Charities and the limits of political action under the Harper government

July 31st, 2014 by Brian Iler

Environmental Defence. PEN Canada. Amnesty International Canada. The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. Canada Without Poverty. The David Suzuki Foundation.

What do these organizations have in common — aside from all doing great work?

All are registered charities.

All have been publicly critical of Stephen Harper’s government.

And all are undergoing audits of their political activities by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

What’s this about? Here’s what you need to know.

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CoopZone offering co-op development courses

July 28th, 2014 by Lauren Blumas

CoopZone Developers’ Network Co-operative is a network of people and organizations in the co-op sphere with a common goal of supporting the growth and development of co-operatives across Canada. The Network provides services which can help you to start a co-op or to nurture and grow an existing one. As a member of the CoopZone Legal Network Steering Committee, I can attest to the value of the services and expertise the Network provides. The CoopZone Legal Network and the Developers Network are designed to bring together organizations and experienced professionals to share their knowledge and service co-operative entrepreneurs.

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The Responsible Housing Provider – lessons from court

July 21st, 2014 by Celia Chandler

We are often called on to give advice about neighbours who behave towards each other in ways that are less than constructive.  In previous blogs, we’ve referred to these neighbours as “the unco‑operative co‑oper”. But of course, unneighbourly behaviour goes way beyond the walls of housing co‑ops.   Landlords, condo boards, and boards of co‑ownerships are also routinely called upon to monitor behaviour that does not conform to the community standard.  Relationships that began cordially enough sometimes become tense over a simple misunderstanding and then left unchecked, tensions blossom into full disputes.

What should housing providers do?  Continue reading “The Responsible Housing Provider – lessons from court”

Brian Iler holds councillor Mammoliti accountable for improper fundraising

July 18th, 2014 by Iler Campbell

Brian was recently in the news after his complaint to Toronto’s integrity commissioner resulted in city councillor Giorgio Mammoliti, being docked three months of pay for violating council’s rules on accepting gifts and benefits.

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First Decision of the LTB related under Eviction Law Reform

July 9th, 2014 by Celia Chandler

On July 3, 2014,  a Hearing Officer with the Landlord and Tenant issued what we believe to be the first order of the LTB under the new co‑op eviction system – the file number is TNC‑00001‑14.

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Elder Law: Law Commission to Consult the Public on Capacity Issues

July 8th, 2014 by Lauren Blumas

Making decisions on behalf of an elderly family member as he or she becomes incapable of doing so is a familiar issue for many of our clients. This is particularly fragile territory for housing providers as their tenant and member populations age. They have the tough job of working with tenants and members and their families as the issue of incapacity arises. This can lead to major conflict, some of which ends up in the courts.

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