As of August 1, 2022, bakerlaw has joined forces with Ross & McBride LLP.
Our team is excited to become part of the formidable group of human rights, employment, and constitutional lawyers at Ross & McBride. Our current and future clients will continue to receive the personalized, high-quality representation that has become synonymous with bakerlaw, and will benefit from the collaborative, cross-functional approach to complex issues that both we and Ross & McBride value. With the added resources of larger, full-service firm, this collaboration will allow us to take on new clients for the first time since October 2021. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact us at contact@rossmcbride.com
The content on this page is no longer being updated here. For news and updated content you can find it on the Ross & McBride News page.
Sexual Assault Prevention Month 2022
- May 24, 2022
- Mariah Campbell
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Content warning: Sexual assault and harassment
May is Sexual Assault Prevention Month (link) in Ontario and across Canada (link). Formerly referred to as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the name was changed in recent years to signify that awareness alone is not enough; to effectively support survivors, action is key. » Read the rest
Human Rights Day 2021
- December 10, 2021
- BakerLaw
- Comments Off on Human Rights Day 2021
Today marks the 73rd annual Human Rights Day, which celebrates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) (link) as put forth by the United Nations in 1948.
This year’s theme for the celebration is “EQUALITY – Reducing inequalities, advancing human rights”, which relates to Article 1 of the UDHR – “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” » Read the rest
Postsecondary students cannot be asked about their sexual history when reporting sexual violence or harassment
- January 28, 2021
- Anoop Kalsi
- Comments Off on Postsecondary students cannot be asked about their sexual history when reporting sexual violence or harassment
On January 27, 2021, the Ontario Government announced it will be moving to amend current regulations regarding Sexual violence and harassment policies as postsecondary institutions. The government has recognized that many instances of sexual violence and harassment on and around campus go unreported because students fear reprisal and/or a concern that they will not be taken seriously. » Read the rest
Actual Abilities of Witnesses Matter; Not Stereotypes
- November 13, 2020
- Anoop Kalsi
- Comments Off on Actual Abilities of Witnesses Matter; Not Stereotypes
In the November 6, 2020 decision of R. v. Slatter, 2020 SCC 36 (link), the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) confirmed that it is the actual ability of witnesses to recall and recount events that matter most when assessing credibility; this is the case whether the witness has a disability or not. » Read the rest
Vulnerable Complainant Wins Sexual Assault Case
- September 1, 2020
- Kimberly Srivastava
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Recently, in B.C., the Court awarded $844,000 to a victim who was subjected to sexual assaults by a priest in the 1970s. You can read more about the story here (link).
Rosemary Anderson was a young teacher when she became a member of the church community. » Read the rest
New changes to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board as of October 1, 2019
- September 27, 2019
- BakerLaw
- Comments Off on New changes to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board as of October 1, 2019
The Government of Ontario announced plans to enhance the Victim Quick Response Program (VQRP) to replace the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board (CICB). The program will be known as the Victim Quick Response Program + (VQRP+), which builds on the existing VQRP program by making it easier for victims and their families to access services and supports and getting them support faster. » Read the rest
The #metoo and #timesup movements are making their impact on the legal profession
- November 13, 2018
- Kimberly Srivastava
- Comments Off on The #metoo and #timesup movements are making their impact on the legal profession
The Law Society’s Equity and Indigenous Affairs Committee has just released a report on the activities of the Duty and Harassment Counsel of the Law Society of Ontario (LSO). The report shows that there been a 50% increase in discrimination complaints against lawyers this year, including complaints by members of the public and other legal professionals. » Read the rest
Sexual Harassment and Assault at Work or School
- July 16, 2018
- David Baker
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The public attention being paid to high profile persons subjected to sexual violence and harassment has encouraged persons in lower waged positions with comparable experiences to speak up, seek support from co-workers and unions and exercise their rights to justice so they are not doubly violated. » Read the rest
Client wins landmark award of $200,000 for sexual assault
- March 1, 2018
- Kimberly Srivastava
- Comments Off on Client wins landmark award of $200,000 for sexual assault
9 years ago, our client filed an HRTO application detailing how she had been sexually assaulted, solicited, threatened, and harassed in her workplace and in her home. The assaults were perpetrated by her boss who was also her landlord. It was a long journey, but earlier this year we welcomed the Tribunal’s decision affirming the discrimination and pattern of victimization she experienced. » Read the rest
Ontario Human Rights Commission Releases Statement on Sexual Harassment and the Human Rights Code
- November 28, 2014
- BakerLaw
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On November 25, 2014, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) released a statement on “Sexual Harassment and the Ontario Human Rights Code” (link to statement). In the statement, the OHRC notes that it was prompted to issue the statement as a result of ‘recent events’ (i.e. » Read the rest