Sui Generis

What is cannabis legalization going to look like? Are dispensaries legal? The answers in this episode which features Kyle's conversation with Canadian marijuana lawyer, Michael Lickver.  Thanks to Michael Lickver of Bennet Jones LLP (https://www.bennettjones.com/LickverMichael). The task force report mentioned in the interview can be found here: http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/task-force-marijuana-groupe-etude/framework-cadre/index-eng.phpMusic: Peter Tosh, Legalize It; Tapes n Tapes, Omaha; Sublime, Smoke Two Joints

In Canada an apology is a special piece of evidence. So special in fact that it often isn't admissible in court. Find out why in this episode.  Music: Kiasmos, Looped; Fiest; So SorryThanks to Claire Truesdale (http://www.jfklaw.ca/team/claire-truesdale/) for her help in putting this episode together. Her insightful paper on the topic can be found here: https://journals.uvic.ca/index.php/appeal/article/view/11890

Canada is made up of 10 provinces and 3 territories. On this episode of Sui Generis the answer to a basic question: how do the two actually differ? 

Section 8 of the Canadian Currency Act is an odd law. Because of it,  100 dimes is not equal to a 10 dollar note. Find out why in this episode.  Music: Emeralds, Goes by; Pink Floyd, Money. 

Section 34(1) of the Nova Scotia Public Highways Act is an odd law. It's a relic from a different time that remains in force today. Hear its story here.  See the full text of the law at: http://nslegislature.ca/legc/statutes/pubhighw.htmMusic: Robert Johnson, Come on in my Kitchen; Kara-Lis Coverdale, Touch me and Die; The Carter Family, Black Jack David

Ever wonder how companies keep their secret flavours, spices and rubs secret? Does it have anything to do with why spices are not required to be listed individually in the ingredients list on food packaging? On today's show, the answers to these questions.   Have a look at Glenford Jameson's cool food law blog here: http://food.gsjameson.com/the-feed/Music: Andrew Bird, Ethio Invention #1; Devendra Banhart, Mi Negrita; Floating Points, Sais. 

In May 2015, three Canada Revenue Agency auditors showed up at the Sierra Club Canada's door to audit it. They suspected that a group known for nature walks and environmental protection was engaged in "political activity". At stake was the future of the organization. On this month's episode, we explore the intersection between charities and the tax law. We ask whether the prohibition banning charities from engaging in  "political activity" is outdated and susceptible to abuse. Ultimately, we question what it means to be a charity and ask what do we envision their purpose to be in Canadian society.  Music: Biggy, Warpaint; Native Speaker, Braids; Dauwd, Shimmer; Native Speaker, Lemonade; Chronixx, Here Comes Trouble. 

On October 6, 2012, Mr. Gerard Comeau (Mr. C) drove from New Brunswick to Quebec to buy a few cases of beer for his family. To his surprise, he was charged with violating the New Brunswick Liquor Control Act. He proclaims his innocence citing a Constitutional doctrine almost 150 years old. On this month's episode, the quirky world of cross-border beer runs and Constitutional rights.   Music: Marisa Anderson, Hard Times Come Again No More; Bibio, Lovers' Carvings; Marisa Anderson, Farther Along. For more information, have a look at http://theccf.ca. 

In November 1940 the MV San Demetrio was attacked by a German cruiser while crossing the Atlantic Ocean. The ship was carrying a load of aircraft fuel and caught on fire. The master ordered the crew into 2 lifeboats. One was taken to safety in Newfoundland while the other, containing 16 men, bobbed in the North Atlantic for 3 days until they re-discovered their own ship. On this month's episode, a story of heroism that changed the law on maritime salvage to this day.  Music: Bolivia, Gun Show; Susumu Yokota, Hagoromo; Bibio, The First Daffodils. 

Canada doesn't have a constitutional right to a healthy environment. On today's episode, stories of people who are trying to change that.  Music: Dauwd, Aqueous; Dauwd, Shimmer; Susumu Yokota, Genshi

Ever wonder why all those fast food chains have skill testing questions? The answer lies within the sounds of our first episode... Music Samples: Ai Du, Ali Farka Toure; Giants, Bolivia Thanks to Steve Szentesi for his insight. Check out his wonderful blog at www.canadianregulatorylaw.com