Adoption and non-spousal relationships: Marta’s groundbreaking case
Earlier this week, a ground-breaking decision was released that involved our very own Marta Siemiarczuk. Marta assisted two women in a non-romantic relationship to apply to adopt a foster child in their care. She successfully argued that this law is discriminatory and infringed their rights guaranteed under section 15 of the Charter.
Eight Nelligan O’Brien Payne lawyers included in the 2019 Best Lawyers™ list
Congratulations to our eight lawyers who have been selected for the 13th Edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada for their respected fields.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), a time to recognize a global social issue that affects the health and human rights of millions of older persons around the world. Communities around the world use this day to raise the visibility of elder abuse, by sharing information about abuse and neglect and promoting the resources and services that increase seniors’ safety and well-being. Lawyers and staff at Nelligan O’Brien Payne wore purple today in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
Pam MacEachern Appointed to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice!
We are proud to announce that Pam MacEachern has been appointed to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice! She will be presiding in the Family Court here in Ottawa.
Surrogacy – Erin Lepine Writes for the Law Times
Family and Fertility lawyer Erin Lepine has written an article for the latest issue of Law Times, called “Stop the commercialization of surrogacy”. The article discusses the push by Anthony Housefather, chair of the House of Commons justice committee, to decriminalize payment in surrogacy, egg donation and sperm donation arrangements in Canada. Erin argues that the commercialization of surrogacy would violate a number of core Canadian values.
Peter Cronyn Featured in Lawyers Daily Article – Part 1
Peter Cronyn was featured in a Lawyers Daily article this week, called “Wrongful impregnation of patients with fertility doctors’ own sperm raises novel criminal law questions, experts say”. It is the first in a two-part series. The piece looks at the legal implications of misconduct in fertility treatment, and discusses Dr Norman Barwin, the fertility doctor who is alleged to have inseminated patients with the wrong sperm, sometimes his own.
Michel Nolet Featured in Law Times Article
Indigenous lawyer Michel Nolet was recently featured in an article in the Law Times about the developing class action related to the “Indian hospitals”. These were operational in Canada between 1945 and 1981, and it is alleged that many Indigenous people suffered abuse and mistreatment at these institutions.
David Contant Interviewed By Canadian Underwriter
In the wake of tragedies such as the van attack in Toronto early this week, it is natural for people to think about whether it could have been prevented. Our very own David Contant was interviewed on Tuesday for an article in Canadian Underwriter. He spoke about the liability of the rental company that had leased out the van that was used in the attack, as well as implications for insurers.
Modern Parenting – Marta Siemiarczuk mentioned in the Law Times
A case brought on by Marta Siemiarczuk regarding the challenges of the constantly evolving nature of modern families and how the law defines families was mentioned in a recent Law Times article.
Dr. Barwin – Media Coverage
The story of Dr. Norman Barwin and the allegations that he used his own sperm in his fertility practice has been widely reported. It is testament to what a devastating story it is, and how life-changing for the patients and children involved. The class action against Dr. Barwin has made news not only in Canada, but around the world. Below are some selected articles.