Guidance on Canadian Sanctions Related to Russia and Belarus; Surrogate Reform; In-Person Hearing at Court of Appeal; Family Law Volunteers Wanted

April 22, 2022

Guidance on Canadian Sanctions Related to Russia and Belarus

In recent weeks the Government of Canada has introduced new sanctions against Russia and related parties in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations, the Special Economic Measures (Ukraine) Regulations, and the Special Economic Measures (Belarus) Regulations (collectively “the sanctions”), made under the Special Economic Measures Act, impose an asset freeze and prohibit dealings with designated persons, including both individuals and entities. The sanctions have important implications for legal professionals.

The Federation of Law Societies of Canada's Policy Counsel Counterpart Group has developed the following guidance to assist lawyers with understanding the implications of the sanctions on the legal profession. Legal professionals are expected to familiarize themselves with the sanctions and exercise due diligence in determining whether the sanctions apply to a matter or client they are dealing with.

Due to the evolving nature of the situation, it is essential that legal professionals stay up to date on any changes to the sanctions. Legal professionals are reminded of their duty to comply with all applicable federal, provincial, and territorial laws, including the sanctions.

For the full guidance and potential implications for your practice, visit the Law Society website.

Read the guidance

Message from Alberta Court of Queen's Bench re: Surrogate Forms

Effective June 15, 2022, applications for most grants typically issued in connection with surrogate matters will require completion of new Grant Application (GA) forms. Members of the Law Society will also be permitted to apply for certain types of grants using an electronic system called the Surrogate Digital Service developed by Alberta Justice and Solicitor General and the Court of Queen’s Bench.

Order in Council 356/2021 that amends the Surrogate Rules effective June 15, 2022 to permit the use of the GA forms and the Surrogate Digital Service may be found on the Alberta Queen’s Printer website.

Applications filed after June 14, 2022 must use the new GA forms. Applications using the existing forms that have been filed with the Court prior to June 15, 2022 will be processed. Applications using the existing NC forms filed after June 14, 2022 will not be processed and will be returned.

Members of the Law Society may submit applications after June 14, 2022 using either the new GA forms or the Surrogate Digital Service. Members of the Law Society may submit, in the manner directed by the Court, applications using the new GA forms only for a period of ninety days after June 14, 2022.

Commencing Sept. 13, 2022, members of the Law Society of Alberta will be required to utilize the Surrogate Digital Service for applications the Service is capable of processing.

Message from Alberta Court of Appeal re: In-Person Hearings

Further to the March 16, 2022 – Notice to the Profession and Public, the Court of Appeal will resume in-person hearings on May 2, 2022 as set out below. As always during the pandemic, the Court is guided by several considerations including the continuing need to ensure the health and safety of all Court participants.

How Matters Will Proceed

Appeals and Applications Before Three-Judge Panels: Effective May 2, 2022, all appeal sittings and applications before three-judge panels will be conducted in person.
Single Appeal Judge Matters: Appeal Conferences, Judicial Dispute Resolution matters and single judge matters will continue to be heard virtually until further notice. Parties wishing to book a JDR may do so by contacting the relevant Case Management Officer.
Bar Admission Ceremonies: Effective May 2, 2022, Bar Admission ceremonies will be conducted either in person subject to courtroom capacity limits or virtually.

For procedural requirements and best practices for in-person and electronic hearings and other matters, please review the Court of Appeal Procedure Guide. Read the full notice on the Court of Appeal website.

Read the full notice

Family Law Volunteer Lawyers Needed

The Edmonton Community Legal Centre (ECLC) has been offering free 45-minute summary legal advice appointments to low-income individuals for 20 years and needs more family law volunteer lawyers this spring.

While 45 minutes may seem short, it can make a big difference in the life of a client. Two months after their clinic appointment, over 85 per cent of clients have already followed some or all clinic advice and over 95 per cent come to the clinic again if they have another legal problem.

Training for volunteer lawyers can be provided on common topics. Articling students can volunteer to provide advice with the permission of their principal. ECLC provides shadowing and training opportunities.

Volunteer Role: Meet with clients by telephone or in-person and provide summary legal advice on family matters.
Time Commitment: Weekly, biweekly or monthly for 2 to 3 hours per shift. Flexible day and evening times are available for remote appointments. In-person shifts are available now as well.

To volunteer, email Ruth Thangiah, Communications and Lawyer Engagement Coordinator.

Upcoming Events

Alberta Court of Appeal Town Hall | May 18, 2022

Visit our website for a full list of upcoming events.

Events Calendar