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Quebec Appeal Court sets precedent over First Nations police underfunding
The Quebec Court of Appeal held that Ottawa and Quebec breached their duty to act honourably after it refused to adequately finance the police department of a First Nation. Continue reading
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Sperm donor granted visitation rights
A sperm donor was granted access rights by the Quebec Court of Appeal after he was deemed as a “significant” third party whose presence “could probably benefit” the child in a decision that has perplexed some family law experts. Continue reading
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Quebec Court reaffirms authority of Aboriginal communities in youth protection
First Nations that have implemented youth protection legislation under the auspices of the federal Bill C-92 have jurisdiction over youth welfare regardless of place of residence held a provincial court judge in a decision viewed by legal experts as a precedent. Continue reading
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Pragmatic measures must be implemented to address problems plaguing Nunavik’s justice system: report
A series of wide-ranging concrete administrative and structural reforms, coupled with a new regional or municipal court, legal aid for all Inuit, and greater inclusion for traditional Inuit dispute resolution methods, should be implemented by the Quebec government and legal authorities to provide greater access to justice and tackle the alarming and increasing caseload in… Continue reading