Archive for 2019
The journey towards inclusivity: Understanding the concepts – Part 1/3
The work of inclusivity requires us to look at ourselves, even when that may make us uncomfortable. Some of what is covered in these posts may seem basic to you and other ideas may be more than what your agency can take on at this time. The most important thing is that we are aware…
Read more“Recognition such as this is powerful and revitalizing”: Guthrie speech by Luke’s Place ED Carol Barkwell
Executive Director, Carol Barkwell, introduced Pamela Cross, our Legal Director, before Pam received the Guthrie Award from the Law Foundation of Ontario on October 17. It is a tremendous honour to celebrate Pamela Cross today. I can think of no other person who has done more for women’s access to justice in Ontario. I believe…
Read moreGuthrie Award acceptance speech by Pamela Cross
On Thursday October 17, Pamela Cross, our Legal Director, was honoured with the Guthrie Award by the Law Foundation of Ontario. Her acceptance speech follows. Her speech was also vidoe-taped. Watch it on YouTube. I am deeply honoured to be receiving this award tonight. Thank you to the Law Foundation of Ontario, to my colleagues…
Read moreRecent case tackles the question of who owns a viable embryo
S.H. v. D.H., 2018 ONSC 4506: This case pertains to a property and contract dispute over a viable embryo. While they were married, the two parties purchased eggs and sperm with which neither of them had a biological connection. The eggs and sperm came from a Georgia company, and an Ontario fertility centre then implanted…
Read moreA family law resource for women leaving abuse: Webinar about Family Court & Beyond
Family court can be an overwhelming experience for anyone, but especially for women with children who are leaving an abusive relationship. This webinar introduces Family Court and Beyond: a workbook, organizer and website we have developed to assist women on this journey. Including legal information in plain language, tip sheets, checklists and more, this resource…
Read moreFamily law issues when families change: When to return to family court
Families change over time — kids get older and move out, parents get new jobs, remarry, have more children, lose jobs, want or need to move. Any of these changes could mean a woman or her ex-partner may need to revise an existing family court order, which could involve a return to family court. If…
Read moreCriminal Injuries Compensation Board closes: Victim Quick Response Program (VQRP) starts October 1
Anyone wishing to make a claim for compensation under the CICB must submit their application by September 30th. After this date, some claims can be made to the Victim Quick Response Program (VQRP+). What is the CICB? Ontario’s Criminal Injuries Compensation Board (CICB), has been a tribunal – independent of government – that accepts applications…
Read moreRecent case: When to impute income
Lavie v. Lavie, 2018 ONCA 10: The appellant father appealed a 2015 trial decision, raising more than 20 grounds, including the trial judge’s imputation of income to him but not to the respondent mother. The parties began living together in 1998, married in 2000 and separated in 2009. They have two teenage children. Following separation,…
Read moreLegal Director Pamela Cross receives Guthrie Award from The Law Foundation of Ontario
Today The Law Foundation of Ontario announced that Pamela Cross, the Luke’s Place Legal Director, is their 2019 Guthrie Award recipient! Congratulations, Pam! The Guthrie Award celebrates “exceptional access to justice champions”. Pamela is recognized for her “tremendous contributions to Canadian women’s legal rights”. From the Foundation’s news release: “Pamela’s work is changing the way…
Read moreHow a detailed family court order can lessen post-separation abuse
A good family court order or agreement about the arrangements for the children can facilitate a workable relationship between a woman and her ex-partner and lessen opportunities for post-separation abuse. The more details that are set out with precision in the order, the less room for misinterpretation, misunderstanding or manipulation, and the fewer issues the…
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