Minimizing risk in your construction projects

November 29th, 2016 by Safia Lakhani

On November 2nd, 2016, Iler Campbell hosted a breakfast session on how to minimize risks in construction projects. The session was attended by members of the co-op and non-profit sectors in Toronto. Over coffee and muffins, I spoke about the different types of risks that emerge on large and small-scale construction projects, and some of the precautions that owners can take in order to minimize those risks. We discussed the importance of having a solid construction contract and detailed records of incidents on-site. We also had a productive discussion on how property managers can play a key role in monitoring on-site progress, keeping records, and delivering notices to contractors and trades regarding deficient work and delays. Of course, we also discussed when to consult a lawyer!

This was the second workshop in our new IC Education series of free legal education seminars. Our next session will be on housing co-ownership. Make sure you’re signed up for our email list to receive notice of this and future events.

An update from Public Interest Career Day at McGill Law

November 29th, 2016 by Safia Lakhani

On November 16th, 2016, I headed back to Montreal to participate in McGill’s public interest career day- it was my first time back at the Faculty since I graduated in 2012! In addition to meeting public interest lawyers from across Canada, I had the opportunity to participate in a panel for law students on navigating the world of public interest law. Looking at out at a room full of first, second, and third year students, I remembered what it felt like to be in the midst of exams, completing countless job applications and wondering where I would land. One of my takeaway points was that while you may not end up in a public interest job immediately after law school, you should stay connected to the areas that interest and inspire you- whether by serving on boards or doing pro bono work. Litigation skills will serve you well in public interest law, so it is also worth investing time in developing them.

Iler Campbell has hired an articling student for the 2017-2018 year. We will update our website with more information on the application process for articling in 2018-2019, so stay tuned!

Taking racist sports logos to court: Sports, tropes and prospects for change

November 25th, 2016 by Safia Lakhani

This article was first published on rabble.ca

On October 14, 2016, the Superior Court of Ontario heard an application for an injunction preventing the display, broadcast, and dissemination of the team name and logo of the “Cleveland Indians,” a U.S. baseball team scheduled to play at the Rogers Centre later that day. The team, whose offensive logo has long been the subject of criticism amongst Indigenous Americans, was playing against the Toronto Blue Jays as part of the American League Championship Series. While the court refused to grant the injunction, the application has called attention to the issue of racial stereotyping and has raised questions about the viability of addressing this issue through the courts and/or human rights tribunals in Canada.

Continue reading “Taking racist sports logos to court: Sports, tropes and prospects for change”

ONPHA Members: Read our InfoON report on Smoke-free apartment buildings & medical marijuana

November 18th, 2016 by Iler Campbell

In a report just published to the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association’s members only website, Lauren Blumas outlines the issues and related decisions that must be made while considering implementing a non-smoking policy.

If you’re a member you can log on here to read the report.

Thoughts from the Canadian Worker Co‑op Federation annual conference

November 14th, 2016 by Iler Campbell

The Canadian Worker Co‑op Federation (CWCF) held its annual conference last week in Vancouver ‑‑ a good choice since the drizzly November weather encouraged full participation of the 50+ participants.

I attended the conference on Friday morning, Alain Bridault kicked the morning off with a plenary session “Managing the Democratic Governance Process in a Worker Co‑op.” Bridault discussed the challenge of governing when your members are also your employees. Thanks to Denyse Guy from Co‑operatives and Mutuals Canada for her translation services and her input from time to time.

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Accommodations for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities: free workshop Dec 6

November 9th, 2016 by Iler Campbell

ic-education-special-ed

Katie Douglas will be leading an hour-long workshop at our offices on 9AM on December 6 on what students with intellectual and developmental disabilities are entitled to with respect to school accommodations and how not-for-profits and advocacy groups can help them get those accommodations.

The workshop will cover:

  • Accommodations under the Human Rights Code and Education Act
  • The Individual Education Plan and Individual Placement and Review Committee processes
  • Appeals of placement and accommodation decisions to the Special Education Tribunal
  • Appeals of expulsions to the Child and Family Services Review Board

To claim a spot email [email protected]