Q:I am involved in defending a lawsuit. The other side is asking that I pay their legal costs on a “solicitor-client basis.” What does that mean? Why should I pay the other side’s costs if I win? A:The law of costs is a complex area. It is governed by the rules of the courts of […] Read more
Stories by Rick Danyliuk
Points to consider if drawing up contracts
We make contracts, bargains, deals and agreements every day in numerous ways. We often do it without even thinking. Giving someone a ride into town if he can help load a truck is a form of oral contract. There are certain elements that every contract contains. Here are the top five things you need to […] Read more
Defamation needs proof
Defamation (libel and slander) cases are tough to run because there is a high degree of proof required. As well, you must show that the words were communicated to third parties, that they were untrue, and that they injured or were intended to injure your reputation. There are comparatively few cases of defamation launched in […] Read more
Lawyers have duty to provide client confidentiality
Q:I live in a small town. Recently, some of my confidential business became town gossip. I think the only way it could have gotten out is if my lawyer spilled the beans. Can I do anything about this? A:This allegation involves a breach of confidentiality by your lawyer. It doesn’t matter where in Canada you […] Read more
Doing your auto insurance homework can pay dividends
Q:My son was in an accident with our second car. Although it is an older vehicle, I keep it in perfect shape and it’s an excellent car. The problem is our insurance company wants to write it off instead of fix it. We are having an argument over how much the car is worth. What […] Read more
Criminal Code protects children
Q:I am trying to figure out where to send my 10-year-old son to school this fall. Last year, a teacher took him into the hall and gave him several slaps across the butt. Is this permissible? A:When I was a kid, I was less worried about what the teachers would do than what would happen […] Read more
Public right to know presents balancing act
Q:I am trying to follow a criminal court case that started in our district but was moved. There’s nothing in the newspaper, on the TV or radio. Why is this? I called our local newspaper and was told they’d been barred from publishing anything about the case. How can this be? A:In Canada, the ability […] Read more
Legal profession self-regulates itself when lawyers stray
Q: I see discipline matters against lawyers listed on the law society website in Saskatchewan. How does discipline work? A: In Canada, lawyers are among several self-regulating professions. The provincial government in each province and territory has entrusted regulation of that profession to the profession itself. Few lawyers get into any serious trouble and the […] Read more
Check duty-free limits and exceptions before leaving Canada
Q:It’s holiday season, and I am loading up my family and the trailer and heading down to the United States. I expect my wife and kids will be shopping there. What are the limits for bringing back goods to Canada? A:Within reason, there aren’t any real limits to consumer goods you can bring back. What […] Read more
Seek legal advice before consenting to DNA test
Q:I read that if you’ve been involved in criminal activity, you sometimes have to give a DNA sample. When and why do you have to do this? A:The Criminal Code of Canada provides that if you are found guilty of certain offences, you must provide a sampling of your DNA. In 2008, Parliament passed a […] Read more
