No NDA Ban in NS, Rouleau Report on Lich/Barber, Saskatchewan Gender Policy Injunction Challenge, Court of Appeal on Isthmus Jurisdiction

This week in NS and Canadian law involved stories on the Nova Scotia government deciding not to ban non-disclosure agreements in sexual assault or harassment cases. This decision was heavily criticized, but in my view, not well understood. I try to explain the factors at play, and why the PEI legislation on the topic is not as helpful as some may think. In NS this week, the Court of Appeal rejected MLA Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin's attempt to gain intervenor status in the case dealing with whether the federal or provincial governments have jurisdictional responsibility to ensure the Chignecto Isthmus is safe from rising sea waters. The last of the 12 convicted Burnside Jail attackers was sentenced this week. Matthew Lambert was in jail already on drug charges, which were a factor in this sentencing. In Saskatchewan, a group called UR Pride is taking the government to court over 'parental rights' educational policies, and is seeking an injunction on the enforcement of the policy pending the outcome. Tamara Lich and Chris Barber's trials continued this week in Ottawa. I look back at the Rouleau Commission's comments on the two, and how that may affect the criminal trial outcome. Finally, I discuss international law context of the recent killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijar, and the Canadian government's accusation against India. When (if ever) are countries allowed to kill someone in another State?